28-04-2025
Guiding every step: The Carrollwood Day School college counseling advantage
From the moment students walk through the doors of Carrollwood Day School, their futures begin to take shape within a community grounded in the principles of character, curiosity and lifelong learning. What begins as a playful question, 'What do you want to be when you grow up?' gradually transforms into a more profound reflection as students approach high school.
At CDS, we understand that the journey toward college can be overwhelming, filled with decisions, uncertainties and high expectations. That's why our college counseling approach isn't just about finding a college; it's about guiding students toward the right college, where they can grow, thrive and step confidently into a fulfilling future aligned with their passions and potential. Our College Counseling Department provides the support and resources needed to make this journey one of excitement and empowerment.
Since our first graduating class in 2009, not only have 100% of our students been admitted to a four-year college or university, but they have gone through the process with unparalleled guidance and support. At CDS, our College Counseling Department doesn't see students as numbers; they see individuals with unique stories, strengths and aspirations.
From the moment students enter our college counseling department, they begin a relationship-driven journey that evolves and deepens year after year. Through consistent guidance, thoughtful planning and personalized support, our College Counseling Department gets to know each student and their family on a personal level, building trust and understanding that allows us to help them make informed decisions about their futures.
At CDS, the college admissions process starts early. Our college counseling team begins working with families in the spring of their eighth-grade year, engaging students in thoughtful conversations about their future. These early interactions are not about diving into the mechanics of college admissions but about fostering a relationship that sets the tone for the years ahead.
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It's a foundational time for curiosity and exploration. Through these conversations, students' interests, fears and goals are shared, building a trusting relationship that will support them throughout their high school journey. By ninth grade, each student is paired with a dedicated college counselor who will guide them through every step of the college search and selection process, including the navigation of the intricate International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum.
'It is our goal to partner with our CDS families at each stage of the process in an effort to find the ideal college match for every student and provide the most pertinent information possible. Whether it's individual student meetings, evening presentations, or our series of 'College Counseling Coffees,' we meet our students wherever they are,' said Drew Guarino, Director of College Counseling.
In the ninth and tenth grades, the relationship between counselor and student continues to grow, along with their college resumes. These years are about exploration and getting to know what excites a student academically and personally. At this stage, the college admissions landscape is introduced to families, helping them understand how colleges and universities evaluate applications and what truly matters.
But more than that, the college counseling team helps students discover their passions, encouraging them to try new things, take risks and learn more about what interests them. By offering this reassurance in the early stages of high school, students can immerse themselves in our curriculum in a purposeful way and make informed decisions early in the process to achieve their college ambitions.
As students approach their junior and senior years, the college process shifts from exploration to strategic action. Beginning in eleventh grade, our college counseling team works closely with students during dedicated classroom time to draft resumes, craft college essays, introduce the steps to fill out a Common Application and request teacher recommendations. By this point, our team of college counselors knows each student well enough to offer personalized advice about what to highlight in their applications, ensuring that their unique qualities and strengths are showcased in the best light possible. Individualized advice continues as students refine their college lists and navigate deadlines, standardized tests and devise an application submission strategy.
As seniors, students continue to benefit from the relationships they've built with their counselors. In collaboration with our Upper School Counseling Department, techniques are provided on how to manage the emotional aspects of the college process, offering support not just in making decisions but in managing the stresses and emotions that often accompany them.
College representatives routinely visit the CDS campus, giving students the chance to engage directly with admissions officers, ask questions and learn more about potential schools. In addition, students join the college counseling department on visits to colleges and attend college fairs, broadening their perspectives and gaining valuable insights. When it's time to submit applications, CDS college counselors are there, sitting beside students as they click 'submit,' ensuring every detail is correct and that students feel confident in their work.
This personalized attention alleviates the anxiety that often comes with such a high-stakes moment, providing students with the clarity and reassurance they need to move forward with assurance. The team also walks students through the financial aid process, including scholarships such as Florida Bright Futures, furthering their access to educational opportunities.
'College counseling made the admission process so much easier and I knew I wasn't going to forget to do anything. They were a helping hand, it was a calming experience and it went beyond applying to a college. The department was there to answer my questions about financial aid, housing, orientation, choosing a major and so much more. They lowered my stress levels by providing reassurance and confidence in this next stage of my life,' said Elizabeth Stanley, Class of 2025.
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What truly sets our college counseling approach apart is the depth of our relationships with students. From eighth grade to senior year, we're there through every stage of their journey, building a comprehensive understanding of who they are and what they want for their future. This consistent, personalized support ensures that we can offer advice that is both informed and empathetic. And through counselor campus visitations, research and ongoing conversations with admission officers, CDS consistently delivers its students the most current, relevant information in an ever-changing college admissions landscape. Ultimately, college counseling at CDS is about much more than just getting students into college, it's about being with our Patriots every step of the way as they take the next big step toward their futures.
"As a parent of a graduating senior, I'm incredibly grateful for the CDS college counseling program. It took so much stress off our family. While the college process is never easy, the proactive, personalized support at CDS made all the difference. I watched friends at other schools navigate it alone or hire costly advisors, we had it all right here," said a Class of 2025 parent.
CDS is proud to support our students throughout the college search and selection journey, celebrating their achievements as they thrive at the schools they've chosen. With the guidance of our College Counseling Department, the stress of the process is eased, allowing students to focus on their goals and embrace the excitement of their next chapter.
Read more about our Class of 2025 graduates and where they are headed here.
Carrollwood Day School is a premier independent school in Tampa, Florida, serving students from early childhood through 12th grade. As an IB World School, CDS fosters academic excellence, character development and global citizenship through a rigorous curriculum and a supportive community. With a focus on innovation, leadership and service, CDS empowers students to thrive in college and beyond.
