College Counseling
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.
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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.
- Yearlong Test Prep
- College Tours & Fairs
- Sophomore College Tour Field Trip
- Financial Aid Seminars
- Fine & Performing Arts Seminar
- College Athletic Recruitment
Yearlong Test Prep
College Tours & Fairs
Sophomore College Tour Field Trip
Financial Aid Seminars
Fine & Performing Arts Seminar
College Athletic Recruitment
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:
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.
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 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.
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.
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
Leanne Pleasants
![Ann Pretzer](/uploaded/PRODUCTION/FACULTY/2022_FAST/Pretzer_Ann.png)