With much unpredictability in college admissions, the desire for varied opinions and resources is understandable. Smart college-bound consumers know to evaluate information carefully. But what’s is the best way to handle top concerns:

• Exploding application pools and sinking admit rates—hometown favs include UCLA admitting 9% of 146,300 apps and USC admitting 10% of 83,500 apps
• Return on investment for college costs
• Career pathways that lock in future jobs

Add to that list—Setting goals to pursue in college.

Students might ask: What skills do I want to develop in college? How do I activate my plans? How will I take advantage of location? What campus resources are available? Viewpoint School’s College Counseling Office offers Seniors and their families clear and direct information to help answer those questions, and, hopefully, reduce some of the noise.

A critical point in our College Counseling Philosophy is “As students engage in self reflection…they become empowered to take responsibility for their college process.” Now more than ever students need to own it—to reflect on personal qualities, realities, and goals, and line up schools that fit that profile. By the way, regarding “good schools,” there are no bad ones. The question is, what are the “good schools” for you?! Maybe it’s one that offers a big scholarship or a favorable financial aid award, or one that has a five-year BA/MA degree in teaching, or one that includes a co-op program for paid internships in college. Or…fill in the blank.

As Viewpoint’s College Counseling Philosophy also suggests, every aspect of our program is designed to help students meet their goals for college admission and beyond. Below are highlights—new initiatives, pilot programs, and longstanding practices—that guide students every step of the way in their personal journey to college:

Programming for College-Recruited Athletes—In partnership with the Viewpoint Athletics Department, we have developed additional touch-points to support our potential college-recruited athletes and increase knowledge around this ever-changing landscape. Any interested students can attend monthly Athlete Check-In meetings to provide timely information about the recruiting process. Parent/guardian meetings are planned as well.

College Counseling Classes—After a successful pilot program last year, the college counselors will continue to meet during Monday Advisory with Seniors in the fall and Juniors in the spring. These 45-minute sessions have specific curriculum designed to keep students on track with timely college process information and tasks. Everyone—counselors and students alike—found the classes helpful.

Communications—More challenging than ever, disseminating and receiving the right information at the right time is tricky. There is so much “noise” out there, and also a lot of helpful information to consume. We are experimenting this year with a weekly digital newsletter, in addition to posts on our social media, web page, and myViewpoint tile.

World Readiness of Viewpoint Graduates—We are working on a research project to poll recent alumni—where they landed and what they are doing after graduating from Viewpoint. Stay tuned for this data-enformed report we hope to share in 2026.

I like to say, cue eye-roll, “The universe will bring you what you need!” And it will! Every single year I do this work (33 years in the profession and 16 at Viewpoint), I am amazed and gratified that this mantra holds true. Especially coming from a school like Viewpoint with a relevant mission, the availability of resources and facilities, and expert teachers and counselors, students are positioned for success.

Finally, a special note to the Class of 2026—Viewpoint’s college counselors pledge to do what we can to cut through all the noise of college admissions and support you in any way we can. We are excited to see all that you accomplish this year—as scholars, leaders, college applicants, and future world ready Viewpoint graduates.