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College Counseling

At The Mountain School, college counseling is rooted in our mission and values of curiosity, reflection, and community. Every student, regardless of background or future plans, receives individualized support to navigate the college search and application process with confidence and purpose.

TMS School Profile 25-26
Alumni Profiles
College Matriculations
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Personalized College Guidance

Students arrive at TMS with diverse experiences and goals, and our college counseling program meets them where they are.

Whether students already work with a counselor at their sending school or they will be the first in their family to consider college, The Mountain School can help you chart your path.

Students can also join our First-Generation, Low-Income (FLI) affinity group for additional support and resources throughout the process.

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Workshops & College Planning Sessions

Each semester, our Assistant Director and School Counselor host a series of opt-in college counseling workshops that help students build key skills for success beyond high school. Students are also invited for drop-in hours every Wednesday, as well as optional individual college counseling meetings.

Past workshop topics have included:

  • Exploring college options and building a balanced list

  • Understanding standardized testing and test-optional admissions

  • Applying for financial aid and scholarships

  • Writing authentic personal essays and meaningful activity lists

  • Choosing effective recommendation writers

  • Creating a holistic, values-based application

  • Guest presentations from admissions officers and independent school college counseling partners

These sessions ensure that every Mountain School student leaves with actionable tools and a clearer sense of direction.

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College Visits & Alumni Connections

Students have the opportunity to tour nearby colleges and universities, including Dartmouth College, the University of Vermont, and Middlebury College. These visits help students envision the next step of their educational journey while connecting classroom learning with real-world opportunities.

We also connect current students with TMS alumni who are now thriving at colleges across the country and around the world, offering an insider's perspective on campus life and the transition from the Mountain School to college.

Isabel S20: From TMS to Brown
Vivien S18: From TMS to Smith
Courtney S14: From TMS to Stanford
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Reflection & Essay Writing Support

Our English Journals and End-of-Semester Reflections provide a foundation for powerful college essays. Students spend time exploring questions about identity, community, belonging, and resilience—common themes in college applications. By the end of their semester, every student has meaningful stories and self-knowledge that make their essays truly stand out.

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The Mountain School Difference

Colleges and universities across the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. recognize The Mountain School as a place that cultivates engaged, curious, and community-minded learners.

Attending TMS strengthens your college application by demonstrating:

  • Purposeful academic rigor and intellectual curiosity

  • Leadership, collaboration, and contribution within a close-knit community

  • Commitment to sustainability, reflection, and service

Many alumni choose Mountain School teachers to write their college recommendations because of the deep relationships they build here.

Since 2020, over 300 alumni have gone on to more than 100 colleges and universities—from Ivy League and Russell Group institutions to selective liberal arts colleges and major research universities.

Ready to See Where a Semester at The Mountain School Can Take You?

Discover how our college counseling program can help you find the right fit and tell your story with authenticity and confidence.

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