College Preparation

Experience becomes knowledge (testing and college preparation)
During senior year, each student works with a faculty mentor to choose a topic of interest and conduct in-depth research. One student considers Thoreau’s Walden. Another wants to write about drawing, and with help from his Biology 3 teacher, researches creativity through neuroscience. With a combination of structure and freedom, the rigorous senior thesis prepares students for the demands of college academics.

Testing
Throughout their sophomore, junior, and senior years, students sit for the PSAT, the SAT I and II, the ACT, and some for the MEAP, all of which are administered on our campus or in the immediate area. Regular testing has been found to be good preparation for college, and also qualifies students for the National Merit Scholarship competition (PSAT/NMSQT). Test preparation is incorporated into the Humanities and Math curricula and computerized self-preparation programs are available. ESL students take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), and AP students participate in AP spring testing.

English and math courses help prepare students for the PSAT, the SAT I & II, and the ACT. Students sit for these exams in their sophomore, junior, and senior years because regular testing relieves one-shot anxiety and prepares students for applying to college.

Senior Mysteries, a program that takes seniors on an adventure in self-knowledge, plays a crucial role in college counseling at Leelanau. Through a series of indoor and outdoor activities that challenge students’ sense of independence, creativity, and ability to express themselves, seniors pose pivotal life questions: How am I different now than I was four years ago? What’s important to me? Who do I want to be in ten years? How can I achieve the goals I set for myself?

Yes, we provide guidance, but more importantly, we prepare students to make their own right choices for college and for life.

Where You’re Headed
In recent years, 100 percent of Leelanau graduates were accepted to four-year colleges or universities. Our director of college counseling works with each student one-on-one, starting during the junior year.

Recent college acceptances