College Counseling
100% College Bound... 100% PREPARED
At Williams, college counseling is a personalized journey that begins long before students submit applications. Working closely with students and families, our College Counseling team helps each student identify and apply to colleges and universities where they will thrive academically, personally, and socially. Everything we do at Williams is student-centered and individualized. By understanding each student's strengths, interests, and aspirations, we guide families through every stage of the college search with confidence and purpose.
The College Counseling Experience
College planning at Williams is a four-year process that grows alongside each student. Beginning in ninth grade, students receive individualized guidance from their teachers and advisors to help them explore their interests, make informed decisions, and prepare thoughtfully for life after Williams. During their 11th grade year, students and their parents work alongside a professional college counselor to begin working on their college lists and process to make sure they are presenting their best selves to best-fit schools.
Your College Journey
Entering Upper School
Sophomore Year
Junior Year
Before Senior Year
Senior Year
Our Approach
Choosing a college is about more than applications and acceptance letters. It’s about helping students discover a place where they will thrive academically, personally, and socially.
At Williams, college counseling is built on meaningful relationships. We take the time to understand every student’s strengths, interests, and aspirations while partnering closely with families throughout the process. Our goal is to help every student find the college or university that is the best fit for who they are and who they hope to become.
Beyond Williams
Williams graduates move forward in their lives with the confidence, communication skills, and self-advocacy needed to succeed in college and beyond. Alumni consistently report feeling well prepared for the academic rigor and independence of college because of the expectations, opportunities, and personalized support they experienced at Williams.
Meet the Director
Dana Clark has served as Director of College Counseling at Williams since 2015, guiding students and families through the college search and application process with a personalized, student-centered approach. Before joining Williams, she worked in undergraduate admissions at Seattle University and Roger Williams University, experience that gives her valuable perspective from both the student and admissions sides of the process. Ms. Clark is an active member of NACAC, NEACAC, where she serves on the Professional Development Committee, and ACCIS. She especially values building meaningful relationships with students and families while helping each student identify colleges that align with their goals, interests, and aspirations.
Questions About College Counseling?
Contact the College Counseling Office.