College Counseling
Our Personalized Approach to College Counseling
At MPH, college counseling is a personalized, reflective, and empowering journey that celebrates each student’s unique potential. Our approach goes far beyond applications and acceptances—it’s about helping students understand who they are as learners, leaders, and individuals ready to thrive in the next stage of their education.
Our College Counseling Program guides this work:
- Provide one-on-one counseling for every student, focusing on individual strengths, interests, aspirations, and goals.
- Offer clear, consistent resources and guidance for students and families throughout the college search and application process.
- Help each student discover colleges that are the right fit—academically, philosophically, socially, and financially.
MPH students are exceptionally well-prepared for the rigors of higher education. Our transition beyond traditional Advanced Placement (AP) courses to Advanced Studies (AS) courses reflects our commitment to deeper intellectual engagement and authentic learning over rote test preparation. AS courses challenge students to think critically, synthesize complex ideas, and demonstrate mastery through original research, projects, and presentations—skills highly valued by selective colleges and universities.
Advanced Courses Offered: 20
SAT Average (Class of 2025): 1282
ACT Average: 30.4
National Merit Scholars (past 5 years): 13
The results speak for themselves. MPH graduates consistently achieve strong SAT scores and gain admission to some of the nation’s most selective institutions, including members of the Ivy League, NESCAC, and other top-tier universities. More importantly, they leave MPH confident in their abilities, grounded in their values, and ready to contribute meaningfully to the communities they join next.
Our College Counseling Process—By Grade Level
At Manlius Pebble Hill School, college counseling is a thoughtful, four-year process that begins well before applications are due. Designed to meet students where they are developmentally and academically, our approach emphasizes exploration, reflection, and steady preparation—without rushing the journey. The overview below highlights how support unfolds at each grade level, showing how MPH partners with students and families from the start of Upper School through senior year to ensure a confident, well-supported path to college.
This is why our graduates stand out!
Want to learn more?
Access Our School Profile
View the Manlius Pebble Hill School Profile for an overview of our academic program, grading, course offerings, and college outcomes. This document provides important context about the rigor of an MPH education and is shared with colleges as part of each student’s application. Use the link below to access the most current version.
Celebrating the Class of 2025
Congratulations to the Manlius Pebble Hill School Class of 2025 on an exceptional year of college placements. Their achievements continue MPH’s tradition of placing students into more top colleges and universities than peer high schools across Central New York—an accomplishment that reflects both student excellence and the strength of our program.
Ninth graders begin their Upper School experience with Upper School Seminar, where they establish strong study habits, build community, and learn how to navigate increased academic expectations. Students also meet regularly with the Director of College Counseling to gain an early understanding of the college process and how coursework, grades, and activities contribute over time. Because transcripts begin in ninth grade, this year emphasizes a strong start, curiosity, and developing the self-advocacy skills that support long-term success.
Sophomores continue building their relationship with college counseling through class meetings and early planning conversations. Students typically take the PSAT and PreACT and learn how standardized testing may factor into future applications. The focus remains on academic growth, thoughtful course selection, and meaningful extracurricular involvement, encouraging students to pursue interests that reflect their strengths and passions.
Junior year marks the formal launch of individualized college counseling. Students are encouraged to attend on-campus college representative visits and begin researching potential schools. Families connect with the Director of College Counseling during fall conferences, and the Junior College Night provides an overview of the process and access to Naviance for planning and tracking. By late spring, students request teacher recommendations and prepare for the transition to the application phase.
Seniors work closely with the Director of College Counseling to refine college lists, finalize application strategies, and stay organized through deadlines. Regular meetings provide guidance on essays, applications, and decision-making. After applications are submitted, the counseling office sends all required school materials and remains in close contact with colleges to support each student through the final stages of the process.
The MPH Difference
At every stage, MPH’s personalized approach ensures that students and families receive consistent guidance, thoughtful planning, and individualized support—helping each student move through the college process with confidence and purpose.