Mayfield seniors are receiving early and good news from colleges
Members of our senior class have good reason to celebrate a happy new year as most have already been accepted to one or more colleges—a credit to their Mayfield academic record and achievements, their diligent focus on submitting early applications and the guidance of our top-notch college counselors.
As of this week, more than 90% of the class has received acceptance notices from colleges and universities throughout the country, including Boston College, Oxford College at Emory University, Fordham University, Tulane University, University of Notre Dame, Santa Clara University, Washington University in Saint Louis, and Texas Christian University.
“We are so thrilled for our seniors and proud of the hard work they have put into the early application process. Once they hear back from a college with positive news, a huge weight is lifted off their shoulders,” said Director of College Counseling Abigail Shaw. “The rest of the waiting becomes much easier, and the enthusiasm for what awaits starts to build.”
The early acceptances are part of a trend at many colleges in which students can submit applications in mid-fall and receive early notification, typically in December and January. Not all colleges and universities participate in this “early action” application timeline, including the UC and Cal State universities.
“Oh my gosh, I’m just so relieved and happy that I have been accepted and made good connections at two colleges already,” said Claire Cruz ‘18, who received good news from DePaul University and the University of Arizona. “I just feel so much better that I submitted a few early applications.”
However, the good news of an early acceptance does not necessarily mean the wait is over. Our Mayfield counselors encourage students to apply to a well-researched, balanced list of colleges that suits each student’s particular needs, and most acceptance notifications, including UC campuses, will be sent by late March. Students have until May 1 to make their final decision.
Katrina Lopez ’18 is among those awaiting UC decisions, although she said she feels “the pressure is off” now that she has received one early college acceptance. She said getting an early start on essays made it easier to complete later applications because her thoughts and ideas were well organized.
“I know that I have already gotten into a really good college,” she said of her Fordham University acceptance. “I have a place and so much of the stress is off.”
Mrs. Shaw said some Seniors choose to only apply to schools with later deadlines and are now completing their applications.
“We are proud of each Senior for tailoring this process to fit their own individual needs,” Mrs. Shaw said.
At a senior class meeting on Thursday, Mrs. Shaw and Associate Director of College Counseling Samantha Pieper continued their guidance, reminding students about the “swirl of deadlines” that are approaching.
“We are here for any help you need on those final essays,” Mrs. Shaw said. “Anything you need we got your back. Just let us know.”
By February the seniors’ thoughtful application process—which always leads to 100% acceptance to college—draws to a close. The Class of 2017 is now attending 49 colleges and universities across the country and abroad, including Stanford, Yale, Santa Clara, five UC campuses, Duke, Notre Dame and Loyola Marymount. We are confident the Class of 2018 will likewise find great individualized college matches.
Throughout the college application season Mrs. Shaw and Ms. Pieper provide personal attention that focuses on the unique needs of each student. Working closely with students and parents, they discover those universities where a student will flourish during her undergraduate years.
This year, through our innovative Formation of Self health and wellness program, the college counselors have been working weekly with Seniors in small groups to guide them through all aspects of the admission process, including essay-writing, interviews and financial aid.
The new, dedicated advising time has enabled seniors to get a good handle on deadlines and requirements, connect as a class and feel support amongst their peers during the application season.
“Formation of Self ensures that each senior is regularly connecting with us about their individual college process and that they have a space to ask questions and receive personalized attention,” Ms. Pieper said. “The conversations have been enriching, lively, and have gone a long way to demystify the college process.”
Now, while our seniors wait for the next round of good news in the spring, Mrs. Shaw and Ms. Pieper turn their attention to our junior class to officially kick off their college search process.
Take note juniors and parents: A mandatory “College Night” takes place on Jan. 24 at 7 p.m. in Pike Auditorium. Your 16-month-long college application journey is at hand!
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Established in 1931, Mayfield Senior School in Pasadena, CA is a Catholic, independent, college preparatory school for young women grades 9-12. Noted for its rigorous academic program, which includes 28 Advanced Placement and Honors courses, Mayfield’s curriculum is underscored by a philosophy of educating the “whole child,” which also encourages commitment to and excellence in the arts, athletics, community service and spiritual growth. The nurturing environment at Mayfield Senior School allows each student to flourish in an atmosphere of personal attention.
