College Counseling
At The Bryn Mawr School, we believe that the college search process is a journey, not a result. Finding the "right fit" colleges and universities for our students is our collective goal. As our students embark on the process of deciding what is the next step after Bryn Mawr, they learn more about themselves as academics, leaders, and citizens whose impact on their community and the world is immediate and consequential.
Bryn Mawr School
Our goals are to help students:
DISCOVER
Expand self-awareness, identify interests and bolster self-advocacy skills.
EMPOWER
Develop a sense of empowerment and autonomy and take ownership of their goals and college search process.
TRUST
Feel they have a safe and open environment in which to engage in conversation with the college counselors about college goals, discuss future career aspirations and life dreams.
UNDERSTAND
Understand the current college admission landscape through a process of active listening with empathy, clarifying information and counsel without judgment.
THRIVE
Develop and select from college and university choices that meet their academic, personal, social and financial needs and be places where they will thrive and grow.
LAUNCH
Build the skills and mindset needed to navigate the challenges and opportunities in the world beyond Bryn Mawr.
Bryn Mawr School
College Search Process Timeline
9th Grade
Grade 9: The Journey Begins
Ninth grade is all about discovery and growth. Students will reflect this year on how they spend their time both inside and outside of school, and on what brings them the greatest joy, stimulation and challenge. During ninth grade, students create a four-year plan with an advisor to map out Upper School classes, community service opportunities and extracurricular activities. Students are also invited to attend special college counseling events offered by Bryn Mawr throughout the year.
10th Grade
Grade 10: A Launchpad for Leadership
Along with doing their best academic work, sophomore year is a launchpad for leadership. We want students to transition from joining clubs, teams and activities to becoming engaged, committed participants who take initiative and make a positive impact. Students are matched with their college counselor in the spring of sophomore year and take part in a Career Explorations program and test-prep classes during the school day. We encourage students to begin visiting a variety of college campuses and create a journal to log their likes, dislikes and impressions.
11th Grade
Grade 11: Kickoff to College
Juniors remain focused on academics and leadership through activities, athletics, internships, research and community service, to strengthen skills and talents. In addition to college counseling classes that are built into the school day, students visit college campuses as much as possible, attend programs such as College Kickoff Night for Juniors and Financing a College Education with parents/caregivers, and meet with college admission reps who visit Bryn Mawr throughout the year. Students also schedule additional family meetings with their college counselor to discuss their standardized testing strategy and timeline, college costs and creating an initial college list. Many students enroll in Camp College— Bryn Mawr’s popular summer program in June—to get an early start on essays and applications.
12th Grade
Grade 12: With You All the Way!
Our goal is to approach senior year with optimism and perspective. Seniors work closely with college counselors as they narrow their college lists, prepare for interviews, write essays and submit thoughtful and thorough college applications and financial aid forms. Meetings continue with college representatives who visit Bryn Mawr, and some seniors continue taking the SAT or ACT. When college acceptances are released, Bryn Mawr’s college counselors continue to guide and advocate on behalf of Bryn Mawr students until final decisions are made on each individual student’s “best fit” school. We are with you all the way!
College Counseling Events
College Counseling
9th & 10th Grade College Night
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College Counseling Parent resoucres
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