What Should College Prep at a Private School Look Like?

Individualized College Counseling

A high-quality college counseling program provides students with a dedicated counselor who works with them throughout high school. Ideally, counseling should begin as early as 8th grade if the school includes a middle school, ensuring students receive early exposure to the college admissions process. Establishing this relationship early allows counselors to understand a student’s strengths, interests and aspirations. Regular one-on-one meetings throughout the school year ensure students stay on track, set goals and develop strong academic habits.

A Holistic Approach to Support Students

College applications are overwhelming, and a strong program must provide more than just academic support. The best schools integrate social-emotional counseling into the college admissions process to ensure students can manage stress and maintain a healthy mindset. By working closely with social-emotional counselors, college counselors provide students with a holistic approach to preparing for their future, balancing the pressures of applications with mental well-being.

Engaging Parents as Supportive Partners

A well-structured college counseling program fosters a close and positive relationship with parents, ensuring they support their child rather than adding pressure. Parents play an important role in the journey, but it is crucial that they understand how to empower their child without overwhelming them. Schools must provide guidance to parents on how to be a source of encouragement while allowing students to take ownership of their future.

Promoting a Growth Mindset

With college admissions becoming increasingly competitive, students must be encouraged to develop a growth mindset. Rather than striving for unattainable perfection, they should focus on personal progress, resilience and making informed decisions about their future. Several current trends highlight the increasing pressures students face:

• More students are applying to college: The Common App reported a 7% increase in applications in 2023, with over 1.2 million students submitting applications.
• Enrollment is rising: College enrollment grew for the fourth consecutive year, increasing 9.9% in fall 2024. Enrollment levels are now 28.5% higher than in 2019, meaning more students are competing for limited spots.

With these trends in mind, students must set realistic goals, avoid unhealthy comparisons with peers, and approach the college application process with confidence rather than stress. Schools should support students by encouraging balance, resilience and a well-researched approach to selecting colleges that fit their aspirations and strengths.

Strategic College Selection and Application Process

Choosing the right college is one of the most important decisions a student will make, as they will spend up to four years of their lives in this environment. Finding the right fit is a complex process that goes beyond academics. A strong college counseling program should take a personalized approach, ensuring that each student’s application profile is carefully crafted based on a variety of factors, including:

• Geographic location – Proximity to home, in-state vs. out-of-state options, and accessibility.
• Environment and climate – Preferences for warm or cold weather, seasonal changes and overall livability.
• Urban, suburban or rural setting – The lifestyle and opportunities associated with different types of campuses.
• Social life and campus culture – The availability of student organizations, Greek life and social engagement opportunities.
• Exchange programs and international travel – Opportunities for global learning experiences, study abroad programs and cultural immersion.
• Clubs and extracurricular activities – Availability of sports, music, arts, student government and other activities that match student interests.

By considering these elements, college counselors can guide students in building an application strategy that is both ambitious and realistic. The best programs ensure that students apply to a well-balanced list of schools that align with their academic goals, personal preferences and long-term aspirations. This individualized approach maximizes the likelihood of students thriving in their college experience and setting themselves up for future success.

Commitment to Ethical and Professional Standards

A school’s college counseling department should be affiliated with respected organizations such as:

• College Board
• Texas Association for College Admission Counseling (TACAC)
• National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC)
• International Association for College Admission Counseling (IACAC)

Membership in these organizations ensures that the school adheres to ethical college admissions practices, providing students with fair, transparent and professional guidance throughout the process.

Maximizing Student Potential for Future Success

By implementing these best practices, private schools can ensure students are well-prepared for the college admissions process and their future careers. The Village School employs these techniques to maximize the potential of its students, helping them gain acceptance into top universities worldwide and preparing them to become global change-makers in their chosen fields.

Watch College Counseling Lead, Bridget Adiukwu talking with Fox26 on the subject: