--- title: "Navigating the Path to College: Support for Grade 11 Students and Parents" description: Grade 11 families explore the road to university with NIS counselors, gaining tools, guidance, and confidence for the journey ahead. image: https://blog.nis.ac.jp/hubfs/2024-25%20Blog%20Photos/NIS_college_application_session.jpg --- [Contact US](https://www.nis.ac.jp/contact-us-utility/contact-us) [Apply](https://www.nis.ac.jp/admissions/apply) [Support](https://www.nis.ac.jp/support/support-nis) [Support NIS](https://www.nis.ac.jp/support/support-nis) Search ![logo2](https://blog.nis.ac.jp/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Nagoya_Iternational_School_June2020/images/logo1.svg) GO × [ABOUT](https://www.nis.ac.jp/about) [About Us](https://www.nis.ac.jp/about) [Our Governance](https://www.nis.ac.jp/about/about-us/our-governance) [Our connections:CIS,WASC,IB and JCIS](https://www.nis.ac.jp/about/about-us/the-accreditation-process) [Our Staff](https://www.nis.ac.jp/about/about-us/our-staff) [Our Campus](https://www.nis.ac.jp/about/about-us/campus-map) [Our History](https://www.nis.ac.jp/about/about-us/our-history) [Our Alumni](https://www.nis.ac.jp/about/about-us/our-alumni) [Class of 2023](https://www.nis.ac.jp/about/about-us/our-alumni/class-of-2023) [Class of 2016-2022](https://www.nis.ac.jp/about/about-us/our-alumni/college-acceptances-past) [Our Guiding Statements](https://www.nis.ac.jp/about/our-guiding-statements) [Our Mission](https://www.nis.ac.jp/about/our-guiding-statements/mission) [Inquire, Inspire, Impact](https://www.nis.ac.jp/about/our-guiding-statements/3is) [Definition Of Learning](https://www.nis.ac.jp/about/our-guiding-statements/definition-of-learning) [Who We Serve](https://www.nis.ac.jp/about/our-guiding-statements/who-we-serve) [International Mindedness](https://www.nis.ac.jp/about/our-guiding-statements/international-mindedness) [Well Being](https://www.nis.ac.jp/about/our-guiding-statements/well-being) [Our Belief About Language](https://www.nis.ac.jp/about/our-guiding-statements/belief-about-language) [Safeguarding Policy](https://www.nis.ac.jp/about/our-guiding-statements/safeguarding-policy) [School Development Plan(SDP)](https://www.nis.ac.jp/about/our-guiding-statements/school-development-plan) [Strategic Planning 2022](https://www.nis.ac.jp/about/our-guiding-statements/strategic-planning) [COVID-19](https://www.nis.ac.jp/about/covid19/nis-covid-level-responses) [NIS COVID Level Responses](https://www.nis.ac.jp/about/covid19/nis-covid-level-responses) [NIS at a Glance](https://www.nis.ac.jp/about/nis-at-a-glance) [Welcome from the Head](https://www.nis.ac.jp/about/welcome-from-the-head) [Head of School Weekley Notes](https://www.nis.ac.jp/about/welcome-from-the-head/latest) [Head of School Weekley Notes(Archives)](https://www.nis.ac.jp/about/welcome-from-the-head/archives) [School Calendar](https://www.nis.ac.jp/about/school-calendar) [NIS Full Online Calendar](https://www.nis.ac.jp/about/school-calendar/full-calendar) [NIS Stories](https://blog.nis.ac.jp/en) [NIS News](https://www.nis.ac.jp/about/nis-news-posts) [Photo Galleries](https://www.nis.ac.jp/about/photo-gallery) [2022-23](https://nagoyais.smugmug.com/2022-23-Events-Activities) [2021-22](https://nagoyais.smugmug.com/2021-22-Events-Activities) [2020-21](https://nagoyais.smugmug.com/2020-21-Events-and-Activities) [2019-20](https://nagoyais.smugmug.com/2019-20-Events-and-Activities) [NIS Live Streaming](https://www.nis.ac.jp/about/nis-live) [ADMISSION](https://www.nis.ac.jp/admissions) [Greetings](https://www.nis.ac.jp/admissions) [Why Choose NIS?](https://www.nis.ac.jp/admissions/why-choose-nis) [Admissions Policy & Process](https://www.nis.ac.jp/admissions/guidelines) [Learning Challenges & Language Expectations](https://www.nis.ac.jp/admissions/learning-challenges-language-expectations) [Tuition, Fees & Registration](https://www.nis.ac.jp/admissions/tuition-fees) [Scholorship At NIS?](https://www.nis.ac.jp/admissions/scholarships) [Scholorship Application Process(New Families)](https://www.nis.ac.jp/admissions/scholarships/applicationprocessnewfamilies) [Scholorship Application Process(Current Families)](https://www.nis.ac.jp/admissions/scholarships/applicationprocesscurrentfamilies) [Transitions