College Counseling

List of 8 frequently asked questions.

• Q: Who prepares Parker students for the college selection process?

  Our College Counseling Office consists of seasoned professionals who work individually and as a team to sponsor activities and provide information on colleges and the college selection process. We visit college campuses and attend meetings to establish and maintain relationships with college and university representatives throughout the country.

• Q: When do you begin working with students?

  Although we communicate important information during sophomore year (standardized testing, College ”101“), most of our efforts begin with small and large groups during junior year and individually during senior year. We work closely with advisors, teachers and Grade Heads.

• Q: Does Parker rank its students?

  Consistent with our institutional philosophy, Francis W. Parker School refrains from awarding prizes or distinctions and does not rank students. In addition, advanced courses are not weighted and the school does not offer AP courses.

• Q: Isn’t that a problem for colleges in the application process?

  Quite the contrary. Parker is one of many schools that elect not to rank their students. Ranking can lead to artificial, simplistic and often inaccurate characterizations of students as “better than” other students, ignoring the many subtleties of programs, teachers and interests. Our system preserves a collaborative spirit that encourages students to challenge themselves to do their personal best and take courses that interest them, without fear of being penalized by a ranking system.

• Q: Why don’t you publish your average test scores?

  We believe test scores are not the best measure of any student’s or school’s value. Publishing test scores also leads to generalizations that can be limiting and inaccurate.

• Q: Why doesn’t Parker offer Advanced Placement (AP) courses?

  AP courses were originally designed to standardize teaching, provide a structured and specific curriculum, stratify students within a course (regular, honors, AP) and lead to a culminating exam presumed to be equivalent to a college placement exam. Since all Parker students are destined for four-year colleges, our curriculum relies on a deeply talented faculty who teach all courses at the highest level. In fact, fewer colleges each year “give credit” for passing or excelling on AP tests.

• Q: How does Parker’s “independent curriculum” benefit the college selection process?

  Providing choice and flexibility and developing the capacity for independent inquiry are central to a Parker education. In the tradition of John Dewey, electives across the Upper School curriculum help students meaningfully explore areas of personal interest, make connections across disciplines and discover new methods of inquiry. This independence in the classroom gives students greater agency in their education, providing the space and expert guidance they need to find their place in the world. As a result, students emerge as engaged critical thinkers, gifted writers, articulate speakers and confident presenters who have a demonstrated ability to take responsibility for their educational experience—all highly desirable qualities in the college selection process.

• Q: What is the College Counseling Office most proud of?

  Each year, college representatives are impressed with the way Parker students present themselves. The intelligence, maturity and depth of each student’s personal reflection shine throughout the college search and selection process—in their meetings with representatives, their essays and their interviews. Our students seek colleges that uniquely suit their personal interests and passions. They retain their individuality, as well as strong and well-formed opinions, throughout the college selection process and as they move into the world.