What is Fieldston’s approach to the college application process?
What is the role of the college counselor? A: Fieldston’s approach to the process is an educational one; I consider the office an academic department, as responsible for teaching as any of the other departments in the school. My personal philosophy is that it is important to match the student to the educational and social philosophy of the college. Most students start out with only the vaguest idea of what learning at the college level is like, and how different it is at different institutions. They usually have name recognition of about 15 places, and little idea of what these places can offer beyond prestige. We encourage and teach them to research, ask the right questions, explore all the options (even things they think they won’t like, so they can recognize what they don’t like), and know all the choices before they decide where to apply. I believe students should go to a college that is a mixture of what they are comfortable with and what will challenge them, both socially and aca
