College planning at Linder

At Linder, college planning isn’t a checklist—it’s a guided journey that begins in 10th grade. Every student works closely with a dedicated college counselor through one-on-one advising, family meetings, and tailored resources to find the post-secondary path that fits them best. It’s a true team effort—student, family, and Linder—to ensure that every step of the process reflects the student’s strengths, needs, and future goals.

Our focus on fit

We prioritize fit over prestige. That means focusing on what’s right for the individual—not just what looks good on paper. Our approach empowers students to take ownership of their next step, backed by a strong academic foundation and a compelling personal story that reflects who they are.

10th grade is for exploration

Beginning in 10th grade, students and their families meet for regular check-points with a dedicated college counselor. These meetings are facilitated discussions to help students discover what excites them, where they’ll thrive, and how to present themselves authentically in the college process.

Early conversations focus on:


  • Interests and strengths

  • Learning profile and support needs

  • Preferred learning environments

  • Big-picture goals

We explore a range of options, including:

  • Four-year colleges and universities

  • Two-year and community college programs

  • Gap years and fellowships

  • Trade schools and certification programs

  • Specialized programs for students with learning differences

11th grade is for strategy-building

Junior year is when the strategy takes shape. Counselors work closely with students to:

  • Choose coursework that aligns with intended majors

  • Identify internships, research opportunities, or summer programs that strengthen their college profile

  • Plan extracurriculars to bolster your application - for example, a student interested in creative writing may enter a national short story competition

  • Create a target college list

  • Map out testing plans including testing dates, accommodations, and resources for preparing

  • Begin essay brainstorming and personal storytelling through writing workshops

  • Plan college visits based on academic fit and student interest


12th grade is for execution

Senior year focuses on execution, with step-by-step guidance to reduce stress and keep students on track. Support includes:

  • Advice on how to discuss accommodations in a strengths-based way

  • Managing deadlines for early decision, early action, and regular admission

  • Finalizing and submitting the Common App, FAFSA, CSS Profile, and scholarship applications

  • Editing essays to reflect student voice and unique perspective

  • Practicing for interviews and preparing supplemental materials

  • Comparing admissions offers and financial aid packages

  • Support in making a decision

Personalized support, every step of the way

Students receive support with:

  • Course selection that aligns with college and career goals

  • Developing a personalized college list based on academic, social, and emotional fit

  • Navigating testing timelines (SAT/ACT), accommodations, and prep

  • Brainstorming and editing compelling personal essays

  • Organizing materials and meeting deadlines

  • Preparing for college interviews

  • Completing applications, including the Common App, FAFSA, and scholarship forms

For neurodiverse and twice-exceptional learners, we offer expert guidance on identifying colleges with strong support services, understanding how to disclose a learning difference (or not), and advocating for the right accommodations. We help students understand their learning profiles and communicate their strengths with clarity and confidence. We help families:


  • Understand how to talk about a 504 or IEP in a way that’s empowering

  • Identify colleges that go beyond minimal ADA compliance—looking at coaching, tutoring, and social support

  • Strategize about self-disclosure: when to do it, how to do it, and whether to do it at all

  • Build confidence and self-advocacy so students are prepared to manage their needs independently in college

For example, a twice-exceptional student with dysgraphia and gifted verbal reasoning may request voice-to-text accommodations. Our counselors will help you draft a support request letter to disability services at target schools.