College Counseling

Just as we help students develop personal agency and mindfulness during their high school education, college counseling at Bay empowers students to calmly, mindfully, and competently navigate the many stages of the college application and enrollment process, preparing them for one of the first significant life decisions they will make for themselves.

Learn more about Bay's college counseling philosophy.

Support for Every Student

Unique among independent schools, Bay approaches the college search process with the same intentional, balanced mindset shown in our mission and precepts. After a kickoff meeting with families in December of junior year, students have a dedicated class that meets once a week, is built into their regular schedule, and extends through December of their senior year.

During weekly sessions, students meet with college counselors, research colleges and programs of interest, prepare for standardized tests, write college essays, and complete college applications. The careful design of this process as part of the regular schedule is driven by our commitment to equity for all of our students and ensures they are able to continue focusing on academic and other pursuits as they dream, design, and pursue their future plans.

Using state-of-the-art resources, students work with Bay's seasoned college counselors to consider their values, interests, and needs; research which colleges and universities may fit those criteria; and evaluate how their credentials position them for admission. In addition to traditional print and online resources, The Bay School uses web-based technology from SCOIR, the most comprehensive platform available for college research, to create an open and transparent link between Bay's college counselors, the student, and their family.

Learn more about why Bay chose to partner with SCOIR and the importance of an equitable, student-driven approach to the college search process.

College Acceptance and Matriculation

Graduates of the Class of 2024 were admitted to 185 different schools and matriculated to 75 colleges across the world, with 93% of the class attending one of their top-choice schools.

Bay graduates enroll at an array of universities, including the most selective institutions in the country. However, we celebrate the process of self-discovery. Equally important to “where” our students go after Bay, is the “why.” The gift of self-awareness and ability to move forward with confidence are the skills that will lead to a fulfilling life beyond college. The most important aspect of College Counseling at The Bay School is helping students to understand their own definition of success and articulate their vision for the next phase of their life.

Download the full acceptance and matriculation list for 2020–2024.

Class of 2024 Matriculations 

College Representative Visits

Each year, representatives from more than 175 institutions from around the world, representing a broad range of programs and specialty areas, visit Bay to meet with students and share information. Bay has more visits from colleges than many of our Bay Area peer schools. Colleges and universities have experienced that our students are well prepared academically for the type of learning they will engage in during their higher education years.

If you are a college representative interested in scheduling a virtual visit with Bay seniors, please visit our resources page and SCOIR to view our online calendar.

Gap Years 

As part of the college counseling process, students who express an interest in a gap year between high school and college are given the resources and support to understand the process and possibilities for this transitional time.

Helpful Links