Upper School Students Meet With College Representatives as Seniors Begin Application Process

In just five days this week, St. Margaret’s Upper School students had the opportunity to learn more details, ask specific questions and gain valuable insight from representatives of 22 different colleges and universities around the world.

 

It’s just a snapshot into the busy autumn months in St. Margaret’s College Counseling Office, where more than 100 such visits have been arranged for Upper School students to learn more about colleges and universities, often from the very admission representatives who would be reading their applications.

 

This week’s visits, which were all conducted virtually, included representatives from New York University, The University of Chicago, The University of Southern California, The University of Utah, Seton Hall University and even schools abroad such as Las Roches University in Switzerland and the University of Glagsow in Scotland. Future visits are scheduled with Boston University, University of Notre Dame, Georgetown University, Chapman University, Syracuse University and Indiana University, as colleges will steadily meet with St. Margaret’s students from now into November.

 

The colleges and universities are of all different sizes, private and public, across the United States and abroad. While the visits are popular among St. Margaret’s seniors, they are open to all Upper School students.

 

“Hosting our college representatives, even virtually, is an incredible benefit to our community and students,” Director of College Counseling Elise Rodriguez said. “The fact that current and future applicants have the chance to be in conversation with the person who will first be reading their applications is a wonderful opportunity. Students can ask their specific questions and get expert answers, and as many students still have not had the chance to do a full set of college visits, this allows them to make thoughtful and informed decisions about where they would like to apply.”

 

Prior to 2020, the college representatives typically traveled to St. Margaret’s to visit students on campus, but the pandemic has necessitated virtual gatherings this school year.

 

“We value the relationships that we have with our college reps and cannot wait for the day when we are able to welcome them back on to campus in person,” Ms. Rodriguez said.

 

The College Counseling Office, which includes Ms. Rodriguez, Senior Associate Director College Counseling Amy Warren, Associate Director of College Counseling Erica Huerta and College Counseling Assistant Liz Kelly, also met with the Class of 2022 and their families this week for an update on the admissions process. The seniors and their parents gained more insight on the college application timeline, and heard advice from the team on how to support students as the application process ramps up.

 

Upper School seniors have begun the process of narrowing down their list of potential college choices, working with St. Margaret’s college counselors to put together their plans and decide on early applications, which are often are submitted by November.