Philosophy and Approach

The college process is a time for personal growth and self-reflection and is an integral component of a St. Mark’s education, very purposefully woven into each student’s experience. Our student-centered approach begins with the expectation that students will develop a fuller sense of autonomy and responsibility throughout their time at St. Mark’s.

Given the intentionally small nature of our school community, we, college counselors, are an integral part of a team of caring adults who aid in this development. We have the opportunity to build relationships with students from the time they arrive on campus through formal and informal programming and meetings. We hope that students will occupy themselves not with questioning of what someone in an admission office might want to see, but rather with seeking an education of mind and character that will enable them to lead lives of consequence beyond St. Mark’s.

Our responsibility, our job as College Counselors, is to work collaboratively to create a framework that informs and supports students and their families.

Our primary objective is that all VI Formers will come to the spring of the final year with choices to make among schools that make sense given their individual goals. Ultimately, the individual successes students have achieved at St. Mark’s will prepare them to transition with confidence and a sense of purpose into lives of leadership and service to the larger world.