Greetings from our Director of College Counseling
Welcome to the College Counseling program at Ģý, where students are supported and empowered to navigate the college selection process from grade 10 through their senior year and, ultimately, to take the next step in their academic careers! College counseling is a tradition in my family and my one true passion. An experienced and dedicated Director of College Counseling, I’m fully invested in getting to know and guiding each and every Ģý student on this exciting path toward college. I am readily available to meet with current families and students to discuss next steps for preparing for the path that lies ahead.
Ģý graduates study at colleges and universities all over the map, with many earning exceptional scholarships along the way. With help from the College Counseling program, which receives exclusive resources from college associates representing the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) and regularly attends campus tours, our students acquire the knowledge needed to select one or more higher education institutions that best match their unique academic interests, preferred location, desired extracurricular offerings, and true fit campus culture.
It’s never too early for students to plan the next step in their academic careers. The best way is to take advantage of college-preparatory experiences and opportunities available right here at Ģý. The College Counseling program in the Upper School at Ģý offers a College Overview course to students in their sophomore year, a College “Bootcamp” in the summer prior to their senior year, and ongoing, individualized counseling throughout students’ time as high schoolers. The opportunity to connect our students with such opportunities is both rewarding and intellectually engaging.
The college search at Ģý begins officially with a College Overview course in the 10th grade. During this course, students learn to use effective college research tools and define key vocabulary frequently used throughout the process. In addition, they prepare for standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT, explore the role of college admission counselors, and discover how higher education institutions review applications and make their enrollment decisions.
As students progress toward their junior and senior years, the internal college counseling process at Ģý becomes more individualized. As a College Counselor, I help students personally strategize for campus visits, prioritize their Ģý class schedules, prepare for one-on-one interviews with college representatives, and assemble essays and application materials.
In the final week of summer at the beginning of their senior year, students also attend a College “Bootcamp” to get ahead of college application deadlines.
Whatever their needs, I’m here to help Ģý students and families navigate the confusing, yet satisfying college search and application process. In addition to utilizing these helpful links and recommended reading list, my door is always open, and I am just an email or phone call away to answer any questions you may have.
From Kindergarten to College: A Ģý Student’s Journey to $1 Million in Scholarships
Senior Coltin B. '26, a student at Ģý since Kindergarten, has earned more than $1 million in scholarship offers, a rare and remarkable achievement among high school seniors.
His college journey reflects far more than academic success—it is shaped by mentorship, family support, and a community deeply committed to educating the whole student.
Our newest feature highlights Coltin’s path at Ģý, including the guidance of Director of College Counseling Erik Playe, the transformative impact of experiential learning, and the confidence built through lasting relationships.
“Ģý has provided me with everything I could have asked for when it comes to academic rigor and experiences outside of the classroom,” Coltin said. “It has grown me into the person I am.”
