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HS Counselor's Corner: Grade 11

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Thank You for Attending the Grade 11 College Kick-Off

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Grade 11 College Kick-Off event. It was a pleasure to welcome you alongside your grade 11 students as we launched their post-secondary exploration journey.

During the session, we introduced the goals and timeline for post-secondary planning over the next two years. We shared how the counseling department and school work together to support students in identifying their best-fit pathways—whether university, vocational, or gap year—and outlined the roles that students, families, counselors, and teachers play in this process.

For those who were unable to attend or would like to revisit the information, you can access the recording using this link and the slides by using this link.

We look forward to continuing this journey with you and your child!

Thank you to those who joined us on Friday, September 5th for our session, “What to Expect: Grade 11 Edition.” We were excited to connect with you and share insights into the year ahead.

During the session, we:

  • Reviewed IB expectations for Grade 11 students.
  • Highlighted key areas of social-emotional learning and college/career development.
  • Discussed the challenges and opportunities of Grades 11 and 12.
  • Introduced the support network of counselors, teachers, and advisors who will guide your child.
  • Shared tips for how you can support your student this year.

We also introduced important platforms:

  • Single Sign – a one-stop hub for managing your student’s daily learning.
  • Counselor Corner LibGuides – a resource for wellbeing and post-secondary planning.
  • Maia Learning – a platform for exploring and managing post-secondary pathways.

If you were unable to attend, you can access the recorded presentation here. We look forward to partnering with you to make these final two years of high school meaningful and successful for your student.

TESTING INFO

PSAT Score Release Update

PSAT/NMSQT® scores for students who tested between October 11 and 24, 2025, will be released to students on November 6. Here is some information on how to access your child's score. Students with College Board accounts will be able to view their scores online, along with additional insights to help them better understand their performance.

 


The ACT/SAT can only be taken by Grade 11 & 12 WAB students. Please see below for more information, including test dates.

*IMPORTANT: Students must have credit card information on hand during registration.

Registration Is Now Open for the SAT and ACT Test Administrations. PLEASE DO NOT SHARE TEST CENTER CODE EXTERNALLY, as WAB is a closed test center.

SAT INFORMATION UPDATE

 Deadline Dates coming soon

Confirmed:2025–2026 SAT Test Dates

ACT INFORMATION UPDATE

  • Deadline dates for 2025-2026 school year will be shared in July. 
  • Please speak with your child's counselor to see if ACT is the best exam for them. Students should try to sit a practice ACT exam online.
  • REGISTRATION SITE: https://my.act.org/account/signin?location=https://my.act.org
  • All ACT Exams are computer-based testing. Once students register, they will receive more information from the testing center coordinator (Ms. Michelle).

 Deadline Dates coming soon

Confirmed:2025–2026 ACT Test Dates 

 

Articles to Support your Grade 11

Connecting extra curricula activities to post secondary readiness. 

As part of the IB Diploma Program, students engage in CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) — a core component designed to develop well-rounded, reflective, and engaged learners. CAS encourages students to step beyond the classroom and participate in meaningful experiences that foster personal growth, community involvement, and global citizenship.

This week's connect block lesson focused on how their CAS experiences can directly support their post secondary pursuits, more specifically, their university applications and resumes. The key takeaway? The more involved and reflective students are in their CAS experiences and portfolios now, the more powerful their university applications will be in Grade 12.

Students explored how CAS projects can be used to demonstrate leadership, initiative, collaboration, and resilience, there are all qualities that universities highly value. They also learned how to translate their CAS experiences into compelling content for personal statements, college essays, supplemental essays, and CVs. For example, a student who led a community service initiative can highlight their problem-solving and organizational skills in a college essay or resume.

How can parents support? Ask your child about their CAS projects and reflections. Encourage them to think deeply about what they’re learning, how they’re growing, and how their experiences impact their community and connect to future goals. Helping them see the value in their efforts and reminding them to document their reflections regularly, will ensure they’re well-prepared when it’s time to apply to university. Here are some reflection questions you can ask at home:

  • How is your CAS role can teaching you valuable leadership skills and teamwork?
  • How is your CAS experience shaping your values and worldview?
  • How will/does your CAS service project impact your community and personal growth?
  • What is your contribution to CAS?

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about CAS and its role in university readiness, feel free to reach out.

Examples of Prompts for College Essays. 

  • "Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth."
  • “We all contribute to, and are influenced by, the communities that are meaningful to us. Share how you’ve been shaped by one of the communities you belong to.”
  • “Briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences.”
  • "Share how your experiences, values, or personality will contribute to the university community."
  • "Describe your academic achievements, relevant experiences, and skills that make you a strong candidate."

Making the Most of University Visits: A Key Step in the College Journey

This week, in Connect Block, Grade 11 students participated in their first future pathways guidance lesson of the year, focused on how to make the most of university visits—whether it's a rep visiting campus or a bustling university fair. These events are invaluable opportunities for students to explore options, ask meaningful questions, and begin shaping their post-secondary path.

We discussed why attending these visits matters: they offer direct access to admissions representatives, insights into campus life, and a chance to hear about programs and scholarships and network with the people who will be reviewing applications. Students brainstormed thoughtful questions to ask reps, such as “What kind of student thrives at your university?” and “How does your school support first-year students academically and socially?" and "What sets your program apart from other university programs"—great examples of the curiosity and maturity they’re developing.

In preparation for university fairs, students also crafted their own elevator pitch—a short, confident introduction that highlights their interests, goals, and what they’re looking for in a university. We encourage you to ask your student to share their pitch with you; it’s a great way to spark conversation and support their self-reflection.

Parents can play a key role by encouraging attendance at these events, helping students reflect on what they learn, and even joining us! University visits are listed on WAB Connect, and families are warmly invited to attend.

Let’s keep the momentum going as students begin to shape their futures!

First Week Back: Setting the Stage for Success

Welcome to a new school year! As your student begins Grade 11, this is a great time to help them start strong by reviewing their academic and future goals. Here are a few key things to consider this month:

  • Course Review: Connect with your child and ensure they are is in the appropriate IB/HS courses, especially if they have specific university or career aspirations. Some programs have prerequisites that must be met. REMINDER: Course Change Request Deadline is Sept 19
  • University Planning: It is a great time to start exploring university admission requirements for countries or programs your child is interested in. This can help guide course selection, extracurricular involvement and future conversations with the HS counselor.
  • Time Management & Balance: Encourage your student to establish a healthy routine that balances academics, activities, and well-being. Grade 11 can be demanding, and strong habits now will support long-term success.
  • Counselor Support: Counselors are available to support students with academic planning, social-emotional wellness, and future pathways. Encourage your student to reach out early and often.
  • Family Fun with Future Planning: For some fun in learning or reviewing university terms, try this Kahoot! quiz solo or with your family!

We’re excited to partner with you and your student this year. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.

Ms. Michelle & Ms. Archbold (grade 11 & 12 school counselors)

HS COUNSELORS' CONTACT

         

Grade 11 & 12 Counselors BOOKING LINK
Ms. Kit Archbold (kit_archbold@wab.edu)
Ms. Michelle Chow-Liu (mchow@wab.edu)