College Counseling

Everyone at CGPS—teachers, Deans, administrators, coaches, parents and fellow students—plays a role in the college process. Our College Office works with students, individually and in groups, 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. The office works especially hard to preserve students’ self-confidence and self-worth throughout the college process. We want them to be themselves at their best, not to become someone else in order 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; they learn how to best present themselves authentically to a great variety of colleges; and they are guided to make choices that fit their academic and personal potential.

Counseling by Year

CGPS works hard to minimize 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 and enthusiastic about their college choices and are engaged in the work of making compelling applications. It helps that more than 100 college reps visit in the fall and that students have two excused days to visit campuses. We are extremely proud that over 80% of our students are accepted by their first or second choice college or university.

Meet the Team

Patti Cohen

Patti Cohen

Director of College Counseling
Christine Cuppett

Christine Cuppett

College Office Administrator
Anna Dowling

Anna Dowling

Associate Director of College Counseling
Lisa  Hent

Lisa Hent

Associate Director of College Counseling
Diana Kim

Diana Kim

Associate Director of College Counseling
Janet Kraus

Janet Kraus

Senior Associate Director of College Counseling
Sara Polsky

Sara Polsky

College Office Writing Associate

A Balanced Counseling Experience

Roll over the college banners below to read reflections from our graduates about CGPS's college office.

The College Office proved invaluable, supporting me thoroughly and thoughtfully throughout the college admissions process. Their assistance propelled me toward institutions and programs that perfectly matched my interests and introduced me to options I would have overlooked. With their unwavering encouragement, I built confidence not only as a college applicant but also as a person.CAMILLA HIRANO, '23
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, Ms. Cohen and 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
“The College Office provided invaluable assistance in identifying a school that shared CGPS's values and offered strong support and connections among students and faculty. Without Ms. Cohen's guidance, I might not have considered schools in the southern region. Ultimately, this change of pace from city living turned out to be exactly what I needed, as I discovered that Wake Forest was a perfect match. In addition to its rigorous academic environment, its temperate climate significantly contributes to the positive atmosphere on campus." Sabrina Bakalis '20

“My meetings with my counselor were always informative, stress-relieving, and incredibly useful as I navigated my way through this process. She always made sure I was organized, on-time with each deadline, and most importantly, that I remained calm."

Jared kimmel '19

“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
“Having lived in New York City my entire life, I knew that I wanted a completely different college experience while retaining my favorite aspects of CGPS, including smaller class sizes and close relationships with teachers. The office guided me through the entire admissions process, from my common application to my essay and interview and helped me determine that Colby was a great fit for me." Jonathan stempel '16
“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