Academics

College Counseling

Our approach is individualized and personal. We take time to get to know each student and their priorities, find the right fit, open doors, and ensure students take the appropriate steps to achieve their goals.

Meet The Team

List of 3 members.

Mrs. Sarah Morissette

Director of College Counseling
Dr. David Slater

Assistant Director of College Counseling / Upper School English
Ms. Ellie "Ellie" Stravers

Registrar & College Counseling Assistant

Dawson's student to college counselor ratio is 30:1. At surrounding schools, the ratio is a whopping 300:1, and often students are working with an 'everything counselor'. The access to personalized college counseling at Dawson is unmatched, and why 100% of our graduates are accepted to college.

Every year more than 100 colleges and universities visit Dawson. And because of our small class sizes, students get the opportunity to spend one-on-one time with the people making admission decisions. It's an incredible opportunity that other schools can't provide.

Beyond the personalized attention, Dawson's college counseling program provides families with educational programs beginning in middle school. When students begin their freshman year, families are provided a grade-by-grade roadmap for managing the college journey. Our program includes required college counseling classes in junior and senior year.

Mustangs on the Move

Upper School Profile

College Representatives Signup

Download the roadmap

College Counseling Program

List of 5 items.

Essay writing bootcamp
PSAT on site
Test readiness classes
Junior Year class
- Comprehensive College Prep: Juniors explore colleges meeting academic, social, and financial needs through self-reflection and structured guidance.
- Personalized Exploration Tools: Students use SCOIR, attend college rep visits, and complete personality assessments for informed college decision-making.
- Focused Weekly Sessions: Weekly classes cover the Common Application, essay writing, and building a list of potential colleges.
- Tailored Resources for Success: Students utilize SCOIR, The Common Application, and College Kickstart to simplify and enhance their application process.
- Practical and Measurable Outcomes: Students create a college list, understand applications, and improve communication with admissions professionals.
Senior Year class
- Practical Admissions Guidance: Fall course helps seniors apply knowledge, focusing on college applications and refining lists through weekly sessions.
- Targeted Weekly Sessions: Students work on applications, narrow college lists, and discuss key search elements for informed decision-making.
- Essential Tools: Scoir and The Common Application simplify applications, helping students manage submissions efficiently and gain critical admissions insights.
- Strategic Planning: Students evaluate admissions likelihood, balance “reach” and “likely” schools, and learn financial planning for college affordability.
- Effective Communication: Students build confidence, mastering application components and communication with admissions professionals to secure their ideal college options.

To College or Not to College?

List of 1 news stories.

Why College is Still Worthwhile
10/25/2024

And How Dawson School Best Prepares Students for College and Beyond

There are a lot of mixed messages about the need for a degree, and the value of a college education is being questioned due to rising tuition costs, confusing admissions standards, and the evolving job market. But, when you look at the evidence, as well as intangible benefits such as self-awareness, critical-thinking skills, alumni networks, and cultural literacy, the answer to the question of, “Is college worth it?” is still unequivocally "yes." College still remains an important step in long-term financial security and personal fulfillment.

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