Mayfield Senior School
of the Holy Child Jesus
Pasadena, CA

Members of Mayfield’s senior class have good reason for mid-winter celebrations. Most have already been accepted to one or more colleges, a credit to their academic record, achievements and their diligent focus on submitting early applications.

One other key factor has also weighed into their surge of good news—the expert guidance of the school’s two, top-notch college counselors, Director of College Counseling Abigail Shaw and Associate Director, Samantha Pieper.

Months before most spring admissions notifications are sent, nearly 90% of Mayfield’s senior class has received acceptance notices from colleges and universities throughout the country, including Boston College, Oxford College at Emory University, Fordham University, Tulane University, University of Notre Dame, Santa Clara University, Washington University in Saint Louis, and Texas Christian University.

“We are so thrilled for our seniors and proud of the hard work they have put into the early application process,” Mrs. Shaw said. “The rest of the waiting becomes much easier, and the enthusiasm for what awaits starts to build.”

While the congratulations are certainly aimed at the Mayfield’s successful college-bound seniors, their college application journey has been

carefully and thoughtfully supported and guided by Mrs. Shaw and Ms. Pieper. Their expertise and advocacy for each student reflects their mission as Holy Child educators to help each young woman embrace her unique, God-given gifts. Every year, 100% of Mayfield seniors find the right fit and gain entrance to college.

The Class of 2017 is now attending 49 colleges and universities across the country and abroad, including Stanford, Yale, Santa Clara, five UC campuses, Duke, Notre Dame and Loyola Marymount.

“As with all aspects of a Holy Child education, we care deeply about our students and it’s a joy to walk alongside them throughout this journey,” Mrs. Shaw said.

Although the college application process can bring on months of stress and uncertainty, Mrs. Shaw and Ms. Pieper view it as an extension of a Mayfield education. The counselors focus students on undertaking solid research, self-reflection and thoughtful analysis as they examine prospective colleges.

“This necessitates looking beyond college rankings and discovering those universities where she will be challenged and will flourish academically and personally during the undergraduate years.” Mrs. Shaw said.

The counselors take a measured approach to achieving college goal. They tell freshman to girls to dive into their high school experience, investing themselves in Mayfield both in and out of the classroom.

“It’s hard to think about the college admissions process when you first walk through the doors, an honestly we don’t really want our students to,” Mrs. Shaw said. “This is a time to begin to take advantage of the incredible opportunities as Mayfield.”

During sophomore year, the counselors advise students to challenge themselves academically and hone in on special interest and leadership opportunities where they can make a difference at school and in the community.

The admission process begins in earnest junior year. In one-on-one meetings with students and parents, the counselors begin exploring options and defining dreams.

“The conversation begins with the student. The soul-searching is first,” Mrs. Shaw said. Students reflect on what they really want for their college experience, their strengths, challenges, ambitions and personality.

During spring break juniors are invited to attend a weeklong, East Coast college tour, with a West Coast trip in June. After college visits, juniors begin drafting their initial lists.

During senior year, the counselors encourage students to work on a two-fold track—on one hand, think broadly and continue to uncover a balanced list of college that they love. On the other, months of deadlines and details require keen attention.

“We want our seniors to keep their eyes fixed on the goal of the journey, finding their future home, communities and academic contemporaries,” Mrs. Shaw said.

With early applications notices in the mail, many Mayfield seniors are expressing relief and excitement. Of course, some students chose to only to apply to schools with later deadlines and will receive notice in the months ahead.

Katrina Lopez ’18 is among those who are both awaiting spring decisions and have already received an acceptance. She said she feels “the pressure is off” now.

“I know that I have already gotten into a really good college,” she said of her Fordham University acceptance. “I have a place and so much of the stress is off.”

“We are proud of each senior for tailoring this process to fit their own individual needs,” Mrs. Shaw said.

Ms. Pieper, who along with Mrs. Shaw have been meeting fall semester every two weeks with seniors during a dedicated class period, said the regular connections are important.

“We want them to have a space to ask questions and receive personalized attention,”
Ms. Pieper said. “The conversations have been enriching, lively, and have gone a long way to demystify the college process.”

At a recent senior class meeting, the two continued their guidance, reminding students about the “swirl of deadlines” that are approaching.

“We are here for any help you need on those final essays,” Mrs. Shaw said. “Anything you need we got your back. Just let us know.”