Kent School

College Counseling

Group photo of seniors wearing college sweatshirts

College Counseling

The college counseling process at Kent is a natural extension of our educational philosophy, emphasizing independent thinking, introspection, personal responsibility, leadership, and informed decision-making. The result is students who are sought after by the most selective colleges and universities in the world.

Every college search is unique. Our goal is to help each student discover the best match.

Distinctly Student Focused

College represents an important milestone in a student’s life. It is a time for students to further develop their interests, explore and define their talents, and deepen their personal beliefs and values. Kent's college counselors act as guides through the entire process, ensuring that each student's individuality is honored and amplified every step of the way.

College Preparation, Not College Imitation

From the moment a student steps foot on the Kent campus, they are preparing for college. Every student at Kent follows a college preparatory curriculum personally crafted for the abilities of the individual student. Students meet with their advisors and the Director of Studies to discuss their course selection. Throughout their Kent career, students are encouraged to understand that successful college preparation depends on engaging fully in the Kent School experience.

People and Process

Kent's college counseling process ensures positive outcomes by fostering deep and open connections between families and counselors. Counselors prioritize fit as they guide and support Kent students to examine their interests, explore their passions, and embark on the next stage of their academic journey. The college process unique to each student; the College Counseling Office guides and supports students and their families to identify the best college matches for each individual.

Acceptances

Kent graduates are sought after by the most selective colleges and universities in the world. Click the button below to see a list of college acceptances from the 2022-2023 school year.

College Acceptances

College Counseling Timeline

Third Form Year

Meet with your advisor to establish academic and extra-curricular goals while adjusting to life at Kent School.
Develop good notetaking and time management skills.
Attend New Student Seminar—one class devoted to steps that can be taken now to make the most of your boarding school experience with future college plans in mind.
Work hard to to ensure that your final transcript reflects your ability.
Explore your passions by joining a club, activity, or group. Try new things as well.
Have a Summer Plan. Find meaningful ways to spend your time—volunteer, shadow a professional, get a summer job, take a course. Tap into your own interests!

Fourth Form Year

Select your college counselor and begin to form an open and trusting relationship.
Meet with your advisor to review your academic plan and goals.
Continue to be involved in campus and community activities.
Familiarize yourself with the mechanics of the College Counseling Office.
Consider starting a resume that highlights your strengths and experiences.
Continue to research schools, including visits to local college campuses to get a better sense of what is out there.

Fifth Form Year

Check with your college counselor to ensure that you are enrolled in a rigorous, yet personally appropriate, course schedule.
Attend College Seminar during the fall term.
Take a combined diagnostic SAT/ACT test and the PSAT in the fall.
Start meeting regularly with your college counselor individually in December.
Work on developing a college list with your counselor that reflects your individual strengths and goals.
Fifth Form Parents’ College Workshop in February: mock application review & group meetings with your student’s counselor.
Develop a testing plan with your college counselor and begin taking standardized tests.
SAT and ACT prep classes are available to students for a fee from February through April.
Remain involved in campus activities and begin to seek out leadership roles.
Continue to update your resume as needed.
Plan college visits for spring break and summer vacation.
Attend the College Fair in April. More that 100 colleges are typically represented!
Take the SAT or the ACT as needed in May and June.
Artists and performers should begin working on portfolios or pieces to submit to colleges.
Athletes should register with the NCAA Eligibility Center.
Continue to research and engage in meaningful summer opportunities and activities, such as getting a job or an internship, volunteering, or attending a summer program.
Register for the Common Application.
Begin drafting your personal statement and supplemental essays over the summer and send them to your counselor for review.

Sixth Form Year

Continue to meet regularly with your college counselor — It’s GO time!
Attend information sessions with college representatives when they visit Kent. Each year we host representatives from more than 100 colleges and universities.
Ask for recommendations from two Fifth or Sixth Form teachers.
Continue to visit colleges and demonstrate interest, especially in those you are unable to visit.
Finalize your college list with your counselor.
Decide which, if any, Early Action and Early Decision schools you will apply to and review deadlines.
Take final SAT or ACT if necessary.
Grades, Grades, Grades! Continue to work hard in your classes.
Embrace leadership opportunities and remain active and engaged in the community.
Review Common App and school specific applications with your counselor.
Review and polish final drafts of your personal statement and supplements.
Submit applications and test scores as necessary.
Submit financial aid forms as necessary.
Research scholarship options and review deadlines.
Evaluate final decisions with your counselor.
Select one college and deposit by May 1.
Graduate!
Gap year or transfer students — you may continue to contact your college counselor after graduation for assistance with any of your future applications or plans.

Information for College Representatives

We look forward to welcoming you to Kent. Please feel free to contact the College Office at any time if we can assist you with your visit. The College Counseling Office is located in the Dickinson Science building (the large brick building), just as you enter the main campus. Please park in the guest parking lot. The Kent Admissions Office is the white building on your right. Dickinson is just across the way, as you approach the campus, on your left. The College Office is located in the far right corner of the building, Room 125.

Our annual college fair takes place each spring and is held in the Nadal Hockey Rink. The entrance to the Hockey Rink is a quarter of a mile west of Kent’s main entrance on Route 341, on the left.

Please consider allowing some time to enjoy the town of Kent. There are a number of wonderful coffee shops, chocolate shops, galleries, gift shops and a great bookstore in town, just down the street from the Kent campus.

View the Kent School Profile 2023—2024

Contact College Counseling Office Manager Karin Irwin

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College Counseling

College Counseling

Distinctly Student Focused

College Preparation, Not College Imitation

People and Process

Acceptances

College Counseling Timeline

Third Form Year

Fourth Form Year

Fifth Form Year

Sixth Form Year

Meet The College Counseling Team

Information for College Representatives