CLASS OF 2021 | BY THE NUMBERS
June 4, 2021
Waterford School instills qualities of critical thought, curiosity, responsibility, and integrity as it helps students lay a foundation for college and beyond as they prepare to lead lives of meaning and purpose. Congratulations to the Class of 2021 for their accomplishments and extraordinary efforts as scholars, artists and athletes!
Perhaps more important now than ever is the liberal arts curriculum and interactive learning environment that they have experienced at Waterford. These students will take their skills of analysis, their deep and broad knowledge of many disciplines, and their communication,reading, writing, and discussion skills into their lives as critical thinkers, scientists,humanitarians, artists, future teachers and leaders.
This class is not only prepared to excel in college but also to pursue lives of meaning and purpose in an ever-changing world that needs citizens who question and dig deeper. Students credit their love of learning to the extraordinary breadth and depth of the Waterford college preparatory curriculum and programs, and the talented faculty who provide opportunities for each student to find and pursue their individual passions. The personal interest and attention given by the faculty helped each student succeed across a broad and demanding liberal arts curriculum.
Waterford’s College Counseling Office guides and supports students as they consider an exciting variety of undergraduate options. Recognizing that this transition is important both for students and their families, Waterford college counselors work individually with students and parents ensuring that each student will have college choices that align with their interests, needs, and will ultimately be the right fit for each student.
Acceptance rates far above national averages place the Waterford Class of 2021 among the top students in the country. The colleges and universities that the Class of 2021 will be attending show how much hard work has gone into their time at Waterford and how carefully each student sought institutions of quality across the country. Students in Waterford’s senior class will attend colleges that are suited to cultivate their passions and will continue to challenge them to succeed and excel in all of their future endeavors.
In an admissions climate where many selective colleges are seeing increasing numbers of applications and thus lower admission rates, Waterford students continue to do well in admissions. A number of factors contribute to their success, but an important factor is that colleges know they are academically well-prepared, reflected in many parts of the application. The integrity and rigor of our academic program is seen and understood, and the preparation Waterford graduates have shown on their campuses in the past are important factors, as well as the self-reflection and writing abilities our students show in the application process. The strength and depth of the Waterford Class of 2021 was reflected in the quality of the students’ acceptances: our 73 students were accepted at 137 different colleges and universities. Students work one-on-one with our counselors to discover and gain admission to colleges where they will thrive.
Waterford is a place full of people who are not only passionate about everything they do, but who are also always willing to help one another. I am so grateful to the faculty for shaping me into an independent thinker with a true thirst for knowledge and for always challenging me to do my best. I know that my education has prepared me well for the years ahead.
Tioné heads to Yale University this fall. Tioné has been an involved member of the Waterford community – actively participating in rowing, photography, and students in action. She is named a Cum Laude Scholar, is a documentary artist, and will intern for youth justice over the summer.
The transition from high school to college is ultimately personal. However, support and mentorship are also essential throughout the process. Mr. Grenoble and the College Counseling Office were there for me every step of the way. From researching schools to making my final decision, they made me feel comfortable and confident in my ability. Waterford and its community have shaped me into the person I am today, and I am grateful for all the support the counseling office gave me as I discovered the college and environment where I will continue to feel most engaged and happy.
Omeed Moshirfar heads to Washington University in St. Louis this fall. Omeed was an actively involved member throughout his years at Waterford and brought energy and curiosity to each of his classes. Omeed is a Cum Laude Scholar, an award-winning artist and musician, he hosts his own podcast, he has run cross-country, played lacrosse, and helped Waterford’s tennis team win state titles. We look forward to seeing where Omeed goes next.
Waterford has been the most amazing place for me to learn and grow as not only a student, but as someone about to enter into the next phase of life. The environment on campus is one that stimulates progression and curiosity, and does so through its passionate teachers, beautiful campus, and numerous opportunities. I feel prepared to move forward knowing that I have been taught to work hard, establish relationships, and learn proactively.
Emma will attend Brigham Young University in the fall. Emma was named a Cum Laude Scholar, excelled in photography, was a member of the tennis team, and performed beautiful music with the orchestra as a violinist. We look forward to all she will do in the future.
My experience with college counseling at Waterford was extraordinarily positive. Mrs. Rauscher helped me immensely with every part of my application process – from helping me decide where I wanted to apply early, to the nitty gritty details of my essays, and even what to say to my interviewer. I am incredibly grateful to have worked with her.
Ulla plans on studying and rowing at Dartmouth College. Ulla has been active while at Waterford—skiing, rowing with the crew team, and playing the viola with the orchestra. She has also become known as a writer, winning regional Scholastic Art & Writing Gold Keys during her time in high school. Ulla is environmentally aware and dedicated to social justice, and we know her work in large and small ways will make our world a better place.
Waterford has been my second home for the last fifteen years. Throughout my time here, Waterford has taught me valuable life skills like how to stay organized, think critically, and pursue my passions. I will take these skills with me to college and beyond where I know they will set the foundation for my success. I am grateful to Waterford for the memories it has given me. I will cherish them forever.
Riley looks forward to studying at the University of San Diego in the fall, and will no doubt bring her positive energy to their classrooms. Riley has expressed genuine joy in exploration and discovery, especially in STEM fields. Riley has played the violin in the orchestra and has been a powerful community builder while here at Waterford. We look forward to all Riley has to offer in the future.
The college counseling office did a fabulous job helping us seniors see that fit was the most important part of our college search. They would help us find the right school by sitting down with us and going through all of our priorities. Waterford helped me find a place where I would thrive.
Dylan Millard heads to the University of Virginia this fall. While at Waterford Dylan was endlessly curious and up for an academic challenge, ultimately earning him the distinction of Cum Laude Scholar. Dylan was also on the winning Science Olympiad team, a member of the tennis team for over four years, rowed crew, and won Scholatic Art & Writing Awards for his photography.
College Acceptance & Matriculation List*
*Matriculation in bold