The process begins as students embark on their Upper School journey. Grade 8 students meet the college counselors and begin to familiarize themselves with the language used to speak about colleges.

As Grade 9 students, they are introduced to concepts such as what it means to be in a college preparatory school, Carrollton's graduation requirements, the importance of building a robust academic and extracurricular record, and the factors colleges consider when admitting students during Freshman Success Week. Students adopt the mantra, "Freshman Year Counts."

• Participate in Freshmen Success Week Presentation – Freshman Year Counts
• Take the Pre-ACT Test
• Engage in self-assessments through Naviance
• Attend Alumnae Career Day, Mentoring Program, and Career Presentations
• Curriculum Coffees for Parents
• Meet with  an academic adviser for course selection for sophomore year
• Learn about summer enrichment and community service opportunities
   

In Grade 10, the focus shifts from introducing the factors that impact their college search to an action plan leading to deeper academic, service, and community engagements. Sophomores participate in an interactive college case studies exercise and begin to produce their resume.

• ​​​​​​Take the PSAT/NMSQT Test
• Participate in the JETS Tour on campus
• Attend Alumnae Career Day, Mentoring Program, and Career Presentations
• Curriculum Night for students and parents
• Create your high school resume
• Consider an externship and other summer enrichment activities
• Register for a Family/Student Q&A Session with a college counselor
• Start test preparation over the summer
• Visit college campuses locally or when traveling 

The formal program kicks into full gear in Grade 11. At this junction, students are assigned to one of three college counselors responsible for meeting with each student individually to learn of her aspirations, review her academic record, and generate a list of potential colleges and universities for the student to research. These initial meetings are followed by appointments with each family, allowing the parents to share their hopes, dreams, and realities with their daughters and their college counselor. 

• Junior College Kick-Off Program - College Testing Preparation/Timeline/Factors in Choosing a College
• Sign up for  meetings with college representatives on campus
• Take the PSAT Test for National Merit consideration
• Take a Mock ACT
• Complete the Junior Questionnaire/Update Resume
• Junior Parent College Program
• Individual meeting with college counselor
• Family meeting with the college counselor
• Participate in the JETS Tour on campus
• Attend the AIMS Invitational College Fair
• Participate in college essay presentation and brainstorming activity
• Request teacher letters of recommendations
• Consider summer career exploration and enrichment activities
• Register and sit for SAT and ACT
• Attend College Boot Camp - Part 1

Throughout senior year, the college counselors shepherd the students and their families through all phases of the college application process, including providing a college essay writing workshop, reviewing the students' applications and essays, writing a personal letter of recommendation, and providing the students and parents with information on scholarships and financial aid. Students apply to college with their college counselor. 

• Attend College Boot Camp Part 2 and Orientation
• Senior Parent College Program
• Narrow college list in individual college meetings followed by review of essays and applications
• Family Meetings are available upon request
• Register for additional SAT or ACT as needed
• Finalize resume
• Attend meetings with college representatives on campus
• Complete and submit college applications with the college counselor
• Attend financial aid presentation
• Apply for financial aid and/or scholarships
• Choose a college by the May 1 deadline - Senior Send-Off Celebration
• Attend Senior Transition Program
• GRADUATION