College Guidance

College Counseling

Transformative Guidance, Not Just a Checklist

At AFS, we believe college guidance should be a transformative journey—not a transactional process. That belief shapes our comprehensive four-year approach, where relationships, expertise, and intentional planning come together to help students discover the right next chapter for their lives.

From the moment students enter ninth grade, our faculty works closely with them to design a path that aligns with their evolving interests, goals, and strengths. Our approach integrates academic advising, personal reflection, and family partnership into a cohesive progression that supports both readiness and self-discovery.

What sets us apart is the depth of our relationships and the breadth of our support. We go far beyond college lists and deadlines—offering personalized guidance on everything from course selection and summer opportunities to financial aid, scholarships, and the emotional dimensions of decision-making. With deep knowledge of the admissions landscape and a strong network of institutional connections, we help students identify opportunities that are both excellent and uniquely suited to who they are.

At AFS, college guidance isn’t an add-on—it’s a natural extension of our educational philosophy. Our goal is not only to help students gain admission to outstanding institutions, but to help them find communities where they will thrive, lead, and grow.

Your Story, Powerfully Told—By People Who Truly Know You

With deep relationships and heartfelt advocacy, our college counselors ensure your student stands out as more than just a number.

Our college guidance counselors are respected voices in admissions offices across the country, having cultivated authentic connections through hundreds of campus visits and personalized interactions with admission representatives. When admissions officers visit AFS, they experience our distinctive curriculum firsthand and develop a nuanced understanding of our students' exceptional preparation. These meaningful connections transform your student from a folder in a stack to a multidimensional candidate championed by trusted advocates.

Our counselors speak with authority and credibility when highlighting a student’s unique strengths, contextualizing their achievements within our rigorous program, and articulating precisely how they'll contribute to a college community. This personal advocacy creates opportunities that transcend test scores and grade point averages.

In a process that grows more competitive each year, the AFS advantage is clear: your student benefits from relationships that truly matter when admission decisions are made.

College Guidance Seminar for Juniors

All juniors get a thorough introduction to the college application process. In addition to the seminar, our college guidance counselors work closely with each student’s family and advisor to assist students in choosing a school path that will help them realize their personal and career goals and ambitions. Throughout the process, students are prepared to take increasing ownership of the decision-making in identifying the college or post-high school option that is the right fit for them.