This stage of the school year brings a familiar tension for seniors: decisions begin to arrive, timelines stretch on, and the weight of what comes next feels very real. At Alcuin, college counseling during this period is focused on helping students stay grounded as they balance coursework, IB preparation, scholarship opportunities, and the uncertainty of waiting, often all at once.

Already, students in the Class of 2026 have earned acceptances across a wide range of institutions, with many receiving significant scholarship support. At the same time, some students are navigating deferrals and denials, a reflection of an admissions landscape that has grown more competitive across nearly all schools. Part of the counseling work happening now is helping students understand these outcomes in context, separating individual effort and readiness from broader national trends, so that no single decision defines the path forward.

For juniors, the focus is preparation without pressure. Conversations center on keeping options open, understanding how factors like standardized testing are being used by colleges today, and expanding the definition of what makes a strong postsecondary choice. Rather than chasing names or rankings, students are encouraged to evaluate programs for fit, opportunity, and long-term direction, with guidance that reflects both experience and realism.

Families who would like to learn more about how Alcuin supports students through the college process are welcome to reach out to Matthew Lundberg, Director of College Counseling, at matthew.lundberg@alcuinschool.org.