Finding the Best Fit: College Counseling at Davidson Day

But as students approach Upper School and begin thinking seriously about life after graduation, considering the possibilities of the future can become daunting and overwhelming. With so many choices, figuring out who you are, what you want, and where you’re headed can be scary and confusing.

College Counseling at Davidson Day recognizes the importance of supporting our students through these uncertain times. Director of College Counseling Tia Hill and College Counseling and Admission Associate Caitlin Barndt not only help our students apply to colleges, but they also empower our students to move forward in their academic journey with confidence. By focusing on the whole student, our college counselors support each student in understanding what they value, what they’re good at, and what they want from their college experience.

The college counseling journey at Davidson Day begins early, with our college counselors advising students as early as eighth grade on course selection and academic planning for Upper School. While some students may already have an idea of what they want to study or where they hope to go, many are still exploring. For both types of students, our college counselors offer the insights and guidance needed to help them take the right steps.

In ninth grade, our college counselors introduce students to Scoir, a college planning platform that offers a personalized college planning dashboard. Over time, through character-based and interest-based assessments on Scoir, students gain a deeper understanding of themselves, potential career paths, and school environments that may be well-suited to them.

Beyond self-assessments, our college counselors guide all students through summer enrichment opportunities, preparing for standardized tests, and attending college representative visits. This well-rounded approach offers each student a strong foundation for their college search, exposes them to various colleges, and fosters a realistic sense of what they might want from a college experience.

By junior and senior years, the college counseling process becomes more focused. Our counselors work closely with each student and support them as they identify colleges that match their unique needs and aspirations. At Davidson Day, we’re not just about finding the "best" college; we’re about finding the best-fit college for our students.

Through college visits, seminars, one-on-one meetings, and self-reflection, our students develop a clearer understanding of what they’re looking for in a school, from academic programs and campus culture to opportunities for leadership and personal growth.