At Putney, we believe college is a match to be made, not a prize to be won.
Our comprehensive college counseling program formally starts in 11th grade, but the relationship that students form with their college counselors begins the moment they step onto campus. Our college counselors get to know students in many capacities so when it’s time to actively assist students as they research colleges, investigate careers, and make decisions about their futures after graduation, they’re ready to provide individually tailored guidance to set students up for success.
Application Assistance
Beginning in the winter of junior year and continuing through to the winter of senior year, Putney students meet twice weekly for College Planning, in seminar classes and in individual or small group meetings with assigned counselors.
Timeline Communication
When it comes to college applications, there are a lot of deadlines and deliverables to track. The College Office helps students and families stay on top of everything through direct communication with students and parents about important application process dates and to-do items.
Transcript Review
The transcript serves as both an objective history of the student’s time at Putney and a map to help college admissions people understand the nuances of each student as an individual.
College Essays
We offer College Essay Workshops most weekends in the fall and ongoing writing support during weekly College Planning Seminars and College Preparation Meetings. This allows each student time to perfect their essay so their unique voice shines.
Letters of Recommendation
Putney faculty get to know students inside and outside the classroom—through the work program, during afternoon and evening activities, on Long Fall Trips, as part of the residential life program, by working jointly on various committees, and even in the KDU for meals—which allows our teachers to craft comprehensive personalized letters of recommendation.
Valuable Connections
All juniors and seniors have personalized online accounts to access Naviance, a nationally-recognized college counseling software resource. In the fall, representatives from dozens of colleges and universities, across the country and beyond, visit campus to meet with juniors and seniors. In October, we also offer a trip to Northfield Mount Herman’s annual college fair in Massachusetts.