Support: Admissions & Withdrawal](https://www.nis.ac.jp/admissions/transitions-support) [Admissions FAQs](https://www.nis.ac.jp/admissions/transitions-support/withdrawal-form) [Open Houses](https://welcome.nis.ac.jp/open-houses) [Apply](https://www.nis.ac.jp/admissions/apply) [Request For Information](https://welcome.nis.ac.jp/en/request-for-information) [Admissions Tour](https://welcome.nis.ac.jp/en/admissions-tour) [Our Location](https://www.nis.ac.jp/admissions/visiting-our-campus) [City Bus Options](https://www.nis.ac.jp/admissions/visiting-our-campus/city-bus-options) [LEARNING](https://www.nis.ac.jp/learning/learning-at-nis) [Learning at NIS](https://www.nis.ac.jp/learning/the-ib-at-nis) [The IB at NIS](https://www.nis.ac.jp/learning/the-ib-at-nis) [Preschool & Kindergarten](https://www.nis.ac.jp/learning/preschool-kindergarten) [Reggio Emilia](https://www.nis.ac.jp/learning/preschool-kindergarten/reggio-emilia) [A Day in the Life of the ELC](https://www.nis.ac.jp/learning/preschool-kindergarten/a-day) [ELC Facilities](https://www.nis.ac.jp/learning/preschool-kindergarten/facilities) [Preparing Your Child For the ELC](https://www.nis.ac.jp/learning/preschool-kindergarten/preparing) [ELC Admissions](https://www.nis.ac.jp/learning/preschool-kindergarten/elc-admissions) [ELC FAQs](https://www.nis.ac.jp/learning/preschool-kindergarten/elc-faqs) [ELC News](https://www.nis.ac.jp/learning/preschool-kindergarten/elc-news) [ELC Books](https://www.nis.ac.jp/learning/preschool-kindergarten/books) [Elementary School](https://www.nis.ac.jp/learning/elementary-school) [The PYP Programme at NIS](https://www.nis.ac.jp/learning/elementary-school/the-pyp-programme) [Elementary Curriculum](https://www.nis.ac.jp/learning/elementary-school/elementary-curriculum) [Assesment in the PYP](https://www.nis.ac.jp/learning/elementary-school/assessment-in-the-pyp) [After School Activities](https://www.nis.ac.jp/learning/elementary-school/after-school-activities) [Middle School](https://www.nis.ac.jp/learning/middle-school) [The MYP Programme](https://www.nis.ac.jp/learning/middle-school/the-myp-programme) [Middle School Curriculum Overview](https://www.nis.ac.jp/learning/middle-school/middle-school-curriculum-overview) [Middle School News](https://www.nis.ac.jp/learning/middle-school/middle-school-news) [High School](https://www.nis.ac.jp/learning/high-school) [High School Curriculum Overview](https://www.nis.ac.jp/learning/high-school/high-school-curriculum-overview) [IB Diploma Programme Details](https://www.nis.ac.jp/learning/high-school/ib-diploma-programme-details) [High School News](https://www.nis.ac.jp/learning/high-school/high-school-news) [Student Services: Personalized Learning, EAL, Counseling & Health](https://www.nis.ac.jp/learning/student-services) [Level of Provision](https://www.nis.ac.jp/learning/student-services/levels-of-provision) [Language Learners at NIS](https://www.nis.ac.jp/learning/student-services/language-learners-at-nis) [Personalized Learning](https://www.nis.ac.jp/learning/student-services/personalized-learning) [Counselling and Health](https://www.nis.ac.jp/learning/student-services/health-and-counselling) [Our Inquiry Questions](https://www.nis.ac.jp/learning/our-inquiry-questions) [Inquiring in the ELC](https://www.nis.ac.jp/learning/our-inquiry-questions) [Inquiring in the Elementary](https://www.nis.ac.jp/learning/our-inquiry-questions/elc-inquiry) [Inquiring in the Secondary](https://www.nis.ac.jp/learning/our-inquiry-questions/inquiring-in-secondary) [STUDENT LIFE](https://www.nis.ac.jp/student-life/student-life) [Student Life at NIS](https://www.nis.ac.jp/student-life/student-life) [Academic & Service Activities](https://www.nis.ac.jp/student-life/academic-service-activities) [Service Activities News](https://www.nis.ac.jp/student-life/academic-service-activities/news) [Dolphin Sports](https://www.nis.ac.jp/student-life/dolphin-athletics) [Dolphin Sports Calendar](https://www.nis.ac.jp/student-life/dolphin-athletics/dolphin-sports-calendar) [Visual & Performing Arts](https://www.nis.ac.jp/student-life/visual-performing-arts) [Food Service](https://www.nis.ac.jp/student-life/food-service) [Cezars Kitchen Menu](https://www.nis.ac.jp/student-life/food-service/cezars-kitchen-menu) [Bus