When does college counseling begin?

Personalized attention begins in Middle School with the annual 8th Grade College Expo, followed by individualized information throughout high school. Each spring, College Counseling hosts the Expo so students can start engaging with the college-going process in a fun, low-stakes way.

What testing support does the office provide?

Sophomores take the PSAT for the first time and review their results with the testing coordinator and college counselor to create a plan for test prep and future college admission testing. Juniors take the PSAT/NMSQT and then set specific goals for SAT, ACT, or TOEFL testing.

How do college-representative visits work?

Each fall, more than 80 college admission representatives visit campus. Juniors can meet with them to learn about schools, ask questions, and make connections.

CAPS is the College Application Preparation Series, offered during the summer after junior year. It gives students individualized assistance so they can complete applications before senior year begins.

Does Saint Stephen's support athletic recruitment?

Yes. Starting in Grade 10, students interested in athletic recruitment receive support registering for NCAA eligibility. That support continues in Grades 11 and 12 for any senior pursuing recruitment.

How are college essays supported?

Juniors take part in a month-long college essay workshop to develop, edit, and hone application essays. In Grade 12, weekly meetings are used to review every application before submission, including writing and reviewing essays.

College Counseling · Saint Stephen's

Saint Stephen's has a strong record of sending highly prepared students to colleges throughout the country and abroad, and a majority of our students attend college with merit scholarships.

80+

Admission reps visit campus each fall

~80

College destinations, 2024–26

1:1

Curated family meetings

Students benefit from personalized attention beginning in Middle School with our annual 8th Grade College Expo, followed by individualized information throughout high school. The College Counseling Office supports students and their parents as they navigate the college search, application process, and transition to college. We facilitate college selection by maintaining focus on the needs of the student and their family, while empowering students to take ownership over their college admission process.

Throughout high school, counselors spend significant time with students in various grade-level appropriate activities and meetings, encouraging them to explore the characteristics of colleges that will best satisfy their ambitions, talents, and personality.

Maia Learning Portal Matriculation List PDF

Senior student-athletes sign letters of intent

Falcon’s Flight Path

Grade 8

Spark curiosity early.

Grade 8 · Milestone 01 of 02

Spring College Expo

Each spring, College Counseling hosts the annual College Expo. Students learn about colleges and universities across the globe from graduating seniors, faculty, and staff.

Grade 9

Get oriented and explore.

College counselor addresses students and their parents

Grade 9 · Milestone 01 of 05

Ninth Grade Family Info Session

A ninth grade family information session helps demystify college preparation and admission.

Grade 10

Map the courses and tests.

Students attend a college-planning presentation in the campus commons.

Grade 10 · Milestone 01 of 05

Academic Curriculum Selection

College Counseling works with the Academic Dean to advise students on courses leading to specific college majors.

Grade 11

Go deep and build the list.

Grade 11 · Milestone 01 of 07

Kick-off & Deepening Exploration

The program intensifies as students deepen their exploration of specific schools/majors. College Kick-off provides an overview of the year and specific tools to assist with the application process.

Grade 12

Submit and prepare to launch.

A senior headed to Florida State University

Grade 12 · Milestone 01 of 06

Senior Family Briefing

A Senior Family Meeting provides an overview of the year, the most current college and application trends, and additional tools to assist with the process.

Meet the Team

NikkiCollege CounselorView profile

TrishaDirector of College CounselingView profile

VanessaCollege Counseling CoordinatorView profile

Where Our Graduates Go

SouthNortheastMidwestWest

40 colleges, Class of 2026.

2 international destinations beyond the United States

External Tools

Portals and planning links for students and families.

FAQ

The small class sizes allow our children the one-on-one interaction with teachers and faculty that truly care about preparing each student for the future. I know that my children will be more than prepared for college upon graduation!

Mary Louise Ziegler · Parent of Ella ('25) and Luke ('28) (placeholder)

College Counseling

Overview