College Advising 2026-27
College admissions have grown increasingly complex and unpredictable, with increased competition and evolving expectations often leaving families uncertain about the path ahead. The College and Academic Advising program at The Covenant School meets this challenge through personalized, collaborative guidance that supports students and families throughout high school. Each student works with a dedicated advisor who helps them make thoughtful academic choices, discover their strengths, and approach the
college application process with confidence.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS SAT Tutoring & Testing Now offered on campus
College Representatives at Covenant In-person college visits
Expanded Advising Team
Personalized guidance for each student
Guest Alumni Speakers College insights and Q&A
Parent Webinars & Presentations Fostering collaboration and clarity
UPPER SCHOOL COLLEGE ADVISING TEAM
“
We are pleased to provide grade-appropriate college advising. We do this through grade-wide meetings, class time, and individual meetings. Our goal is to help equip students to go where God has called them. I like to think that college is a match to be made, not a prize to be won. -Laura Smith
Laura Smith, MBA Director of College & Academic Advising
Benjie Colberg, M.Ed.
Associate Director of College & Academic Advising
YEAR-BY-YEAR How can I set myself up for success?
How do I find the best fit after high school?
• Freshman year is foundational • Individual and small group meetings with a dedicated college advisor • Guided exploration of academic opportunities, extracurricular involvement, and personal interests
• Individual advising to identify best-fit post-graduation options • Coordinated PSAT testing and comprehensive SAT preparation • Guided development of college lists, Common App essays, and applications • Intentional partnership with families throughout the college planning process
FRESHMAN YEAR
SOPHOMORE YEAR
JUNIOR YEAR
SENIOR YEAR
What are my strengths and interests?
How do I present myself effectively?
• Continued individualized advising focused on students’ gifting and strengths • Intentional guidance toward deeper selfunderstanding and more focused academic and extracurricular direction
• Strategic guidance through application completion and submission • Coaching on presenting a competitive and authentic application • Writing of deeply informed counselor letters of recommendation • Ongoing personalized support as students prepare for post-graduation plans
COLLEGE OUTCOMES AT A GLANCE FROM THE CLASSES OF 2023-2026
100%
of students who apply are accepted to college
95%
Number of Schools Applied To
1 2-5 6-10 11+
Number of Students
24 52
attend a 4-year college or university
207 30 83
55%
enroll at an in-state college or university
39%
enroll at a college or university with an acceptance rate of < 50%
50
30
out of state colleges and universities have offered acceptances
in state colleges and universities have offered acceptances
different colleges and universities students have matriculated
TOP 12 MATRICULATED 4-YEAR SCHOOLS 1
James Madison University
7
Virginia Commonwealth University
2
University of Virginia
8
United States Naval Academy
3
The College of William & Mary
9
Clemson University
4
Virginia Tech
10 University of Tennessee, Knoxville
5
Liberty University
11 Christopher Newport University
6
University of Richmond
State University 12 Penn (University Park)
(434) 220-7330 | admissions@covenantschool.org | www.covenantschool.org The Covenant School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, nationality, ethnic origin, or sex in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, tuition assistance programs, athletic and other school-administered programs, nor in the hiring of faculty or staff.