College Counseling
The college counseling program at The Meadows School is based on facilitating a close working relationship between students and their counselor, thereby giving each student the individualized attention they need. In eighth grade, students and their parents have the opportunity to meet with the Head of School to discuss the Upper School and begin preparing a four year plan that will eventually lead to college acceptance and matriculation.
Once students reach the Upper School, they meet one-on-one with their assigned counselor beginning in the 9th grade year and work with the same counselor over the next four years, culminating with completed applications to a well-balanced list of colleges in the senior year.
Each counselor is assigned to work with half of the student cohort in each grade level, a model that is effective in fostering stronger personal relationships. The positive dynamic between college counselors and students provides an open door for all students who need assistance throughout the year.
Students meet frequently with their counselors in a one-on-one setting throughout their time at The Meadows School. Individual meetings occur at least once a semester during freshman and sophomore years, so that the counselor acquires an understanding of the student’s dynamics - personality, work habits, extracurricular interests, academic aspirations, and future endeavors. Additionally, counselors make sure that in the first years of Upper School, students are challenging themselves at an appropriate level, guiding them in their course selection as well as helping students think about their extracurricular involvement in school and beyond, and participation in summer supplemental activities. Once students reach the junior year, counselors meet with students more frequently, to prepare students to plan for standardized testing and to begin the dialogue focusing on colleges that provide programs based on the appropriate fit.
The individualized model of counseling allows counselors to guide students in the selection of courses, activities, and standardized testing, based on their individual needs. They focus on assisting students in their search for colleges on the basis of academic and intellectual interests. The emphasis of the school’s college counseling program is undoubtedly focused on communicating the distinctions that characterize universities (Liberal Arts Colleges versus Engineering Colleges, etc.). To this end, through a supplemental Experiential Learning Program, students travel with their grade cohort and visit colleges in select regions to acquire a better understanding of the academic programs supporting their areas of interest.
In addition to helping students navigate the extensive college application and selection process, counselors serve as advisors within the framework of the school’s Advisory Program assisting students in self-reflection, understanding of the greater community, and acquiring mission appropriate skills required of 21st century leaders.
The Counseling Program in the Upper School is a comprehensive program focused on facilitating personal relationships that are founded on understanding and trust. The personalized dynamic that is fostered between counselor and counselee allows for continuity from the beginning of 9th Grade culminating with graduation at the end of 12th Grade. The program’s emphasis is on identifying the “right” program and “right” fit for students based on their areas of interests and future aspirations.
- left to right: College admission infographic, TMS School Profile, Class of 2017 achievements
- Universities and colleges are alumni have attended between 1991 and 2017