Academics

College Counseling

O'Neal's college counseling program is based on an individualized approach, beginning with course selection for rising ninth grade students and culminating in a carefully curated list of colleges and universities for application in the senior year. Danielle Tanner, Director of College Counseling, works very closely with students and families throughout all four years to deliver a comprehensive and personalized college counseling program. Each student is guided individually to pursue acceptance to colleges and universities that are the right fit and align closely with their unique interests, both academic and non-academic.

The program emphasizes building strong relationships between Ms. Tanner, students, and families, ensuring that every student receives the attention and support they need to navigate the college search and application process successfully. Through regular meetings, small group seminars, and ongoing communication, Ms. Tanner helps students identify their strengths, explore their passions, and develop a realistic understanding of their options. This holistic approach ensures that students find schools where they will thrive academically, socially, and personally, setting the foundation for long-term success and satisfaction in their college experience.

    • Danielle Tanner, Director of College Counseling

List of 5 items.

  • 1253

    SAT Score Mid 50%

  • 1434

    Top 25% SAT Score

  • 26

    ACT Score Mid 50%

  • 32.6

    Top 25% ACT Score

  • 97%

    % of O'Neal AP Exams scoring a 3 or Better

College Counseling Services by Grade

List of 5 items.

  • Eighth Grade

    • Introduction to High School Four Year Planning, College and Beyond
    • Parent Information Session
    • Course Selection Meetings

  • Ninth Grade

    • Four Year Planning and Overview of the College Process
    • Individual Course Selection Meetings
    • Parent Information Session
    • Resume Writing
    • PSAT Testing in October
    • One on One meeting for parents and students as needed

  • Tenth Grade

    • Up to three college visits during Class Trips for admissions sessions and campus tours
    • College Representative Visits - students register to visit in small groups with admissions representatives from various colleges across the globe
    • PSAT Testing in October
    • Introduction to SCOIR - College Application Management System
    • Field Trip to North Carolina college admission session and campus tour
    • Sophomore Information Session on College Admissions
    • Parent Information Session
    • Individual Course Selection Meetings
    • One on One meeting for parents and students as needed
    • AP Exam Testing in May

  • Eleventh Grade

    • Visit up to three colleges during Class Trips for admissions sessions and campus tours
    • College Representative Visits - students register to visit in small groups with admissions representatives from various colleges across the globe
    • PSAT Testing in October - National Merit Scholarship Qualification
    • SCOIR - College Application Management System for Junior Seminars
    • Field Trip to a North Carolina College admissions session and campus tour
    • Junior Information Session on College Admissions
    • Parent Information Session
    • One on One Junior Conferences with each student to develop college plan
    • Junior Seminars in Spring - topics include:
      • YouScience Aptitude Test
      • Resume Writing
      • Common Application
      • College List Building 
      • Financial Aid
      • Essay Writing
    • Individual Course Selection Meetings
    • SAT/ACT Prep with The Princeton Review
    • SAT/ACT Testing Timeline
    • Individual Assistance with scholarships, NCAA, ROTC or other special programs
    • One on One meeting for parents and students as needed
    • Essay Writing Boot Camp through College Essay Guy

  • Twelfth Grade

    • College Representative Visits - Students register to visit in small groups with admissions representatives from various colleges across the globe
    • Senior Seminar - SCOIR College Application Management System for processing college apps
    • College Application Assistance
    • Essay Draft Review
    • SCOIR - College Application Management System
    • FAFSA and CSS Profile Financial Aid Form Assistance
    • Residency Determination System Assistance
    • Individual Letter of Recommendation for each Senior
    • Scholarship Assistance

O'Neal Top Colleges

    • Colleges Students are Attending

The O'Neal School

3300 Airport Road
Southern Pines, NC 28387
Phone: 910.692.6920
The O'Neal School admits students of any race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by law to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by law in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
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