Explore College Counseling
We empower students to achieve their higher education goals. We understand that the college application process can be complex, which is why we offer unparalleled support and personalized guidance to every student and family.
Student-to-Counselor Ratio
At Holland Hall, we pride ourselves on providing an exceptionally low college counselor-to-student ratio. With 3 dedicated college counselors serving a senior class of approximately 90 students, we maintain a remarkable 1:30 ratio. This is significantly lower than the national average of 1:395 as reported by the National Association of College Admission Counselors. This intimate ratio ensures each student receives in-depth, individualized attention throughout their college journey.
Building Bridges to Top Universities
Our commitment to student success extends beyond our campus. Our expert college counselors regularly visit university campuses nationwide, forging valuable relationships with admissions officials. These connections are vital, allowing us to advocate effectively for our students.
In turn, admissions representatives from top colleges and universities frequently visit Holland Hall’s Upper School, providing our students with direct access to a wide range of academic opportunities. Each spring, we also host our Annual College Forum, bringing Deans of Admission from leading institutions to our campus. This unique event further strengthens our relationships with key university personnel and showcases the exceptional qualities of Holland Hall students firsthand.
Holistic Student Development
Holland Hall believes that a student’s education is enriched by active involvement. Our students are celebrated for their individuality, integrity, and passion for learning. The College Counseling department works tirelessly to ensure that universities recognize the full spectrum of our students’ academic achievements and extracurricular strengths.
This comprehensive approach culminates in quality, in-depth college counseling for each student and their family. We partner closely with students and parents to identify the best-fit colleges – institutions that align perfectly with their academic aspirations, personal interests, and future career goals. Our mission is to guide students to universities where they will not only succeed but thrive.
College Counseling Curriculum
Freshman College Counseling is introduced through fall wellness classes, focusing on goal setting, expectations, and the importance of a strong transcript by teaching students how to calculate their GPA. In the spring, counselors return to review individual transcripts and guide students in creating a four-year curriculum plan. All freshmen take the PreACT in October as an initial benchmark for college readiness.
Sophomore College Counseling is introduced through the one-semester Sophomore Wellness course in the fall, which utilizes personality and career assessments along with college application case studies. In the spring, students are assigned a College Counselor who meets with them to discuss leadership, maintaining a strong curriculum, and the importance of visiting college campuses. All sophomores take the PSAT in October and the PreACT in late spring to benchmark their performance on both national tests.
In the spring, junior students are enrolled in College Seminar, a semester-long course that covers all aspects of the college search, including resume building, personal statement writing, the Common Application, and college admission case studies. Students are required to register for and take a single ACT (December or February) or SAT (December or March), with additional testing options available throughout the spring and summer.
Just before the 12th grade year, College Counseling offers an optional "College Boot Camp" to reduce fall semester stress by helping rising seniors complete the Common Application, update their résumé, and write their personal statements and essays. Seniors are then required to meet with their assigned counselor once per cycle in the fall until all applications are submitted, ensuring the entire process is monitored and all questions are answered.
College Acceptance Map
Over the last 5 years our graduates attend universities around the world.
40th Annual College Forum
These experts in their field will discuss overall current trends in college admission, talk a bit about their own institutions, and answer any questions you might have.
This event is free and open to the public.
Annual College Forum
Past Forums
College Admissions Colleagues
Our calendar is now available by searching for Holland Hall at: www.scoir.com.
Making appointments in SCOIR is a free service to you. SCOIR also provides its college advising and document management platform free to Title 1 eligible high schools to facilitate the admissions process and expand college access. Their admission essential solutions are available to every college at no cost.
Directions to the College Counseling Office in the Upper School
To find the Upper School building, enter through the main gate on the south side of East 81st Street, between Yale and Sheridan. A directional sign will be on your right. The Upper School is color-coded YELLOW. Watch for directional signs in yellow. You will follow the road all the way to the first stop sign. Take a left at the stop sign. The Upper School building will be on your right. Take the first left into the parking lot. Visitor parking is on your right. Walk back toward the Upper School and look for the single glass-door entrance with a sign to its left that reads, “Upper School / Visitor Entrance / Administrative Offices / Admissions.” Enter through this door and register with the receptionist at the front desk. Please have a valid driver’s license with you for registration purposes. Someone from College Counseling will meet you and show you to our offices. Please note: Holland Hall is a completely smoke-free, nicotine-free campus.
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