College Counseling | Academics | Episcopal High School

COLLEGE COUNSELING

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College Counseling

The college counseling program at EHS is designed to help students explore their strengths and interests and, ultimately, gain admission to the colleges and universities that best suit their ambitions and aspirations.
                        
Our dedicated team of college counselors offers highly personalized guidance throughout the college process and maintains connections with colleges and universities across the country and internationally. Counselors help students shape a purposeful course of study, identify best-fit schools, and submit powerful applications that are as unique as they are.
                        
The result? Our students are prepared and competitive candidates, ready for the college, where they will forge their future. EHS graduates attend amazing colleges and go on to interesting graduate programs, fulfilling careers, and meaningful community leadership.

“The school does a good job of holding you accountable to high standards.”

Learn more about college counseling at EHS

Nathaniel FAMILUA '26

El Paso, Texas, USA

For College Admissions Officers
College representatives may schedule an in-person or virtual visit for the fall through Scoir. We also welcome any representatives who are able to offer our students an opportunity to interview as part of the application process. We recognize the value of this meeting for both admission officers and our students. Please feel free to contact us if you need assistance scheduling a visit or would like to offer interviews to our students on campus.
Transcript Requests for Episcopal Alumni
Graduates of EHS who require official transcripts should request transcripts via Parchment.

 

As a member of the National Association for College Admissions Counseling (NACAC), Episcopal High School adheres to the NACAC Statement of Principles and Good Practice governing communication between school and colleges endorsed by the Association.

Begin the Exploration

Episcopal's 100% residential community provides ample opportunities for the college counselors to work closely with students. As a result, the counselors know the students well and can advocate strongly and work diligently to convey each student's strengths.

Students are encouraged to consider a wide range of possible college choices, exploring everything from what fields of study interest them to what type of campus community appeals to them, ultimately leading towards discovering the best match between student and college.

All students are encouraged to take advantage of the College Counseling Office resources. Our formal college planning process takes place in the following stages:

Freshman Year
The top priority in 9th grade is for students to concentrate on academics and a smooth transition to boarding school life. In the spring, students will work with their advisor to develop a 10th grade course plan and explore personal interests and activities at EHS.
Sophomore Year
Fall Semester
  • Take the PSAT.
  • Consider taking the practice ACT offered at Episcopal (optional).
Spring Semester
  • Meet the college counselors and learn about Scoir - a comprehensive website designed to help students and parents explore colleges and careers. College counselors also use this system to track and analyze college admission data.
  • 10th grade students and parents receive an invitation to create their personal Scoir accounts.
  • Work with an advisor and college counselor to develop an 11th grade course plan.
  • Explore summer opportunities that complement your interests and passions.
Junior Year
  • Attend college counseling group meetings, programs, and presentations offered. Topics include researching colleges, visiting campuses, and planning a standardized testing timeline. 
  • Meet with a college counselor to develop a college list plan for when to take standardized tests (SAT, and/or the ACT).
  • If interested, enroll in the optional on-campus SAT/ACT prep class.
  • Consider visiting colleges over spring break. In addition, juniors may take one college leave in the spring semester.
  • Episcopal will offer the SAT and ACT on campus.
  • Participate in college essay writing classes led by the college counselors and English faculty.
  • Discuss with your college counselor which teachers are best suited to write your letters of recommendation. Request recommendations and complete class reflections for the teachers who agree to write on your behalf.
  • Attend the Senior Panel led by members of the senior class. Hear firsthand the inside scoop on the college process from our seniors' perspectives.
Summer before Senior Year
  • Visit colleges and, when possible, schedule interviews with admission offices.
  • Continue to explore your interests through a summer job, volunteering, and reading for pleasure.
  • Carve out time to work on your applications. The Common Application is available August 1, and other college applications are typically available between July 1 and September 1.
  • Write a polished draft of your Common Application essay.
Senior Year
Fall of Senior Year
  • Episcopal will offer the SAT and ACT on campus.
  • Continue to work on the Common Application.
  • Complete your final draft of the Common Application essay and required supplemental essays.  
  • Meet with college counselor early and often.
  • Attend required senior class college counseling meetings and workshops.
  • Meet with college representatives visiting EHS.
  • Visit colleges throughout the fall. Students may be excused from two days of classes to visit colleges. Fall Break in October is a good time to visit a college.
  • Review colleges' application deadlines and other requirements (financial aid, scholarship deadlines, art supplements, etc.)
Spring of Senior Year
  • College Counselors will submit mid-year grades to colleges on behalf of seniors.
  • All colleges will release admission decisions on or before April 1.
  • If you have been placed on a waitlist, meet with your college counselor to frame an individualized waitlist strategy. Your counselor will be contacting colleges and advocating on your behalf.
  • Inform the college in which you will enroll by May 1, the National Candidate's Reply Date.

See what some of our alumni are doing now!

Fri, 30 May 2025

Dr. Ravenel Richardson '99

Dr. Ravenel Richardson ’99 has built a powerful career uncovering overlooked wartime narratives, using her foundation at Episcopal to fuel a lifelong commitment to amplifying women’s voices in Holocaust and genocide studies.

Fri, 30 May 2025

Courtney Lewis '10

Courtney Lewis ’10 is transforming the way communities connect through food, using her nonprofit Err’body Eats to fight food insecurity, empower youth, and nourish change from the ground up.