Service](https://www.nis.ac.jp/student-life/bus-service) [NIS Bus Route Information](https://www.nis.ac.jp/student-life/bus-service/maps) [Technology & BYOD](https://www.nis.ac.jp/student-life/technology-byod) [Safeguarding Policy (Child Protection)](https://www.nis.ac.jp/student-life/safeguarding-policy-child-protection) [Emergency Preparedness](https://www.nis.ac.jp/student-life/emergency-preparedness) [Typhoon Information](https://www.nis.ac.jp/student-life/emergency-preparedness/typhoon-information) [Campus Access During the COVID-19 Pandemic](https://www.nis.ac.jp/about/covid19/nis-covid-level-responses) [COMMUNITY](https://www.nis.ac.jp/community) [Our Community](https://www.nis.ac.jp/community) [Parent Partners: Outreach, Transition & PTA Volunteers](https://www.nis.ac.jp/community/parent-partners) [Parent Partner News](https://www.nis.ac.jp/community/parent-partners/parent-partner-news) [Parent Partner Events Calendar](https://www.nis.ac.jp/community/parent-partners/parent-partner-events-calendar) [Parent Partner/PTA FAQs](https://www.nis.ac.jp/community/parent-partners/pppta-faqs) [Request Transition Partner Match-Up](https://welcome.nis.ac.jp/nis-transitions-partner-match-up-form) [Life Dolphins After School Childcare Program](https://www.nis.ac.jp/community/little-dolphins-after-school-program) [Summer Program](https://www.nis.ac.jp/community/summerprogram) [Activities/Schedule](https://www.nis.ac.jp/community/summerprogram/activitiesschedule) [Fees](https://www.nis.ac.jp/community/summerprogram/fees) [Application](https://www.nis.ac.jp/community/summerprogram/application) [Lunch Service](https://www.nis.ac.jp/community/summerprogram/lunch-service) [Summer FAQs](https://www.nis.ac.jp/community/summerprogram/summer-faqs) [Partner Preschools](https://www.nis.ac.jp/community/our-partner-preschools) [ACCJ/NIS Walkathon](https://www.nis.ac.jp/community/accjnis-walkathon) [2022 Walkathon Organizations](https://www.nis.ac.jp/community/accjnis-walkathon/2022-walkathon-organizations) [Walkathon History](https://www.nis.ac.jp/community/accjnis-walkathon/walkathon-history) [SAT Testing](https://www.nis.ac.jp/community/sat-testing) [Chubu Perspectives Discussion Series II](https://www.nis.ac.jp/community/chubu-perspectives) [ALUMNI](https://www.nis.ac.jp/alumni) [Alumni Home](https://www.nis.ac.jp/alumni) [Alumni Spotlight](https://www.nis.ac.jp/alumni/alumni-spotlight) [Alumni Pathways](https://www.nis.ac.jp/alumni/alumni-pathways) [Dolphin Tales](https://www.nis.ac.jp/alumni/dolphin-tales) [Reflections](https://www.nis.ac.jp/alumni/reflections) [Connections](https://www.nis.ac.jp/alumni/connections) [Yearbook Archives](https://www.nis.ac.jp/alumni/yearbook-archives) [EMPLOYMENT](https://www.nis.ac.jp/employment) [Working at NIS](https://www.nis.ac.jp/employment) [Is NIS the Right Fit?](https://www.nis.ac.jp/employment/is-nis-the-right-fit) [Attributes of an NIS Teacher](https://www.nis.ac.jp/employment/attributes-of-an-nis-teacher) [Vacancies](https://www.nis.ac.jp/employment/vacancies) [日本語ページ](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/welcome) [日本語](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/welcome) [お知らせ](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/news) [NIS Stories](https://blog.nis.ac.jp/ja) [NISについて](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/2) [歴史・沿革](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/2/history) [理念・NISの使命](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/2/nismission) [認可](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/2/accreditation) [アクセス](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/2/access) [フォトギャラリー](https://www.nis.ac.jp/about/photo-gallery) [NISの教育プログラム](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/3) [IBプログラム](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/3/ib) [ELC(幼児教育部）](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/3/elc) [小学部（１−５年生）](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/3/es) [中等部（６−８年生）](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/3/ms) [高等部（９−１２年生）](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/3/hs) [卒業後の進路](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/3/postnis) [大学合格実績](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/3/postnis/college/2021) [入学案内](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/admissions) [学校説明会 (Open House)](https://welcome.nis.ac.jp/ja/open-houses) [学校見学](https://welcome.nis.ac.jp/ja/admissions-tour) [学校見学 clone](https://welcome.nis.ac.jp/ja/admissions-tour) [ELC（幼児教育部）入学情報](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/admissions/elc) [ELCプログラム](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/admissions/elc/elcprogram) [ELC入学申請](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/admissions/apply/elc) [帰国生入学情報](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/admissions/returnee) [入学審査要項](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/admissions/application) [入学申請](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/admissions/apply) [授業料・納付金](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/admissions/tuition) [よくあるご質問](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/7/admissions) [お問い合わせフォーム](https://welcome.nis.ac.jp/ja/request-for-information?__hstc=104580127.0b96d6261d8df35a8dc7c4f4184963c7.1684824478121.1684907182641.1684910572346.7&__hssc=104580127.169169.1684910572346&__hsfp=50455644) [学校生活](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/5) [進路指導](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/5/postnis) [課外活動](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/5/activities) [スポーツ／クラブ活動](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/5/clubs) [ランチサービス](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/5/lumch) [スクールバス](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/5/bus) [ある生徒の１日](https://welcome.nis.ac.jp/ja/a-day-in-the-life-at-nis) [卒業後の進路](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/3/postnis) [よくあるご質問](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/7) [お問い合わせ](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/contactus) [サマープログラム](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/summerprogram) [新型コロナウィルス感染予防対策](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/summerprogram/covid19) [参加資格](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/summerprogram/eligibility) [スケジュール](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/summerprogram/summerprogramschedule) [お申し込み](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/summerprogram/apply) [参加費](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/summerprogram/summerprogramfee) [ランチサービス](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/summerprogram/summerprogramlunch) [よくあるご質問](https://www.nis.ac.jp/japanese/summerprogram/summerporgramfaq) [フォトギャラリー](https://www.nis.ac.jp/community/summerprogram/photogallery) [Contact US](https://www.nis.ac.jp/contact-us-utility/contact-us) [Apply](https://www.nis.ac.jp/admissions/apply) [Support](https://www.nis.ac.jp/support/support-nis) [Support NIS](https://www.nis.ac.jp/support/support-nis) ☰ --> - [Home](https://www.nisjapan.net/) > - [NIS Stories](https://blog.nis.ac.jp/en) > - Navigating the Path to College: Support for Grade 11 Students and Parents ## NIS Stories # Navigating the Path to College: Support for Grade 11 Students and Parents [Erin Sakakibara](https://blog.nis.ac.jp/en/author/erin-sakakibara) Mar 31, 2025, 9:55:01 AM ### ![NIS_college_application_session](https://blog.nis.ac.jp/hs-fs/hubfs/2024-25%20Blog%20Photos/NIS_college_application_session.jpg?width=1920&height=1280&name=NIS_college_application_session.jpg) For Grade 11 students and their parents at this stage of the school year, few things feel as daunting as deciphering the countless pathways available after graduation. Add to that the seemingly endless to-do lists and crucial deadlines, and it can quickly become overwhelming. This is where NIS College Counselors Makiko Hayashida and Paul Moody truly shine. Even before students reach Grade 11, they are primed with information sessions as early as Grade 9 or 10. They will also plan to attend events like the annual University Fair hosted by NIS each spring. Throughout the year, the counselors coordinate meetings with university representatives and keep their doors open to listen, guide, and support students through the journey. Again this year, the counselors designed an evening event before Spring