Academics

College Counseling

A PROGRAM OF SELF-DISCOVERY, CURIOSITY, CONFIDENCE, AND AUTHENTICITY

Statement of Philosophy

In keeping with Campbell Hall’s emphasis on holistic development and conscious inquiry, we guide students and parents to see and experience the college process through the lens of self-discovery, curiosity, confidence, and authenticity. When students take a very mindful, empowered approach to their educational and personal experiences, they are learning how to trust themselves and become active participants in their own lives. Throughout our comprehensive, four-year program, we engage with students and parents in a sophisticated conversation throughout high school. Integrity and honesty are among many guiding principles that define our work as counselors and the message we teach students at all points in their college process. With a sense of spirit and energy, we inspire students to see their time at Campbell Hall and the college process on a much larger continuum of personal and educational experiences they will have throughout life.

Pillars of Our Program

List of 4 items.

  • Developmental approach

    We firmly believe this process is about so much more than a college list and where our students are matriculating. Our philosophy is rooted in the belief that we are helping students develop a mature mindset and life skills that are valuable well beyond Campbell Hall. We reframe their thinking about college and the purpose of high school. It takes time, thoughtful reflection, and information to develop the skills needed to succeed in the college process and feel proud and equipped to handle life as a young adult.

  • Individualized attention and accessibility

    We understand that every student is unique and will move through the rigors of high school and the application process in their own way. We work closely with parents and students in all grade levels to educate, guide, support, and challenge our students as they to begin to look inward and see themselves, their choices, and futures in new ways.

  • Student-centered perspective

    We set the expectation that the student will step into the role as driver of this process. Our role as counselors, parents, and faculty is to guide, counsel, probe, advise, suggest, and inform. In doing so, we help students develop a greater sense of autonomy and responsibility. We strive to empower them with confidence in their decisions and judgment, and encourage them to stay flexible and open to the kind of people they are becoming.

  • Expertise and dedication

    With over 80 years of experience in college admissions and counseling, the College Counseling team is deeply committed to educating families and guiding them through the complexities of high school and the joys and challenges of the college process. It is a great privilege to guide, advise, and encourage students to stay present in their lives everyday while also keeping an eye on their education and life beyond Campbell Hall.
Ultimately, we help students see how education, particularly at Campbell Hall, is a gift. An offer of admission to college is no different. With that comes the responsibility to think beyond oneself, engage, grow, and become inspired to make a difference.  A healthy, successful college process shapes not just strong applicants but also helps students develop the disposition of mind, perspective, and character to be curious, motivated, and engaged individuals who are ready to contribute meaningfully to their college community and the world.   

  • Article: "Trusting the College Process"

    Ready the article by Anya Raygor '21 in the Winter 2022 issue of Campbell Hall's magazine The Good.
    READ THE ARTICLE

  • Article: "College Counseling: What has changed? What has stayed the same?"

    Ready the latest article by Director of College Counseling Jennifer Simpson in the Summer 2021 issue of Campbell Hall's magazine The Good.
    READ THE ARTICLE

  • Article: "Playing and Winning the College Admissions Game"

    Campbell Hall's Director of College Counseling Jennifer Simpson is quoted in Ventura Blvd magazine's article on navigating the college admissions process.
    READ THE ARTICLE

  • Article: "What Matters To You?"

    In the Summer 2020 issue of Campbell Hall's magazine The Good, Director of College Counseling Jennifer Simpson writes on how Campbell Hall defines success in college admissions process.
    READ THE ARTICLE

  • Article: "A Journey of Self-Discovery"

    In the Spring + Summer 2016 issue of Campbell Hall's magazine The Good, High School Principal Carolyn LaGaly and Director of College Counseling Jennifer Simpson write on how Campbell Hall guides students through course selection and college planning.
    READ THE ARTICLE

  • Podcast: "Looking At College Admission Through Rose-Colored Glasses"

    Campbell Hall's Director of College Counseling Jennifer Simpson speaks with Ted Dorsey on his monthly podcast on college admissions.
    LEARN MORE

  • Making Caring Common Project

    The Harvard Graduate School of Education created a set of resources for schools, families, and colleges. They highlight the importance of character, integrity, and concern for the common good in the college admissions process.
    LEARN MORE

  • Campbell Hall Advanced Inquiry (CHAI)

    Campbell Hall Advanced Inquiry courses are designed to engage students in constructing meaning through authentic, rigorous study of a discipline at the college level. 
    LEARN MORE
1/8
"I am filled with so much gratitude that I had CH college counselor Jennifer Simpson to guide me through this process and that I had her as a resource and support system through every step of the way. She nurtured my mindset and I genuinely think that I would not have such a positive outlook on the process in hindsight had it not been for her. She reminded me of my potential and instilled the ideology in me that I am in control of my education, my ambitions, and my future."
 
—RECENT GRADUATE

BY THE NUMBERS

  • 140

    Admissions visits with representatives from more than 140 colleges and universities on our campus

  • 15

    AVERAGE SECONDARY CLASS SIZE (Grades 7-12)

  • 24

    AP and CHAI courses offered

  • 5

    Optional 5-day summer College Application Summer Intensive held prior to senior year helps students kickstart the college application process.
1/4
My experience with college counseling at CH proved to me that the many criticisms surrounding the application process can be rivaled to reveal an exciting road towards self-discovery. I learned so much about myself thanks to the nurturing and care of the CH college counseling staff. At the end of the day, my college counselor allowed me to tailor the process to me. I applied to colleges for me, not for anyone else. Also, CH is a community, and it is that simple. CH college counseling mirrors this community aspect by promising that every teacher and counselor will be an available resource. I experienced the unconditional care and concern that the Ch college counseling team possesses for the student as an individual."

—RECENT GRADUATE, Alumni scholarship recipient
The support, guidance, and expertise of the college counselors are significant. They lead critical meetings, conducted robust information sessions, provided enhanced printed materials and online tools, and provided key messages throughout the year. They opened the door for students and parents alike to have a continual dialogue about what can be a mysterious and complicated journey. Their proactive steps have encouraged students and parents to adopt a critical eye, take advantage of all the opportunities at Campbell Hall, and figure out the right path and fit for each individual student."

—PARENT OF RECENT GRADUATE
4533 Laurel Canyon Blvd., Studio City, CA 91607
Phone 818.980.7280

Campbell Hall is a K-12 independent, Episcopal, gender-inclusive day school. We are a community of inquiry committed to academic excellence and to the nurturing of decent, loving, and responsible human beings.

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Campbell Hall admits students of any race, color, gender, sexual orientation, national, and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, national, and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletics and other school-administered programs.
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