College Counseling

Our counselors provide personal attention and top-notch information that focuses on the unique needs of each student. Mayfield’s college counseling program prides itself on the caring guidance, support and advocacy of each student as she makes her way through the college admission process. We believe this process is an extension of her Mayfield education requiring solid research, self-reflection and thoughtful analysis.

The college counseling program at Mayfield Senior School prides itself on the personal guidance, support and advocacy of each student as she makes her way through the college admission process. We believe this process is an extension of her Mayfield education requiring solid research, self-reflection and thoughtful analysis. This necessitates looking beyond college rankings and discovering those universities where her unique gifts will be challenged and nurtured in order for her to truly flourish during the undergraduate years.

The college counselors educate students and parents on colleges, admission standards, trends and procedures in order for students to match their personality and goals with institutional communities and offerings. We believe in savoring the opportunities each young woman has and delighting in the thrill of the search. As with all aspects of a Mayfield education, we care deeply about our students and it’s a joy to walk alongside them throughout this journey.

How well a college matches the individual student's needs is the driving force behind our search process. We get to know the students through individual and parent meetings, weekly meetings as a class during senior year, questionnaires, as well as in their leadership roles and extracurricular activities. At Mayfield, this process is a partnership between the students, their parents and the counselors. Unlike many other high schools, we choose not to split each class amongst our two counselors. Rather, every student gets the full advantage of both counselors' knowledge and experience. They meet with both of them and feel free to access either one. The college counselors guide each senior in choosing a list of potential colleges emphasizing a good "fit" — communities where she can flourish personally and academically. Fully aware that there is no substitute for a campus visit, the college counselors stay current by touring multiple colleges each year.

The process, year by year

9th Grade

It’s hard to think about the college admission process when you first walk through our doors as a freshman and honestly, we don't really want you to. We do want you to become invested in the Mayfield community in and out of the classroom.

By taking advantage of the opportunities the school offers, both academic and extracurricular, you will be doing exactly what colleges hope. During this transition, you are free to try something new without fear of failure, build study stills, develop your passions, explore your interests and begin making informed academic choices. We believe it is critical for freshmen to enjoy being at Mayfield and embrace our community as you begin this first step of your academic career.

10th Grade

Having made a strong transition and discovered your academic footing, sophomore year is the time in which we encourage you to challenge yourself scholastically, working hard in the classroom and honing in on your interests. Now is also the moment to start deeply pursuing your passions, whether they manifest within athletic, artistic or service oriented fields.

As leadership is an important component of not only the Mayfield community but also the college admission process, students should begin exploring ways in which they can make a difference and use their abilities to affect their surroundings. There are many opportunities to lead at Mayfield and beyond, and each sophomore is encouraged to take advantage of those options. Students will also be introduced to the standardized testing process for the first time, in the hopes that this early assessment will make each young woman more familiar, comfortable and aware of the testing structure and requirements.

11th Grade

This is when the college admission process begins in earnest. As soon as you take your first semester finals, we get started. The conversation opens not with the colleges, but with you. We will ask you to reflect on what it is you really want for your college experience, your strengths, challenges, ambitions and personality. The soul-searching is first.

Concurrently, you will meet as a family with your college counselors to begin exploring options, addressing your fears and defining your dreams. Visiting campuses and investigating colleges will round out the first steps to designing your initial list.

Balance is the key to this busy and challenging year. Between academic responsibilities, leadership positions, community involvement and beginning the college process, we want you to stay grounded in the present, even as you look to the future. It is important to make time to have some fun with your friends and family and enjoy being in high school.

12th Grade

During the senior year, students will have the challenge of juxtaposing two skill sets in order to work through the admission process. On one hand, you're encouraged to think broadly, deeply examining your personal strengths and needs, and doing some serious reflection, all with the goal of uncovering a balanced list of colleges that you are thrilled to apply to and that you love! On the other hand, this process is filled with details and deadlines, and you must remain fully organized and in tune to all the minute pieces that need tending.

With the guidance of the college counselors, seniors will maneuver through this delicate balancing act, all the while keeping an eye fixed on the goal of this journey; to find your future home, community and academic contemporaries. With the doors always open, college counselors will walk you through each step at a time, supporting you as you ultimately make your final college decision.

We truly enjoy supporting our students through the process of college admissions and helping to find the right college fit. It’s so rewarding to see our Mayfield alums come back to campus and declare, “I am so happy and at home at my college! And Mayfield prepared me incredibly well for my college classes!"

- Lynn Maloney, Co-Director of College Counseling

Congratulations Class of 2024!

We are proud to announce that the 79 members of the Class of 2024 will be attending the following 46 colleges and universities around the world.