College Counseling

At Sage Ridge, college counseling is a personal, student-centered process—a coaching partnership built on integrity, character, and purpose.

From grade 1 through 7, our Director of College Counseling coordinates with Lower and Middle School faculty to build college readiness skills and connect skill development to students’ future studies beyond graduation.

Beginning in 8th grade, our students embark on a multi-year individualized journey of exploration and preparation guided by our Director of College Counseling. 

Our goal is simple but profound: to empower each Sage Ridge student to find the college that fits them academically, socially, and philosophically. 

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Early Preparation, Lifelong Impact

We don’t believe in cookie-cutter college lists or one-size-fits-all metrics. Our Director of College Counseling builds strong relationships with each student and family to support curiosity, growth, and achievement throughout Upper School.

Students and families follow a comprehensive five-year roadmap with key milestones, including: 

• Grade-level seminars and one-on-one counseling sessions 
• Access to Naviance, Revolution Prep, College Board, and College Kickstart
• Free PSAT/SAT and ACT practice tests and score reports from Revolution Prep
• Application support and interview prep
• Personalized checklists and test planning
• 8-week application workshop in the spring of junior year and fall of senior year
• Introduction to the SCALES model for college research

We recognize college planning is a family journey. That’s why we: 

• Meet with families in 8th grade to chart Upper School academic plans
• Host ongoing parent information sessions and meetings
• Maintain open, consistent communication throughout Upper School

At Sage Ridge, we believe the best college is the one that aligns with a student’s passions, values, and aspirations. Our counseling approach, then, focuses on finding the right institutional fit over playing a rankings game.

Through guided research and personalized advising, students explore colleges that match their:

• Academic interests and learning style 
• Campus culture, size, and geography
• Financial aid and merit scholarship potential
• Extracurricular and research opportunities
• Personal goals and family priorities 
• Serendipitous discoveries during exploration

This approach helps students move beyond superficial criteria to deeply reflect on what environments will best support their growth. 

“My goal remains to find the best institutional match for each Sage Ridge student. I am eager and proud to support families in their search for college fit because there is purpose in the application and selection process beyond college branding and rankings, admissions frenzy, and hype.” 

- Rob Lamb, Director of College Counseling 

The Senior Year Experience is the academic and developmental capstone of a Sage Ridge education. Designed to mirror the rigor, independence, and responsibility of college life, it equips students with the mindset and skills to thrive after graduation.

Senior Experience & Signature Programs

Sage Ridge graduates earn admission—and merit scholarships—to top universities including Stanford, Yale, Dartmouth, Northwestern, University of California schools, and more. Nearly 90% of Sage Ridge graduates attend out-of-state colleges, with strong enrollment on both coasts across a wide range of institutions both public and private.  

Our graduates are thriving in an increasingly challenging admissions landscape. In the Class of 2025, nearly 60% of graduates are attending highly selective institutions. These outcomes reflect not only academic excellence but also personal growth and character development that define the Sage Ridge experience. 

Just as importantly, our students are attending schools that fit—places where they will be challenged, supported, and inspired to lead lives of meaning and purpose. At Sage Ridge, we value thoughtful college matches over name recognition, and we guide students to pursue institutions where they will truly thrive.

“Admission outcomes matter, of course. But they matter mainly because the student engagement that drives the holistic admission process, and the human character that is shaped by it, are key elements in each individual’s unfolding story.” 

– Rob Lamb, Director of College Counseling

Each January, alumni return to speak with Upper School students, offering candid reflections on their transition to college. Their stories underscore the strength of a Sage Ridge education and how it prepared them, often citing their academic readiness, writing strength, and development of character at Sage Ridge as key advantages in college.

“The workload of college just felt a lot easier than what I saw from my friends. A lot of my friends weren’t used to doing that much outside work. I was used to sitting down for a couple of hours and studying, so I think Sage really gives you a head start. I’m fully STEM, but the writing I’ve had to do has been so much easier because of Sage. I can get it done really quickly, which has been super helpful.” 

- Samantha Kenyherz ‘22, Student at Boston University