College Counseling

At its core, St. Mark’s is a college-preparatory school that challenges students intellectually and, through a careful and thoughtful selection of courses, readies them for the rigors of higher education. Many third-, fourth-, and fifth-formers and their families seek assistance with planning each year's courses, having certain college aspirations in mind. The college counseling staff, consisting of a full-time counselor and a half-time assistant counselor, works closely with families, students, and faculty advisors to assist with these plans.

The formal college counseling process begins in January of students' fifth-form year. At that time, the class meets weekly with the counselors, and students make individual appointments to discuss their own plans. A special student–parent weekend workshop, conducted by the college counselors and a panel of college admission deans, is held early in February. Sixth-form students are further supported through the application process with the addition of an essay advisor — a faculty member who works with them solely on refining their personal essays.