The “Good News” list keeps growing in the College Counseling office

Our College Counseling office calls it “The Good News” list—the spreadsheet showing that, as of this week, more than 85% of Mayfield seniors have received early acceptance notices from colleges and universities including Bates College, Boston College, Duke, Fordham, Georgetown, Harvard, Loyola Marymount, Santa Clara and Stanford.
“We are so excited and proud that all their hard work to get to this point has paid off,” said Samantha Pieper, Co-Director of College Counseling.  “We want them to take a breath now and celebrate all their achievements. It’s a time to really enjoy the remainder of their senior year without having to write college essays!”

So far, 82 colleges and universities throughout the country have accepted Mayfield students, a reflection of the breadth of interests and aspirations of our 89 senior students. Our students’ reach includes nearly every section of the country. Here’s a snapshot look of some, but not all of their acceptances!

In the Pacific Northwest: Oregon State, University of Oregon, University of Portland, University of Puget Sound, Willamette University.

In the West and Southwest: University of Arizona, Chapman, Colorado College, University of Denver, Mount St. Mary’s, University of San Francisco, University of Redlands, San Diego State, Texas Christian University.

In the Midwest: Creighton University, DePauw University, Gustavus Adolphus College, Indiana University at Bloomington, University of Iowa, Loyola University Chicago, Miami University Oxford (Ohio), University of Minnesota, St. Louis University.

In the South: University of Alabama, Auburn University, University of Mississippi, University of Tennessee, Tulane University.

East and Northeast: Becker College, Drexel University, Emerson College, University of Maine, Pace University, Providence College, Seton Hall, University of Vermont.

Mayfield seniors are encouraged to apply to several colleges on their list under various early application guidelines. Applications are typically submitted in mid-fall and early notifications are made, generally in mid-December and January. Not all colleges and universities participate in early application timelines, including the University of California, Cal State universities and the USC.

“I wanted to be able to have at least a few decisions before the new year,” said Laura Arcia ’19, who received five acceptance notices before Dec. 21. “It made things less stressful to know almost all of my decisions before Christmas break. It also forced me to submit everything early, so I didn’t have to worry about college apps after Nov. 30.”
 
Laura has decided to attend Syracuse University and intends to major in either Human Development and/or Nutrition and Dietetics. Congrats, Laura!
 
However, the good news of early acceptances does not necessarily mean the wait is over.
 
Elysee Vielma ’19 has several early acceptances but will make her final choice after she hears from all the colleges she applied to. In the meantime, she feels relief.
 
“Just getting that validation that ‘oh my gosh, this is actually happening’ is so exciting and takes the load off,” Elysee said.

Students generally submit 9 to 12 applications as part of a well-researched and balanced list that reflects each student’s needs and goals. Some students choose to apply to colleges with later February deadlines. Most acceptance notifications, including UC campuses, will be sent by late March.

Students have until May 1 to make their final decision.

During these quieter months, the college counselors keep up the pace.

Even though applications are mostly complete, our counselors coach students on interviews, and help with scholarship applications and the financial aid process.

“We are preparing them to make the best decision for themselves by May 1st, and that includes the financial piece, too,” said College Counselor Lynn Maloney.

The time spent in Formation of Self sessions working on essays during their first semester now turns to real-world topics such as healthy lifestyles in college, self defense and car maintenance.

Laura couldn’t be happier.

“It was really rewarding to know that all my hard work had paid off, and it relieved all the stress I was feeling,” she said. “Now I can just be excited that I’m going to college!
Back
No comments have been posted
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.