College Counseling

The college counseling team is committed to helping students find the best individual fit to continue their education. While counselors are available to all St. Paul's students and families, the first formal meeting occurs as sophomores register for junior classes. Students choose their college counselor as a junior before formally meeting in the winter followed with a family meeting in the spring.

At St. Paul’s, college counseling is a team effort. Throughout the year, we partner across campus to support each student in their college search. These partnerships with faculty, staff, advisors, and coaches provide pertinent information about individual students.

The college counseling team meets regularly with students and families to present relevant topics and answer questions. After these meetings, the team sends email communications to the class and their parents highlighting the discussion.

While test-optional has become the norm at most colleges, we want our students to have experience with standardized testing. Not only can good testing help a college applicant with both admission and financial aid, but many students may need to complete standardized tests in future occupations. St. Paul's offers four practice tests, two mock-ACT’s and two PSAT’s, by the fall of a student's junior year. We also highly encourage and provide an eight-week mini-course in partnership with Capital Educators during the spring of sophomore year. Furthermore, the school dedicates two school days in the spring of junior year for interested students to take the SAT and/or ACT.

St. Paul’s is considered a national model for application camps. We offer rising seniors the choice of three different week-long sessions. Working in groups and individually with college counselors and St. Paul's faculty, students complete their applications. This involves drafting and perfecting activity lists, essays, supplements, and self-reported transcripts. College counselors also meet with each student individually to develop a personal timeline and application plan.

To alleviate stress during senior year, the college counseling team works with students to request teacher recommendations in the spring of their junior year. College counselors proofread every recommendation before submission to colleges. Throughout senior year, our team continues to support each student submitting their applications through individual meetings. After a student submits an application, the school sends academic records (teacher recommendations, school reports, transcripts, and school profile) to each college.

Getting into college is only part of the process. Our counselors support students as they evaluate choices. We are committed to helping students and parents prepare for the challenges and opportunities in college. Working with the upper school health and wellness team, St. Paul’s offers college transition programs which include guest speakers from local colleges, our own faculty, and alumni.