College Counseling Process

Dr. James P. Fadely, director of college counseling, attributes 100% college placement to the four-year, individualized college counseling program at University.

I begin meeting with every student in his or her freshman year. I spend an average of 30-40 hours with each student during the four-year program. Our goal is to provide a personalized process through which we support students and families in finding colleges that are a good fit for the student.

There are more than 3,000 colleges and universities in the United States. Narrowing down the list of schools to consider is critical. Because each student is unique, the optimum college is the college that best meets the needs, talents and interests of the student. We help students assess their gifts, talents, interests and strengths. Then we guide the search for colleges that match their interests.

I had no idea where I wanted to go. Dr. Fadely directed my search and helped me choose schools that were right for me.
Emily P, Class of 2005
Our job is to encourage, guide, question, suggest and inform. We are honest in our assessment of each student's chances for admission at chosen colleges. We rank each choice as a "reach," "good fit" or "safety" school. Beginning in the first year, we help students navigate through self-assessment, research, testing, applying and choosing a college. We focus on ensuring the best college match for every student.

College counseling introduced me to colleges I wasn't considering and helped me get admitted to my "reach" school.
Jenna W, Class of 2005
The focal point of our college counseling is a personal connection with both the student and family. We realize, however, that it is important for students and families to have access to a wide range of information at all times. Through our Family Connection program, UniversityHigh School students and parents have access to up-to-date and comprehensive information about admissions, college expectations, curricular requirements and standarized testing requirements. This program provides helpful links as well as realistic assessments of a student's chances of admission at colleges where prior University High School graduates applied. We encourage you to visit the site and explore some of the information available. Simply click on the Family Connection link and enter the site as a guest.

I am overdue in expressing my deep gratitude for the efforts you put forth on [my son's] behalf. I feel that your advocacy facilitated, in a significant way, his admission to Washington University at St. Louis. I do not mean to take away from [my son's] academic efforts by saying this. I do know that there are thousands of qualified candidates and that sometimes it takes a person, such as you, to draw attention to one of those thousands. We were all nervous about his chances so when Washington University admitted him Early Decision, we stood, stunned, just looking at each other!

Beverly Bechtel