College Counseling Philosophy

On behalf of the College Counseling team, we are excited to partner with you and share our philosophy for the 2023-24 school year. College Counseling revolves around supporting students on their path to college, fostering a college culture that encourages self-development and exploration, and providing guidance to help students make well-informed decisions that optimize their chances of gaining admission to best-fit colleges. We empower students in the pursuit of excellence and learning, educate them about undiscovered opportunities to nurture their intellectual and personal growth, foster an awareness of the world around them and their place within it, and encourage their appreciation of diverse cultures and communities.

By promoting the exploration and consideration of various possibilities, we empower students to shape their individual experiences. We hold the conviction that each student possesses a distinctive narrative—a compelling story—that encompasses their academic accomplishments, active involvement in extracurricular activities within our school community, their impact on the wider community, their efforts to effect positive change in the world, and their overall personality.

To achieve these objectives, our dedicated team is committed to guiding and supporting students at every step of their journey. College Counseling contributes to the college-going culture of the PreK-12 institution, but starting in eighth grade, we provide personalized counseling to curate student curricular and extracurricular experiences and opportunities that will help students build their personal narrative. College Counselors have recurrent meetings with students and stakeholders to ensure students are reaching their milestones. During the college application cycle—which begins in the third quarter of eleventh grade—our counseling goes beyond mere admissions strategies. We recognize that the college selection process is about much more than securing a seat at an institution. Our aim is to assist students in self-discovery, helping them match their passions, talents, and values to the right majors and colleges for them. Through individualized attention and care, we foster a collaborative environment that empowers students to set and achieve their goals while instilling in them the confidence and resilience necessary for success in the college application process and beyond.

At TMS College Counseling, we view the college journey as a transformative experience that extends far beyond the boundaries of the classroom. We celebrate the diversity of our student body, acknowledging each individual's unique perspectives and strengths. We actively encourage students to embrace their authentic selves, nurturing their curiosity and cultivating a lifelong love of learning. We firmly believe that the college experience is not just a means to an end but rather a profound opportunity for personal growth, intellectual engagement, and the development of essential life skills.

Our philosophy is built upon the pillars of comprehensive support, individualized guidance, and the fostering of a vibrant college culture. We are fully dedicated to helping students craft their narratives, empowering them to make well-informed decisions, and providing unwavering support as they embark on their college journeys. Together, we will inspire, guide, and equip our students to seize the opportunities that lie ahead, ensuring that they not only gain admission to their best-fit colleges but also thrive academically, personally, and socially throughout their collegiate experience and beyond.

Melissa Lustig and Demmy Villalpando
Directors of College Counseling