Every year there are interesting twists in the college admissions landscape. As I meet, however, with thoughtful, well-prepared and energized members of the senior class, and with college admission representatives about outstanding programs and opportunities available, the essentials are in place. What hasn’t changed in college admissions is that colleges are interested in students who have experienced academic rigor and learning as part of a community, students who are broadly educated. They seek students who will contribute to meaningful class discussion, who will collaborate well on projects; and students who will bring diverse talents, interests and perspectives to their college campus. 

And for students, college admissions is still a rite of passage, an important moment of reflection, action, and decision. At its best, we are asking students to consider thoughtfully the work they have done in the past, to write down what they value now and why, and to explore where they want to go from here in their learning, work, and in life—at least for the next four years.

I would like to give Waterford families a view into our work and purpose, and what makes Waterford College Counseling unique.

• A paced College Counseling curriculum that Class XI and XII students work through as a group.
• Individual meetings with students and parents throughout the college search and application process.
• Understanding of how colleges read applications.
• Understanding of Waterford academics and programs to support students describing their education and activity pathways in their applications.
• Partnership with teachers and coaches in the Waterford community.
• A schedule for college counseling steps, timed with the rhythm of Waterford academics and activity in mind.
• Suggested resources and meetings for Class VIII-X families to begin to research.
• Chance to meet with college representatives who travel to Waterford and visit with students September through November each year.

I see two additional characteristics of Waterford School that support students’ college search and application process:

The Waterford School emphasis on arts and academics through the liberal arts: students are broadly educated, and have worked at a high level in all subject areas. Students looking toward STEM fields benefit from strong writing and communication skills; students going into humanities and social sciences benefit from deeply understanding math and sciences.

Students at Waterford push each other toward excellence, valuing knowledge and experiences, and caring for each other in important ways.

Waterford college counselors are experts with years of experience working with many students through many admission rounds at each college. We have detailed knowledge of program and culture at colleges across the country, from visits to campus, research and communication from many constituents.  We understand what colleges are looking for, what the changes are, and have contacts and colleagues to reach out to. We attend conferences, thinking and talking about higher education purposes, trends, and policies; we understand how to support students in writing about their lives and activities. Through our school profile, school reports, writing and discussions, we help admission officers understand Waterford School and the high quality of work and rigorous curriculum students have engaged in here. 

Waterford Faculty: Students develop important relationships with teachers and carry that support with them through this process and into college. Graduates know what to expect in rigorous college courses. Graduates come back to our January Alumni college Panel and share that they really know how to write, thanks to their English and history teachers. Where others in their college class were struggling, college biology was easy and they knew what they were doing in labs. In the admission process, two academic teachers from Junior year write detailed and knowledgeable recommendation letters for students.

The highest end in our work is not students gaining admission to the most selective colleges, but that each student grows through this process of self-discovery and exploration of higher education opportunities, and career possibilities. Students learn how to manage a complex application process, stay organized and plan ahead; they come out confident that they can research an opportunity, can fill out forms, and ask for help; they learn how to present themselves on paper and in an interview—lifelong skills. We focus on a confidence-building, ethical, positive, and healthy college choice and application process for students. 

College admissions to selective colleges has changed in the last three decades, and again in the last five years. However, the colleges’ desire to enroll students who are prepared to take on a college-level rigor and add to the community, hasn’t changed and the Senior Class, as many Waterford classes before them, is ready.

Over the past five years, Waterford students have matriculated to 110 different colleges and universities including:

The Waterford Admission team is here to assist you in your school search. For more information on the application process or to learn more about Waterford School call 801-816-2275 or email us at admissions@waterfordschool.org.