College Counseling

The GDS College Counseling Office provides families with individualized guidance and support throughout the college search and application process.

Knowing that every family is unique, our counseling staff works closely with each family to personalize the process through honest conversation and proactive planning. Our experienced counselors understand the complex world of college admissions and enjoy listening, planning, and assisting students with finding a college fit that’s right for them and their family.

Mr. Gregory helped me find colleges that met my goals for the future and that fit me academically. Without his help, I am certain that I would have been overwhelmed by the process. I was happy to receive many acceptances, but some of the most exciting acceptances were the ones from schools that Mr. Gregory and I found to be good matches. I appreciate Mr. Gregory going the extra mile to advocate for me.

Warren McWhorter ’22

College counselor walking down the hall and speaking to a student

2022–23 Upper School Profile

2022–23 College Counseling Calendar

Campus Rep Visits

Representatives from more than 90 colleges visited GDS during the 2021–22 school year.

We welcome interest from college admission representatives who would like to visit our campus and meet with students. You will need to create a free account with Scoir to schedule a campus visit.

Scoir Website

The GDS College Counseling Advantage

Experience & Expertise

Our College Counseling team has extensive experience in college admissions and financial aid. Because of their in-depth knowledge, they are able to expertly guide students through the college admission process, including building a college list, completing the application and essay, applying for financial aid, and—probably most importantly—being available to listen and provide counsel.

Both of our College Counselors spend time each year visiting college campuses across the country and meeting with colleagues to discuss current trends and the landscape of college admission. These experiences build good relationships with admissions officers at a wide range of schools and allow our Counselors to be strong advocates for our students. It also allows them to knowledgeably recommend a variety of schools that may fit an individual student’s needs, interests, and abilities.

Individual Attention

Throughout the entirety of the college search and admissions process, our College Counselors meet individually with each student and their family. Our Counselors get to know each student on a personal basis and are able to make recommendations based on their individual and academic needs, interests, and family situation. Our College Counseling staff is professional and caring, with a genuine desire to help our students have a meaningful college search process tailored to their needs.

Step-by-Step Guidance

During a student’s time in the Upper School, they will benefit from step-by-step guidance from our College Counseling Office. Families first hear from our college counselors in eighth grade, and support and programming continues during the ninth and tenth grade years. Every junior meets a number of times with their college counselor, and seniors meet frequently with their college counselor during the application period.

2022 by the Numbers

344

Total college acceptances

135

Different colleges where students were accepted nationwide

47

Different colleges attended by GDS students

40

Students attending college out of state in 21 different states

38

Students attending 15 different colleges in North Carolina

36

Students attending private colleges and/or universities

42

Students attending public universities

97

Percent of students reported that they were happy or very happy with their college placement