The 9th and 10th grade Gunston Experience curriculum prepares students for College 101 which begins in 11th grade and continues into 12th grade. Students receive a Naviance account, prepare a resume, analyze their PSAT performance, evaluate their social media presence, and practice time management skills. In GEx students reflect on who they are, and how they can choose classes and activities that support their development. 
 

 The 9th and 10th grade Gunston Experience curriculum prepares students for College 101 which begins in 11th grade and continues into 12th grade. Students receive a Naviance account, prepare a resume, analyze their PSAT performance, evaluate their social media presence, and practice time management skills. In GEx students reflect on who they are, and how they can choose classes and activities that support their development. 
 

College 101-11 focuses on the questions “Who am I now?” and “How will I use that information to guide my postsecondary plans?” Students learn how to use technology and written materials to assist in their college search, guidelines for communication with admission offices, how to have a productive college visit, and how to build a college list.  This class creates the building blocks of students’ college application, including: standardized testing, resume updates, essay brainstorming and writing, 12th grade course selection, and recommendation letters. 

Personalized Counseling: 11th grade students receive their counselor assignment in December. Families meet with a Director of College Guidance in the second semester to establish a relationship and discuss college plans. Students are encouraged to meet with their counselor often in individual or group meetings. The application search and application process is tailored to the needs of each student, and the Directors spend a great deal of time getting to know and help their students. 

Admission Experts Panel: The College Guidance team invites leaders from college admission offices to offer families advice, and demystify the college admission process. These admission experts have years of experience, and use their knowledge and professional careers to provide our community with answers to their questions during this town-hall style program. 11th grade students, parents, and guardians are invited to attend this can’t-miss annual event. 

Application Workshop: All seniors are invited to participate in our annual application workshop. Students create and refine the activities section of the Common Application, practice admission interviews, fine tune their essay, and discuss and write supplemental essays. Students meet with several admission representatives throughout the week, and have an individual appointment with an admission counselor to review their application essay. 

Athletics Recruitment: Gunston's College Guidance Directors welcome a panel of professional staff each spring including a college Director of Athletics and coaches from their athletic program who represent different teams that include both men’s and women’s programs, field sports and swimming, rowing, sailing, running/cross country and court sports. This program is a forum to discuss the athletic recruitment process with college coaches. Families learn what being a college athlete is like, how to incorporate athletic recruitment into the college search, and general dos & don'ts.

The Mid-Shore Regional College Fair, hosted annually by The Gunston School at Chesapeake College, provides Gunston students and high school students from our 5-county area access to over 60 college admission representatives. We believe in the importance of bringing colleges and universities to the Eastern Shore to promote college access and equity in our community. 

Financial Planning Evening: Each fall, The College Guidance Office is pleased to welcome guardians of juniors and seniors to our College Financial Planning Evening. In years past we have had respected professionals including Varo Duffins, Director of Financial Aid at Swarthmore College and Cailean Leith, Associate Director of Student Aid at Washington College come to Gunston to discuss the FAFSA, CSS Profile, and scholarships. We invite leaders in the industry to share their expertise and knowledge about this important topic each year.