Discover Your Path
At San Diego Jewish Academy, college counseling is a four-year journey of discovery, planning, and personal growth. Our expert college counselor partners with students and their families from the first days of high school through college admissions by helping each student find the colleges that best fit their academic goals, lifestyle, and Jewish identity.
Together, we create a thoughtful plan for academic coursework and extracurricular involvement that positions students for success. Just as importantly, we guide students to reflect on who they are and what they want from their college experience, building confidence, purpose, and a strong sense of identity along the way.
View college acceptances from the past five graduating classes.
College Counseling Process
9th & 10th Grade
In these early years, students learn how their freshman and sophomore grades contribute to their cumulative GPA and future college opportunities. We introduce families to standardized testing options such as the PSAT, SAT, ACT, and AP Exams, while emphasizing the importance of balance, encouraging students to focus on acclimating to high school life and getting involved in SDJA’s many extracurricular opportunities.
As students move through sophomore year, our counselor helps them make informed decisions about course selection, academic rigor, and meaningful activities. Families also begin to learn about the college admissions process, including how to build a strong résumé and prepare for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
11th Grade
Formal college counseling begins in junior year. In early fall, students and parents attend an overview session outlining the entire college application process. Afterward, each family meets individually with the counselor to discuss academic goals, standardized testing, and early ideas for college lists.
In the second semester, juniors participate in weekly small-group college counseling classes designed to make the application process manageable and clear. Students learn about every step; from essay writing and requesting recommendations to completing applications for the UC and CSU systems and the Common Application.
Our counselor works closely with students to help them tell their unique stories, highlighting their academic strengths, personal achievements, and the character that defines them.
12th Grade
In senior year, college counseling becomes highly individualized. Each student meets one-on-one with the counselor to review essays, résumés, college lists, and application materials.
These meetings also provide space to talk through the emotional side of the process, managing stress, making final decisions, and celebrating progress.
Through personalized attention and expert guidance, SDJA ensures that every graduate feels confident, prepared, and excited to take their next step into college and beyond.