College Counseling

In many ways, the college counseling process at Doane Stuart is an extension of a student’s overall experience. Students are encouraged to embark on a process of self-reflection, to gather information and then make informed decisions through extensive discovery and analysis. Our goal is to give students (and their families) the guidance that they need to help them to make the most informed choices at each step in the process.

The youngest children learn what college is and why big kids go there. These children make cards that are sent to recent Doane Stuart graduates who are now in college, wishing them luck at their new schools.

Middle School students are visited each year by the College Counselor to ensure that they will approach the college process with enthusiasm.

College Counseling continues, more formally, in grade nine. Along the way, the goal is always to help each student find the college that will be the best fit for his or her academic achievement and interests, extracurricular talents, and educational goals; then, to help each student gain acceptance to those schools. This is accomplished through a variety of unique programs:

  • Required one-on-one visits among the student, parent(s), and the College Counselor. These take place a minimum of two times before senior year.
  • College representatives visit Doane Stuart and meet our students. Annually, more than 50 college representatives visit Doane Stuart and meet with students in Grades 9 through 12.
  • Summer trips to college campuses. Each year the rising 9th to 12th Grade students are invited to take guided group visits to at least six colleges and universities with the College Counselor.
  • Parent education is provided through two college information nights each year, when college trends, and application and financial aid procedures are discussed with experts in the field.
  • Essay workshops are provided for students to meet, one-on-one, with the College Counselor for guidance in improving their college application essays.
  • The entire Junior Class is required to enroll, at no cost to parents or students, in Sylvan's intensive 30-hour SAT preparation class.  The class takes place on campus, during the school day, and does not interfere with regular class or after school events. 
  • A "long list" of colleges is provided to each rising senior. This is a personalized list, which outlines for each senior 30 schools that she or he should consider, keeping in mind the student's GPA, SAT scores, geographic concerns, hopes and ambitions. The list serves as a starting point for all rising seniors. Then the process truly begins with expert attention.

To view the current list of colleges and universities visiting on campus, please use the following link: www.doanestuart.org/college-counseling.cfm/counseling/dates