The Geneva School of Manhattan recognizes the unique makeup of each student. We seek to prepare graduates for the next stages of their academic journeys by training them to lead lives of virtue, wisdom, and faith.
College advisement begins in Ninth Grade. With our Portrait of a Graduate keenly in mind, our Upper School faculty work with each student to discover and develop their God-given passions and talents. While the college counseling process adheres to the very best elements of a Geneva School education—individualized to each student with a long-term view in mind—it does not supercede the primary learning taking place in our classrooms.
Ninth Grade
We aim for students to discover their life’s purpose, beginning with self-knowledge. Ninth Grade students receive a personalized assessment using the rubric of Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences followed by one-on-one meetings with our college advisor to help them gain insight into their intellectual strengths.
Initial Evaluation
Students take the Multiple Intelligences Test, an exam created by senior faculty at Harvard University's School of Education, to determine their unique giftings.
Initial Follow-up
Students and parents have their first meeting with the college advisor. Based on the results of their test, students narrow down their potential interests.
Planning
Students are given suggestions on the best extracurriculars to match their stated interests. Plans are formed for accountability.
Spring Check-In
Students meet with the college advisor team to ensure that they are following through with their plans and are doing well academically.
End-of-Year Meeting
Students and parents meet with the college advisor to discuss the events of the year, as well as discuss how students will spend their summer.
Summer Check-In
For students who have a rigorous summer plan, students can check in with their advisor for accountability. Students have the opportunity for one last check-in in the month of August.
Tenth Grade
Tenth Grade students are exposed to college-level research as they visit places like Columbia University to conduct primary and secondary source research. They also receive optional individualized SAT prep sessions during the summer.
Initial Meeting
Initial meeting with parents and students to discuss summer progress and future planning for sophomore year.
Competitions
Students are encouraged to join team competitions in ethics, computer science, math, and science. Students prepare to take the PSAT.
Summer Applications (December)
Students are given support to apply to relevant summer camps. They work with their advisor to meet deadlines.
Research (Ongoing)
Students utilize their liberal arts class to visit the Columbia University library. Students produce research and are encouraged to submit essays and papers for competition.
End-of-Year Meeting (June)
Students and parents meet with the college advisor to reflect on the year, discuss summer camps, internships, and summer projects.
Summer SAT Prep (June-August)
SAT preparation courses are held over the summer to ensure that students are prepared for the exam in the fall.Optional: Students have the opportunity for one last check-in in the month of August.
Eleventh Grade
Equipped with self-knowledge and research skills, Eleventh Grade students work with a faculty mentor and dive into the Junior Project, a year-long effort that encapsulates their passions and academic interests. They continue SAT prep and receive one-on-one college advisement. Optional summer sessions focused on essay-writing for college admissions are available.
Initial Meeting (Early September)
Initial meeting with parents and students to discuss potential college interest and to develop a list of potential schools.
SAT/ACT/PSAT (October)
Students finalize SAT/ACT preparation, taking the exams in the fall. Students also take the PSAT for National Merit consideration.
Summer Opportunities Applications (December)
Students are given support to apply out to competitive summer camps and work with their advisor to meet deadlines.
College Visits (Ongoing)
Students receive opportunities to meet with college admissions officers and attend college fairs.
Junior Project (May-June)
Students enjoy a yearlong mentoring partnership with a faculty advisor on a topic of their choice, culminating in a year-end presentation to the School community.
College Matchmaking (May-June)
Students and parents meet with the college advisor to finalize college lists, request recommendations, and begin college essays.
Twelfth Grade
Twelfth Grade students visit colleges together in the area and in New England to narrow their preferences. They also receive letters of recommendation from their teachers and can receive optional guidance for the Common App and interviews. The entire four-year college advisory plan guides students through a portfolio of options and deadlines catered to their individual pursuits. Our students are supported by a network of loving faculty mentors, prepared for every challenge, and encouraged in every task.
Early Applications (Early September)
Students finalize applications and submit their Early Decision/Early Action schools after going over their application with their college advisor.
Regular Applications (December)
Students receive the results of their early applications in December, and prepare regular applications for submission. Students receive interview preparation as needed.
College Decisions (Spring)
Students are given assistance in making college decisions as well as writing letters of continued interest.
Career Preparation (Spring)
Students are given opportunities to take real-world internships and learn financial literacy.
College Preparation (Spring)
Students are given advice in navigating college: registration, career paths, maintaining their spiritual disciplines in college.
Graduation and Beyond (June)
We celebrate our graduates! We pray for their continued growth outside of The Geneva School of Manhattan. Graduates continue to stay connected in a variety of ways including participation with an active alumni group.
College Advisor Mr. Yang has been exceptional, transforming what can often feel like a daunting college application process into a smooth and manageable experience. His outstanding support and responsiveness stood out: he was readily accessible and provided prompt, thorough, and reassuring answers whenever we had questions or needed guidance. The level of personalized support we received at Geneva School is unmatched. Because we are a uniquely small school, the faculty know the students exceptionally well, enabling them to write extremely strong and personalized letters of recommendation. We are so grateful to be at Geneva School and appreciate the support and prayer we received from faculty and staff during this formidable process.
Nancy Lee (P'25,27)
Our students are trained in the art of rigorous, thorough inquiry. They ask deep questions and explore perspectives from both a classical and modern lens. Colleges find a rare mix of academic excellence, selfless disposition, and proactive leadership in our graduating cohorts."
—John Yang, Lead College Advisor