College Counseling
Guiding students to navigate their future with confidence and grace.
A Personalized Journey
The US college application process has changed profoundly in the past 4 years, bearing little resemblance to the system we used to apply to college in the past. There are many reasons for this, the biggest of which is the proliferation of different ranking systems which has created an artificial need for all colleges to appear “selective”, changing the college admissions process from being educationally focused to a process driven by a business model. Most parents and students don't realize this. In a true sense, they are blind as they enter this process.
With a careful one-step-at-a-time application process over time, we avoid the anxious frenzy that usually accompanies applying to college. Working within our own PRISMS culture of curiosity, inquiry and self-development, our students learn that college is just the next step in a long life and that there is no 'perfect school'. They grow into young adults with a more mature understanding of themselves, ready to move into the world with confidence and grace.
40+ Years
It is rare to find deep college admissions experience in high schools, and at PRISMS, we bring 40+ years of experience. We are uniquely qualified to demystify this confusing system and help students navigate it effectively and with great success, working together to help students find the right universities for them.
College Counseling Overview
A structured four-year path to success.
Grades 9-10
Foundations & HabitsFocus on developing successful academic and life habits. We emphasize personal agency. "College talk" is purposefully avoided to ensure genuine personal growth.
Grade 11
Discovery & NavigationA full-year seminar course overviewing the admissions process. Students learn about college types, selection strategies, essay writing, and handling interviews.
Grade 12
Execution & ApplicationIntensive personalized support. Creating timelines, polishing essays, and submitting applications while meeting with college representatives.
Institutional Data
Meet The College Counseling Team
Marilee Jones
Dean of College CounselingMarilee comes from the world of private college admissions, having served as long time former Dean of Admissions at MIT with myriad connections across the college admissions landscape. She understands the real pressures that admissions officers feel as they work hard to create a class, and she teaches our students the rules that guide the college admissions business, helping them understand that all colleges are different from each other and therefore look for different kinds of people. One size does not fit all.
Eugene Mok
School CounselorEugene received his Ed.M and Certificate of Advanced Study in school counseling from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. He supports our students as they navigate their academic and personal development, helping them develop learning strategies, habits of success, long-term goals, and a personalized four-year plan for college readiness.