Class of 2026: Outcomes That Matter

Jessica: College counseling didn’t just draw me in, it called me. I started my career in college admissions at Rice, Sewanee, and Knox College, traveling across the U.S. and the world meeting high school students, attending college fairs, interviewing applicants, and reading applications to make admission and scholarship decisions. I loved hearing students’ stories, seeing their ambition, and helping shape incoming classes.

There was one moment that changed everything. I was in a hotel lobby in India, interviewing a bright and driven student whose academic interests didn’t align with what Rice offered. In that moment, I stopped being an admission officer trying to shape a class and became an advocate for a young person’s future. I told her, “You don’t need to come to Rice. Let’s talk about schools that would be a better fit for you.” She looked surprised, maybe no one had ever told her that fit matters more than prestige. That conversation stayed with me and showed me that my true passion was helping students find the right place to thrive.

Not long after that trip, I had brunch with a colleague. That conversation led to the opportunity to return to my hometown and work alongside him at a high school. I hadn’t planned on making the move so soon, but sometimes purpose doesn’t wait. Since then, I’ve never questioned that I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.

Jessica: Calm, clear, and consistently enthusiastic. The college process can feel overwhelming, especially with comparison culture and social media highlight reels, so I intentionally create an environment that feels steady, affirming, and organized.

I am a student’s biggest cheerleader, but I am also in the process with them. I help students center their stories, guiding them to focus on who they are, what they care about, and where they will thrive. My mantra is simple, be YOUR best, not THE best. There is a huge difference. 

I’m also practical. Project management skills are a powerful tool in this work. The college search can feel like one giant, intimidating mountain. I break it down into steps with clear timelines, benchmarks, and actionable next moves. We brainstorm essays, evaluate summer opportunities, build balanced college lists, and prepare for interviews, all in manageable steps. When students feel organized, they feel empowered.

Before I push students toward any goal, I take the time to truly know them. Every student is different, with their own motivations, family dynamics, academic interests, confidence levels, and fears. Once I understand them, I can challenge them appropriately, whether that means encouraging an academic risk, reminding them to breathe, or helping them reframe disappointment as redirection.

I do this work with joy because I believe deeply in young people. They are thoughtful, innovative, compassionate, and far more self-aware than we often acknowledge.

Jessica: Many families put pressure on a single outcome, thinking the name of the school will determine a student’s life trajectory. In reality, what matters most is how a student uses the opportunities available to them and whether they choose a path aligned with their goals, values, and learning style.

My role is to offer perspective, normalize anxiety, and reassure families. Often I can say, “I’ve seen this before. Everything will be fine.” That reassurance makes a huge difference.

Jessica: What makes a CCS student unique in the college admissions landscape is the depth and authenticity of their experience. Here, students don’t just complete coursework; they actively apply their learning in meaningful, real-world ways. This year alone, more than 39 college admission representatives have visited CCS, and they consistently leave impressed, not only by our students’ poise and confidence but by how clearly and thoughtfully they can articulate their learning experiences and internship work. That ability to reflect, connect experiences to future goals, and speak authentically about their growth is something colleges immediately notice.

One of the most distinctive elements of CCS is the internship program. Juniors and seniors spend one full day each week working alongside professionals in fields that interest them. This sustained, hands-on experience helps students clarify their goals, build professional skills, and develop the confidence to speak thoughtfully about their interests in college applications and interviews.

CCS students also participate in Winterim, immersive experiences that take learning beyond the traditional classroom. Whether through travel, service, creative projects, or specialized coursework, Winterim allows students to dive deeply into a subject and demonstrate independence, curiosity, and initiative, qualities colleges value highly.

The school’s Outdoor Education Center (OEC) further distinguishes CCS students. Through leadership development, environmental education, and team-based challenges, students build resilience, collaboration skills, and a strong sense of responsibility to their community and the world around them. These experiences shape confident, adaptable young adults who are prepared to thrive on a college campus.

Jessica: There are many, but the most powerful is when a student shifts from uncertainty to ownership. They begin to truly see themselves and their next steps. Their essays sound like them, their college lists reflect fit, and their confidence feels earned.

Of course, I love celebration days, the emails, the hugs, and the joyful tears when admission decisions arrive. But what I cherish most is when a student says, “This feels right.” That’s when I know the journey has been meaningful.

Jessica: This is a process of discovery, not a race, and every child’s path is uniquely their own. Rankings, deadlines, and comparisons can be stressful, but the most important thing is helping students find a place where they will thrive. Trust the process, trust your student, and know that success isn’t defined by a single school, it’s defined by discovering where your child belongs, will be challenged, supported, and inspired.