Tue, 11 Jun 2024

Lucy Whittle Goldstein ’97 and Kiamani Wilson ’14

From student to mentor and back again, Lucy Whittle Goldstein ’97 and Kiamani Wilson ’14 are proof that the Episcopal experience can come full circle — connecting generations of teachers and learners on the Hill.

 

Tue, 11 Jun 2024

Chris Hutchins ’03

From pizza slices after study hall to 7 million podcast downloads, Chris Hutchins ’03 has turned his lifelong obsession with life hacks into a career helping others optimize their lives.

Tue, 11 Jun 2024

Charles “Chuck” Baldecchi ’89

Chuck Baldecchi ’89 didn’t set out to become a teacher, but he now leads one of the top independent schools in North Carolina, fueled by the mentorship he found on the Hill.
 

Fri, 15 Dec 2023

Jane Pope Cooper ’96

Creativity and entrepreneurship have been Jane Pope Cooper’s ’96 calling cards since her days on the Hill; today, she’s redefining the jewelry world with her signature designs and commitment to women-led, sustainable craftsmanship.

Mon, 06 Nov 2023

Aldabert August "Adie" von Gontard IV '07

Adie von Gontard ’07 has made a name for himself in the sports agent industry with an unlikely business partner — music mogul Dwayne “Lil Wayne” Carter.

Mon, 01 May 2023

Dr. Edward Darrell Jervey ’54

Dr. Edward Darrell Jervey ’54, initially reluctant to follow his family’s ophthalmology legacy, became a dedicated eye surgeon and lifelong volunteer, inspired by his Episcopal education and committed to serving underserved communities through free clinics and teaching.

Mon, 01 May 2023

Kenneth Avery Ringle ’57

Ken Ringle ’57 transformed his inherited bamboo grove on Avery Island into a globally celebrated conservation project, fostering community and awareness around the rare Moso bamboo through annual volunteer cleanups.
 

Mon, 01 May 2023

Luiji Vilain '17

Canadian-born Luiji Vilain ’17 followed friends to Episcopal to pursue his NFL dream, excelled as a top-ranked high school player, starred at Michigan and Wake Forest, then signed with the Minnesota Vikings, attributing his discipline and routine to his time at EHS.

Sat, 17 Dec 2022

Josh Szymczak ’16

Josh Szymczak ’16 serves as a U.S. Forest Service hotshot firefighter, battling the most dangerous parts of wildfires across the West with intensity, teamwork, and pride.

Sat, 17 Dec 2022

Philip ’04 and David ’07 Glaize

Fourth-generation apple farmers, Philip ’04 and David ’07 Glaize are putting a fresh twist on the family orchard with Old Town Cidery, crafting hard cider from their own Shenandoah-grown apples.

Sat, 17 Dec 2022

The Honorable Bill Lewis ’69

Presiding judge for Virginia’s 15th judicial district, Bill Lewis ’69 handles 30–40 cases a day with the goal of guiding families through difficult times with empathy and fairness.
 

Fri, 01 Jul 2022

Alfred Berkeley ’62

A former NASDAQ president and cybersecurity advisor to two U.S. presidents, Alfred Berkeley ’62 continues his legacy of service through Triaj, a life-saving medical app used in global conflict zones.

Fri, 01 Jul 2022

Harvey Moseley '69

Dr. Harvey Moseley ’69, now a retired NASA Senior Astrophysicist, helped develop the COBE satellite and key James Webb Space Telescope technology—work that earned Nobel recognition and the James Craig Watson Medal—and credits EHS for preparing him to reach for the stars.

Fri, 01 Jul 2022

Nettie Webb '18

Nettie Webb ’18, a UVA senior, created the HEAAL Tour to educate first-year students on the University’s history of enslaved laborers and was awarded UVA’s first Undergraduate Excellence in DEI Award.

Fri, 01 Jul 2022

Sundi Lofty '94

Sundi Lofty ’94 is a writer, producer, and creative director whose impactful work at Black Robin Media and MTV Entertainment blends education and entertainment across major platforms like PBS, OWN, and the History Channel.
 

Fri, 01 Jul 2022

John Churchman '75

John Churchman ’75 found his creative spark in the EHS arts department and has built a vibrant career around storytelling and visual expression. Now a New York Times bestselling author, Churchman lives on Moonrise Farm in Vermont, where he and his wife create children’s books inspired by their animals. Their debut, The SheepOver, launched a beloved series, Sweet Pea & Friends, celebrated for its warmth, photo-illustration, and heart.
 

 

Wed, 11 May 2022

Whitt Clement ’66

Whitt Clement ’66 was named rector of the University of Virginia Board of Visitors in June, bringing decades of leadership experience including roles as Virginia Secretary of Transportation and president of the Virginia Bar Association. He has also been deeply involved with Episcopal High School, serving as Class Chair for over 50 years and on its Board of Trustees.
 

Wed, 11 May 2022

Danielle O’Banion ’97

Danielle O’Banion ’97 was named head women’s basketball coach at Loyola University Maryland in 2021, bringing 20 years of Division I coaching experience to the Greyhounds. A former co-captain at Boston College, O’Banion is known for her player-centered approach and passion for mentoring student-athletes. Coaching close to home, she’s proud to lead in a community that reminds her of EHS.