College Counseling
Everyone—teachers, deans, administrators, coaches, parents and fellow students—plays a role in the college process. Our College Office works with students starting in the sophomore year, but purposefully from the middle of junior year onwards.
Counselors keep in close touch with everyone who interacts with a student to ensure that the office develops a comprehensive portrait of each student as they go through the college application process. The office counsels your child and advocates for them, preserving their self-confidence throughout the college process. We want them to be themselves at their best, not to become someone else to please a college—and we invite parents to be part of this journey.
The college process is an integral part of a CGPS education. Students explore their strengths and interests, learn how to best present themselves authentically to a variety of colleges and make choices that fit their academic and personal potential.
Class of 2026 College Destinations
Amherst College
Barnard College
Binghamton University
Boston University
Bucknell University
Carnegie Mellon University
Colgate University
Colorado College
Columbia University
Cornell University
Dartmouth College
Duke University
Emory University
George Washington University
Georgetown University
Indiana University Bloomington
Lehigh University
Macalester College
Middlebury College
New York University
North Carolina State University
Northeastern University
Northwestern University
Oberlin College
Princeton University
Rice University
Rutgers University
Santa Clara University
Southern Methodist University
Syracuse University
Tufts University
Tulane University
Union College
University at Buffalo
University of California, Berkeley
University of California, Los Angeles
University of Charleston
University of Chicago
University of Colorado Boulder
University of Maryland, College Park
University of Miami
University of Michigan
University of Pennsylvania
University of Southern California
University of Texas at Austin
University of Virginia
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Vanderbilt University
Wake Forest University
Washington University in St. Louis
Wesleyan University
Williams College
Counseling by Year
CGPS minimizes the stress of the college process, introducing families to the College Counseling Office in tenth grade and hosting trips, seminars and other events for juniors. In senior year, students are confident about their college choices and engaged in crafting compelling applications. It helps that more than 100 college reps visit in the fall and students receive two excused days to visit campuses. We are proud that over 80% of our students are accepted by their first or second choice college.
Meet the College Counseling Office
Matthew Alander
Christine Cuppett
Anna Dowling
Diana Kim
Grace Marshall
Sara Polsky
Cory Pressl
A Balanced Counseling Experience
Roll over the college banners below to read reflections from our graduates about CGPS's College Counseling Office.
“Going into the college process as a junior, I was overwhelmed by how much there was to consider. The College Office was an incredible resource throughout everything, helping me build my college list and shape my essays around both my past interests and future goals. Over time, I became less apprehensive and more excited for each meeting with my counselor, Ms. Kim, and, ultimately, am thrilled in my decision to attend Columbia.”
OLIVIA HIRANO, '26
"It would be an understatement to say I was intimidated and scared to start the college admissions process. However, from the very beginning, Ms. Cohen was relaxed and professional. She had a great sense of humor that immediately relaxed my nerves and gave me the confidence to persevere. I appreciated how personal the college admissions process felt at CGPS and couldn't have done it without the College Office in my corner." HUDSON SHAPIRO, '23
"As a relatively introverted person, I was hesitant to open up. However, the College Office created a comfortable environment where I could express myself and my interests, which was reflected in my college applications, leading me to Emory University."SARAH ROODIN, '23
"As someone with a lot of anxiety surrounding my college admissions process, the CGPS College Office was an amazing resource for me. From helping me compose my list of schools to reviewing my essays to answering my thousands of questions, Ms. Marshall made an otherwise stressful process more manageable. I couldn’t have done it without her!"CHLOE LEE '26
"Entering the college process, I knew next to nothing about universities or where I wanted to spend my next four years. The College Office helped me with the tools and game plan I needed in order to find my perfect match. All of this happened in a warm, supportive environment where I could go to my counselor anytime. Even after getting into my dream school, when unexpected financial aid issues arose, the office stepped up. They made sure I could go to the university of my choice with their deep connections, countless meetings and sheer hard work."
Sebastian Rosado ’26
"I am now entering my third year in the Pratt School of Engineering at Duke University, majoring in Electrical and Computer Engineering and Computer Science. Had it not been for the encouragement and support of the College Office, I could have missed out on the opportunity to be a woman in the STEM industry." hannah taubenfeld '17
"My college counselor and I established a great relationship that helped me find the perfect 'fit.' She continued to help me after I chose a college to ensure that I had a positive transition. Also, throughout the complex process, the office quickly answered all of my mother's questions and concerns." TOrian clarke '18
"Although I had a general idea of what I wanted in a college, the application experience helped me better understand what truly mattered to me both academically and personally. Ms. Kim and Ms. Polsky have been incredibly supportive throughout the process, helping me refine my essays, brainstorm ideas and build a balanced college list that fits me. I learned that the most meaningful applications come from being authentic and truly passionate about your interests."madison cho '26
"The College Office was a fantastic support system, helping me discover schools and programs that aligned with my interests, while at the same time opening my eyes to options that I would not have considered otherwise. This assistance preserved my confidence and set me on a path where I could reach my full potential." lindsay fuchs '16