College Placement
Gill St. Bernard’s School is a college preparatory school, sending 100% of its graduating seniors to college. The Upper School college guidance program begins in freshman year as students are encouraged and guided to schedule appropriate courses for college placement. Sophomores take the PLAN test as a preview of the ACT, and the college counselors offer an introduction to the college search process to both classes. Juniors will take the PSAT. In this way, each student has concrete information as plans are made for college admission testing.
Juniors (and their families) begin to work with the College Guidance staff to identify and investigate potential higher education options. Seniors are given individual guidance and direction with applications, interviewing, fulfillment of required testing, and financial assistance applications when appropriate.
Ongoing evening programs for students and their parents are held throughout the four school years to address issues of concern at each level.
The Director of College Guidance, Michael Chimes, has over 20 years of experience in college counseling and is respected throughout the state and nationally for his expertise in the field. He is the author of articles written for numerous regional and national publications. In addition, he has spoken at professional conferences in both the United States and Canada, and at other schools around the country on topics of college placement. Karen Blair, Assistant Director of College Guidance has over six years of experience in college planning and placement. GSB seniors have a 25:1 student/counselor ratio, less than half the national average for college guidance.
The philosophy of the GSB college guidance program is to find the right school for every student by offering personalized attention to each student and his or her family. With this as the goal, the school proudly boasts an impressive record for admission for its students to many of the most and highly competitive colleges and universities in the country (as defined by Baron’s College Guide). In addition to about 10% of the graduating seniors in 2007 being accepted into Ivy League schools, other notable honors include a National Achievement Finalist, National Merit commended students, Edward Bloustein Distinguished Scholars, and the New Jersey Independent School Athletic Association Male Scholar Athlete of the Year.
