The Senior Class of 2026 is fully engaged in the college application process, taking critical steps toward shaping their futures. From submitting applications and writing personal statements to exploring scholarship opportunities, they are navigating each stage with focus and determination.  

Director of College Counseling Lisa Summergrad emphasized the personalized nature of the process, noting that the School meets with each senior where they are and support them through every step.

“We are a small school that can meet each student individually where they are and understand whether they need a cheerleader, a coach, a counselor, and advisor–whatever it is that they need to support them in the college application process,” Summergrad said. 

Students have worked closely with the college counseling team to edit their essays.

“[The college counseling team] is very helpful. I have given them many drafts of my essay, and they’ve helped me and responded promptly,” Andrew Flint ‘26 said. 

This year, the college counseling team helps students make informed, practical decisions at every stage of the application process.  

Summergrad emphasizes the value of accurate and reliable college guidance. Through personalized guidance and individual check-ins, she said, the counseling team helps seniors move through the application process with a clear plan.

“I hope students continue to be educated consumers and educated about the sources of the information they go into,” Summergrad said, also noting that college counselors support students not only with applications and essay, but also by learning about each student’s interests and goals.

Counselors work individually with students to research colleges, weigh their options, and select paths that align with their strengths, interests, and long-term goals. 

Sophia Sampaio ‘26 appreciates the College Counseling team’s attention to individual students. 

“The college counselors are really good at making sure they know you as a person,” Sampaio said.

Beyond helping with applications and essays, counselors work to understand each student’s interests and goals, Lisa Summergrad said.

“This is a process of self-discovery and self-knowledge,” Summergrad said. “The students who have the most successful college application experiences are the ones who are honest and thoughtful with themselves about how they learn best, what their talents are, and what they genuinely love to do. Finding the things that you’re good at and enjoy will always pay off in the process.”

With tailored guidance and consistent support, Summergrad said, her team aims to ensure that seniors advance through the process with “confidence, clarity, and purpose”.