College Counseling at Bay

The college counseling program at the Bay School is designed to empower students to calmly, thoughtfully, and competently navigate the many stages of the college application and enrollment process—one of the first significant life decisions students will make and own for themselves.

Utilizing state-of-the- art resources, students and their families work with the College Counseling Office to consider their values, passions, interests, and needs. From that foundation, they research colleges and universities that
meet their individual criteria and evaluate how their credentials will position them for admission at each institution.

In a year-long process beginning during the middle of their junior year, students learn to take ownership of their search, to advocate for their needs, to master the myriad details and pieces of the complex application process,
and to place the process in the broader context of their lives. The most thoughtful process, with the student driving and the college office and family right there in support, yields the best outcome for each student.

Taking advantage of the free block students have built into their schedules allows for weekly meetings, either individually or in small groups, devoted to the college search and application process. The college counseling program also incorporates an SAT prep program that begins in November of junior year and meets weekly during the school day. The Bay School utilizes  a web-based technology from Naviance, called Family Connection, to create an open and transparent link between the college counseling office, students, and their families. Family Connection is the most comprehensive and practical database available for college research. Bay School seniors also benefit from having representatives from more than 120 colleges and universities visit Bay during the fall application cycle each year.

We are extremely proud of the motivated, thoughtful, and reflective work that the first three graduating classes did in their application and admission process. The 163 graduates of our first three classes were admitted to more than 220 outstanding colleges and universities throughout the U.S. and Canada.

View: College Admission and Enrollment List - Classes of 2008, 2009, and 2010

College Counseling Staff Biographies

Dorothy Jones, Director of College Counseling
After a long career in college admissions, it was a welcome change to “the other side of the desk” when I took the position of Director of College Counseling at Bay. The opportunity to work with students as they explore who they are and all of the options available to them is always exciting. To be in a position that assists in demystifying a sometimes overwhelming and complicated process is extremely rewarding.  What I have enjoyed most about the Bay School are the students and families. There is a culture here that enables the college search process to be about finding the right fit, and there is an entrepreneurial spirit that creates openness to things unknown.

When I am not at work at Bay, I enjoy spending time with my family.  Whenever I am able, I also enjoy taking a tour of any college campus in my vicinity. What can I say . . . I’m a bit of a college campus junkie.

Contact: djones@bayschoolsf.org

Matt Hannibal, Associate Director of College Counseling, Freshman Class Dean, Soccer Coach
One of my favorite things about working in a high school is getting a chance to watch teenagers grow and develop over the course of a four year period. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to work with students as freshmen—in my role as freshman class dean—and again when they are juniors and seniors—in my role as associate director of college counseling. The Bay School provides teenagers with an educational setting that allows them to explore their interests, take risks, and discover new passions. This sense of exploration and discovery begins as early as the freshman year, builds throughout each year at Bay, and is highlighted in the College Counseling Office, where we work with students to help them identify post-secondary options that will not only allow them to continue to pursue their interests and passions, but ones that will also open doors and pathways to new academic and extra-curricular pursuits.

When I am not in my office working with students, I am usually on the soccer field with the boys and girls varsity soccer teams. Getting a chance to get out of the office to coach allows me to enjoy the Presidio while getting to know students in a different context.

Contact: mhannibal@bayschoolsf.org

Mio Berk, College Counseling Associate
For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted to work in an educational setting. With my background in psychology and counseling, my life’s joy is working with young people as they explore who they are. The Bay School is the epitome of the ideal school I thought never existed. I feel fortunate to have landed my dream job at a place where students are encouraged to be themselves; my role is to guide them in the process of finding the right fit as they transition into a new academic community. (Being able to see the top of the Golden Gate Bridge from my office windows is also a plus!)

Outside of the office, you might also find me rock climbing at Planet Granite with the activities group or taking my German shepherd on walks across Crissy Field.

Contact: mberk@bayschoolsf.org

The Bay School Code: 053985

College Counseling Resources:
Testing:
College Board
ACT

Applications:
Common App
University of California
California State Universities

Other Useful Sites:
Colleges That Change Lives (CTCL)
NCAA Guide for the College-Bound Athlete

Financial Aid:
FAFSA
CSS/Profile
FinAid
FastWeb