College Counseling

At Barrack, we help students find the right school for them.

Searching for a college that suits each student’s individual needs requires personal insight as well as thorough preparation and research.

Using a collaborative approach that involves students, parents, and school staff, our dedicated college counselors help each graduating senior to find colleges that are the best fit for them academically and personally.

Contact

JOE MAYBLOOM
Director of College Counseling
jmaybloom@jbha.org

Download the Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy College Profile

During this process, our students learn about themselves, their interests, and their goals through self-discovery, open-mindedness, and perspective. We empower and facilitate that self-examination and to help our students identify and apply to a range of colleges and universities that are appropriate.

95%

of the Class of 2024 has been admitted to one of their top choice colleges

Middle 50% SAT scores

Critical Reading: 580-750
Math: 590-760

32

Average ACT score

Our Year-by-Year College Guidance Process

9th Grade

During an evening program in the fall, we introduce students and families to the overall college process. Parents of 9th and 10th graders are encouraged to attend.
We encourage students to identify their strengths, passions, challenges, and desires as they investigate and pursue varied academic, extracurricular, and personal interests. As they commit time and energy to this exploration, our students simultaneously build a record of involvement and achievement that colleges find compelling.

10th Grade

11th Grade

We hold an evening program, “Introduction to the College Process,” in December for junior-year students and parents.
Each family has a one-on-one meeting with the Director of College Counseling to plan a roadmap for their individualized college exploration and application process. The meeting covers advice and consultation about standardized testing, visiting college campuses, and refining the student’s college interest list.
The counseling process continues with a series of spring-term classes about how to research and choose colleges, write application essays, and maintain an organized, thoughtful approach to the process.
Juniors take the PSAT in the fall.
One evening in the spring is devoted to a “Mock Admission Committee” exercise for juniors and parents. Admission officers from a range of colleges visit to facilitate small-group discussion and walk families through the decision-making process—bringing to light factors families may not have considered and simplifying an often complex process.

12th Grade

Just before the start of senior year, we offer essay-writing clinics for our 12th graders and encourage them to come for help wherever they are in the process—from brainstorming ideas to putting the final polish on their revised draft.
We conduct evening programs on the college application process, including an introduction to Scoir (the technology we use to streamline the application process) and advice on financial aid.