Courage and Confidence since 1880

College Counseling

Newton Country Day graduates attend and thrive at some of the most competitive colleges in the United States and abroad. Our primary goal is to offer support for students to approach the next stage of their lives with Courage and Confidence instilled by their Sacred Heart education. The College Counseling program aims to match each student’s abilities, strengths, personal preferences, and career aspirations to the most appropriate colleges or universities.

Designed to be highly individualized and comprehensive, the process begins informally when students enter the Upper School and meet with advisors to outline a course of study for their Upper School years. The process becomes more formal in junior year when the Head of the Upper School, Head of School, and the College Counseling Team meet with juniors and their parents to introduce the college selection process. Individual and small group sessions are held to discuss topics such as the college interviews, applications, college essay and supplement writing, testing strategies, and financial aid.

The college search is a transformative process that allows students to explore their values, dreams, and identities. It is a journey of self-discovery in which students focus on the experiences they want to have, the academic areas they wish to explore, and the interests they aim to engage with. Instead of chasing perfection in themselves, their application, or the "perfect" college, we encourage them to embrace the journey and let their application reflect who they already are. By organizing the details and accomplishments of their lives and presenting these with authenticity and consistency in their applications, students can approach this process with confidence. While we walk alongside them on this path, we ensure they lead the way, prioritizing their individual identities and aspirations.

College Counseling Team

Mr. Judson Blanchard

Mr. Judson Blanchard

Titles: Associate Director of College Counseling, English Teacher, Grade 11 Team
Email:
Ms. Karen Naylor-Riobueno P '13

Ms. Karen Naylor-Riobueno P '13

Titles: Associate Director of College Counseling, Spanish Teacher
Email: