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King School

An independent day school educating students PreK-Grade 12

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College Counseling

The college counselors know each student well and support students and families with a four-year developmental program that centers on empowering students as they reflect on their passions, capabilities, and ambitions and on discovering the most competitive match for each student.

The college counselors have deep expertise in colleges and the college process as well as strong relationships with college admissions officers nationwide. The productive partnership among college counselors, students, teachers, parents, and colleges helps students discover the most competitive fit.

Each student, starting in Grade 9, is paired with an experienced counselor who guides the college preparatory journey.

  • Shaping curricular strategy
  • Guiding activity selections
  • Developing standardized testing strategy
  • Identifying a college list
  • Completing applications
  • Making a final decision with thoughtful and reflective care

King's four-year developmental program enables each student to discover the most competitive fit

As the matriculation list shows, King students attend some of the top colleges and universities in the country. King graduates are succeeding in many different careers and use the lessons learned here everyday. Colleges and Universities can learn about school visits and see our school profile by visiting our College Visits page

Developmental Program Prepares Each Student

Grades 9 and 10

Preparing the foundation for the college process:

  • Identifying curriculum choice/development
  • Shaping strategic extra-curricular engagement
  • Preparing to evaluate colleges
  • Understanding the nomenclature of a wide variety of college and university settings
  • Understanding what is required to gain admission at a wide variety of schools throughout the United States and abroad.

 

Grades 11 and 12

 College admissions and the application process:

  • Learning what constitutes an excellent application to college through college counseling and evening seminars on topics including: college interview preparation, college essay development, standardized testing timeline and strategy, developing a resume of activities, letter of recommendation guidance, and visiting colleges
  • Discussing strategic application programs (early decision, early action, restricted early action)
  • Identifying a college list
  • Visiting colleges
  • Meeting with college admissions representatives who visit the King campus
  • Filling out applications
  • Making a final decision with thoughtful and reflective care.

Learn More

Meet the Team

College Counseling at King is supported by a team with deep expertise in colleges and the college process as well as strong relationships with college admissions officers nationwide. Contact us with any questions and learn more about each team member below. 

Jessica Landis

Director of College Counseling

David Volain

Senior Associate Director of College Counseling

Emily Prince

Assistant Director of College Counseling

Julia Naclerio

Associate Director of College Counseling

Asante Robinson

Registrar, AP Coordinator and DEIB Coordinator Athletics
ANTONIA KOLB '24

HARVARD UNIVERSITY

"At King, you leave with an educational mindset that you cannot get anywhere else."
CATIE HARVEY '24

COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY

"I have attended King since Prekindergarten, which makes me a lifer. Every teacher at King truly wants the students to succeed. I cannot thank them enough for all that they have given me. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to grow up here at King."
CHARLIE HILL '24

Wesleyan University

"King's college counseling team not only helped me realize what I wanted out of my college experience, but also helped me to navigate the college process as a student athlete. King challenges students to tackle their college process early on. With the help of Ms. Prince, my college counselor, I was able to figure out what I was looking for in a college. The college process is no easy one; however, Ms. Prince was with me every step of the way with her excellent communication and guidance to make it as smooth a process as possible."

JACK ZIPPER '24

Dartmouth College

"I am so grateful for my four years at King. Thanks to the highly educational curriculum, caring teachers, and an overall welcoming King community, I have advanced tremendously as a learner as well as matured as a person."
LUKE STANISE '20

BOSTON COLLEGE

"King helped me realize that I can successfully pursue my core classes plus hobbies and activities. Now I feel prepared to experiment in college with majors and exciting courses."
AMBER TAPSCOTT '20

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

"At King, I learned the importance of staying true to myself and valuing unique perspectives. In college, I look forward to applying the life skills and lessons I’ve gained at King to pursue my study of Communications."
JENNA MACRAE '19

PRINCETON UNIVERSITY

"I am so grateful to King School; it really was a team effort from my teachers to the Administrators to my college counselor, Mr. Volain. My teachers not only prepared me academically for the college application process, but also took the time to get to know me as a person. The college guidance process starts early at King, as teachers set high expectations for their students and create a plan to help you meet those expectations. Princeton was my dream and they helped make it a reality. I am confident that King has thoroughly prepared me for college and I am excited to be challenged academically and athletically at Princeton. I found King to be a warm and welcoming environment where students support fellow students. I came to King in 10th grade and felt instantly comfortable. My teachers and friends are extremely understanding of my challenging academic and athletic schedule, and support me so that I can thrive in both aspects."

ANNA PATTEN '19

COLBY COLLEGE

"I feel very prepared for my next step at Colby College thanks to the King College Counseling department. My College Counselor was always there to help and calm me down and hand out chocolate when I got stressed. I really appreciate King's four year approach to guiding kids through the whole college process as it really helped me. I can't wait to be in Maine next year!"

PAUL NOUJAIM '19

DUKE UNIVERSITY

"From compiling my list to celebrating my acceptance, King college counseling was with me each step of the way. I've been at King since PreK and I'm thinking about studying Philosophy and Economics in college. I'm beyond excited to begin the next chapter of my life at Duke University."

BLAIR HOLEY '19

THE COLLEGE OF WILLIAM & MARY

"I was offered the perfect amount of flexibility and support from the College Counseling office. I never felt like my wants were being over powered, and Ms. Landis was always incredibly insightful and leading me towards success. I am confident that William & Mary is the perfect school for me! I would not have been able to make it to this point without her guidance."

College Counseling in Action

King School Celebrates Two National Merit Semifinalists: Jaipal Dohil and Parker Hayashi

King School seniors Jaipal Dohil and Parker Hayashi have been named National Merit Semifinalists, a prestigious honor recognizing their exceptional academic achievement. The students, who placed among the top 1% of high school seniors nationwide, have shown a continuous dedication to excellence throughout their time at King School. The National Merit Scholarship Program honors outstanding scholastic talent and promotes a deeper respect for learning.

Read More about King School Celebrates Two National Merit Semifinalists: Jaipal Dohil and Parker Hayashi
King Students Win National Merit Scholarships

The National Merit Scholarship Program has granted two King students its prestigious National Merit $2500 Scholarship. Catie Harvey and Jack Zipper will both receive the award, following in the footsteps of their peer Ben Persily ’23, who became the first King student to win the scholarship in 2023. The recognition puts Catie and Jack in a pool representing less than 1% of high school seniors.

Read More about King Students Win National Merit Scholarships
College Athlete Commitments and Tennis, Lacrosse, and Crew Highlights

King Athletics is wrapping up the 2023-24 school year in impressive fashion. Nine standout senior athletes were recognized this week as they celebrated their college commitments with friends, family, teammates, and coaches. Girls Tennis brought home the first New England title in program history. The undefeated Boys Lacrosse team looks to continue its winning-streak in a final championship match. King Crew had an amazing showing at the US Rowing Northeast Youth Championships, reaching the finals for the first time in program history!

Read More about College Athlete Commitments and Tennis, Lacrosse, and Crew Highlights
Ben Persily ’23 Awarded Milton Fisher Scholarship for Innovation and Creativity

Congratulations to Ben Persily ’23, who was recently awarded the Milton Fisher Scholarship for Innovation and Creativity by The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, the region’s largest grantmaker and charitable endowment. The award recognizes Persily's work through King's ASPIRE program at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, which lead to breakthroughs in correcting the genetic mutation that causes cystic fibrosis through stem cells.

Read More about Ben Persily ’23 Awarded Milton Fisher Scholarship for Innovation and Creativity