Skip To Main Content

Toggle Close Container

Desktop Menu Elements Wrapper

Mobile Main Nav

Header Holder

Header Icons CTA

Header Wrapper Buttons

Toggle Search Container

Toggle Menu Container

Search Canvas

Close container canvas

horizontal-nav

Breadcrumb

College Counseling

Enhancement Hero

Lorem Ipsum Dolor
Girls are

Successful

A Personalized College Search for Each Girl

At St. Mary's, our College Counseling program is designed to guide students through one of their life's most exciting and important transitions.

Our dedicated counselors work closely with each Upper School student to help her discover colleges and universities that align with her academic, social, and personal goals. Through individualized attention and thoughtful guidance, we empower our students to find the best fit for their future.

The college process is not just about finding the right school—it’s about helping each student discover her interests, passions, and aspirations.

Our counselors encourage students to focus on what excites them rather than simply what makes them the ideal applicant. By the end of the process, we aim for every student to feel confident and informed about her next steps.

 

Charting Her Path: A Four-Year Approach to College Prep

At St. Mary’s, college counseling is a four-year process that provides age-appropriate guidance and opportunities at every stage.

9th Grade

Students and parents are introduced to college exploration and begin to consider majors, career opportunities, and the concept of finding a good fit for their future.

10th Grade

Students and parents learn more about the college process, including standardized testing, athletic recruitment, financial aid, and college visits.

11th Grade

Students meet with college admission professionals, participate in college forums, and engage in yearlong test prep for the PSAT, SAT, and ACT. Juniors meet regularly, one-on-one, with their college counselor.

12th Grade

Seniors attend application workshops, complete the Common Application, participate in essay-writing sessions, and receive ongoing support during their college application process.

Extensive Support to Guide Her Journey

St. Mary’s provides a variety of unique resources to ensure students are fully prepared for the college process.

Recent Graduate Success Stories

Our students are pursuing their passions and achieving incredible success. Here are just a few examples of St. Mary's graduates:

Ellis Rougeou '24 - Brown University

At St. Mary's, Ellis participated in the Honors Independent Research Study (HIRS), served as Co-Editor of Bella Vista, and interned in the Communications Department. Her wide range of interests, nurtured by her teachers and mentors, reflects her curiosity and drive, ultimately leading her to Brown University.

“I had phenomenal teachers who, in their own passions, inspired my curiosity for a vast array of subjects. Because of them, I feel not only prepared for but also excited by the infinite amount of academic opportunities I have at Brown,” Ellis said.

 

Amelia Quinlen '22 - University of Arkansas

During her college search, Amelia sought an affordable school in a beautiful location with ample opportunities. This led her to the University of Arkansas, where she received the Honors College Fellowship, covering 90% of out-of-state tuition, and a National Merit Finalist Scholarship.

“There was no shortage of support at St. Mary’s, and I’ve found that same level of guidance and even more opportunities at Arkansas. I’m so grateful to St. Mary’s for helping me find the right fit and to Arkansas for opening so many doors,” Amelia said.
 

Leah Balkaran '23 - Washington and Lee University

Leah is studying business administration and psychology as a QuestBridge Scholar at Washington and Lee University. At St. Mary's, she ran Cross-Country, served as Beta Club president, and was vice president of the Black Student Alliance. She was one of 1,755 scholars selected from nearly 18,000 applicants for the Match Scholarship, earning a full ride to her top choice.

“When I opened that acceptance letter, I sobbed. I was shocked, relieved, excited, and hopeful all at the same time. Being a QuestBridge Scholar means the world to me. I can’t wait to see what the future holds,” Leah said.
 

Reese Suddarth '23 - Illinois Wesleyan University

At St. Mary's, Reese participated in theater and choir, always knowing she wanted to pursue singing. She was a member of the chamber choir and starred as Mrs. Bennet in Pride and Prejudice. Now, she's attending Illinois Wesleyan University as a Vocal Performance major.

“I’m so happy with my decision to go to Illinois Wesleyan because I was able to find a space similar to St. Mary’s where I’m not only encouraged to expand on my passions but also given ample opportunities to do so,” Reese said.
 

By the Numbers

100%

Four-year college acceptance

179

The Class of 2024 was accepted to 179 universities

53

The 74 members of the Class of 2024 attended 53 colleges in 28 states 

88%

Of the Class of 2024 attend colleges out of state.

11

Girls in the last several years have continued their athletic careers in college 

30%

Of the Class of 2024 are enrolled in honors colleges or special programs.

College Representatives:

We'd love to welcome you to campus. Please use Scoir to schedule visits with our junior and senior students.

College Counseling Team

The St. Mary’s College Counseling team is here to support, guide, and listen to students and their families throughout the college search. From early planning in freshman year to submitting applications in senior year, our counselors are with students every step of the way.

Beverly Brooks

Beverly Brooks

Director of College Counseling
Leanne Pleasants

Leanne Pleasants

Registrar & College Counseling Coordinator
Ann Pretzer

Ann Pretzer

Assistant Director of College Counseling