Break to help both students and just as importantly, parents develop a clear roadmap for the next critical steps in the college application process. Together with Secondary Principal Lisa Nnadozie, they encouraged students to reflect on some big, existential questions: - What do you want to be? - Which country do you want to study in? - Where do you see yourself in the future? These are big, sometimes intimidating questions—but also exciting ones! With the guidance of experienced school leaders who have supported many former NIS students before them, participants began to shift from considering their future to actively planning for it. While the next six months will be crucial, breaking the process down into manageable steps makes it far less overwhelming. Since much of this work will need to happen over the summer when counselors won’t be as readily available, this “College Info and Summer Tasks Session” was introduced to provide a structured approach. Ultimately, however, the responsibility lies with the students. They must take ownership of their journey, researching institutions, completing applications, and gathering necessary documents such as references and letters of recommendation. Parents play a vital role in providing support, helping to keep students on track and informed. While NIS provides guidance and mentorship, success is ultimately going to be determined by the effort students put in. INQUIRE INSPIRE IMPACT ## DOWNLOAD THE PRESENTATION Whether you missed the Parent Info Night or would simply like to review the information again, the presentation is now available for download. It includes all the key details shared about how to support your child as they begin preparing for university. [Download the Information](https://blog.nis.ac.jp/hubfs/Parent%20-%20Grade%2011%20Parent%20Evening%20%20March%202025.pdf.pdf) Earlier in the day, the Grade 11 students attended their own learning session, ensuring that by the time their parents arrived for the evening event, they were well-prepared—and maybe even able to reassure their parents! Those who have been through the process before know that, in hindsight, they gain valuable insights and wisdom. The goal of this session was to ensure that students and families have access to these insights before the process begins, easing stress and confusion. The road to university acceptance is long and sometimes challenging, but through events like this and the many layers of support provided by NIS, the journey can also be exciting and rewarding. As students prepare to take their next steps into the vast world of opportunities ahead, one thing is certain—the Class of 2026 is well on its way. We can’t wait to see what amazing things they accomplish!     [Back to Top](https://blog.nis.ac.jp/en/navigating-the-path-to-college#top) [![NIS Japan](https://blog.nis.ac.jp/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Nagoya_Iternational_School_June2020/images/footer-logo.svg "NIS Japan")](https://www.nis.ac.jp/) Nagoya International School 2686 Minamihara, Nakashidami, Moriyama-ku, Nagoya, Japan 463-0002 T: +81-52-736-2025 admissions@nis.ac.jp    info@nis.ac.jp [NIS Portals](https://nis.openapply.com/) [Apply Now](https://nis.openapply.com/) - [Calendar](https://www.nisjapan.net/fs/pages/403) - [Visit](https://www.nisjapan.net/fs/pages/329) - [SAT Testing](https://www.nisjapan.net/fs/pages/430) - [Portals](https://www.nisjapan.net/fs/pages/699) - [Summer Program](https://www.nisjapan.net/fs/pages/699) - [Site Map](https://www.nisjapan.net/fs/pages/4) - ![CIS](https://blog.nis.ac.jp/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Nagoya_Iternational_School_June2020/images/cis-logo.svg) - ![WASC](https://blog.nis.ac.jp/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Nagoya_Iternational_School_June2020/images/wasc-logo.svg) - ![IB World School](https://blog.nis.ac.jp/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Nagoya_Iternational_School_June2020/images/ib-world-school-logo.svg) - ![jcios](https://blog.nis.ac.jp/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Nagoya_Iternational_School_June2020/images/jcios.png?width=68&name=jcios.png) - Ⓒ Nagoya International School 2026 - [Privacy Policy](https://www.nisjapan.net/fs/pages/7)