Academics

College Counseling

More Than College Admissions—A Future Designed for Success

At Chatham Hall, College Counseling isn’t just about getting in—it’s about finding the perfect fit for each student’s ambitions, passions, and dreams. Our personalized approach ensures that every girl is not only guided through the college admissions process but also empowered to make informed decisions about her future.

From day one, students take an active role in shaping their college journey. We start early, engaging students in thoughtful conversations during their first and second years, focusing on the “why” of college and what they hope to gain from the experience. This guided introspection helps students make informed curricular choices while developing critical life skills. By junior year, they work closely with the dean of college counseling, advisors, faculty, and parents to explore where their growth will take place, building college lists and preparing for the application process as seniors.

Comprehensive Support at Every Step

Chatham Hall’s College Counseling program provides the tools, resources, and guidance students need to confidently navigate the process. Our approach includes:

Standardized testing & results analysis
College tours & meetings with visiting college reps
Self-discovery exercises to align interests with future careers
Essay-writing practice integrated with English classes
Application guidance, including the Common App & interview prep
Personalized financial aid & scholarship assistance
Access to SCOIR, our college planning software
Support in evaluating early decision/early action options

Countless families have shared how transformative their journey with Chatham Hall’s College Counseling has been—opening doors, expanding possibilities, and leading to schools where our students thrive.

Here, our girls are truly seen and known. We celebrate their individuality, support their aspirations, and help them chart a path toward a future filled with purpose and success. Your journey starts here!

College Counseling

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Dr. Erin McHugh

Dean of College Counseling; Standardized Testing Coordinator

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Dean of College Counseling Dr. Erin McHugh began at Chatham Hall in 2017. Erin has received an Ed.D. from Saint Joseph's University, M.A. from La Salle University, and B.A. from Loyola University Maryland. She previously worked as a scholarship consultant for International Scholarship and Tuition Services and the director of enrollment management for the Temple University College of Liberal Arts.

Program Highlights

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Personalized Counseling

The College Counseling Office welcomes students of all years to stop by and talk about their options at the collegiate level! Dean of College Counseling Dr. Erin McHugh has years of experience in college admissions at both the high school and collegiate level, making her an incredible resource for our students.
Junior College Trip

Each year, the junior class travels off campus for a 1-2 day trip to learn about regional colleges. Whenever possible, the College Counseling Office partners with the History and English Departments to visit a location that ties into that year’s curriculum.
College Counseling 101

During the spring semester of junior year through the fall semester of senior year, students are enrolled in weekly, small group classes where they explore the college application process, learn about different institutions, and receive personalized assistance in completing their applications.
College Prep Day

Every October, we set aside one day where all grades participate in some level of college prep. The seniors participate in a College Counseling workshop all morning, receiving help from faculty to write essays and complete applications. To help every student decide whether applying test-optional is the right choice for them or not, we dedicate one morning to the PSAT so students can experience standardized testing and become more familiar with the exams.
College Visits & Fairs

College representatives visit campus throughout the fall, and weekend trips include opportunities to visit college campuses and fairs in the region. Students are encouraged to schedule college visits during school breaks, like the Fall and Winter Long Weekends and Spring Break.
College Affordability & Funding

A crucial part of the college search process is finding a financial fit so students and families can access resources to help with financial aid and college funding. We partner with SMARTTRACK to offer the College Funding High School Initiative, which provides families with free resources to help with planning and paying less for college. This includes twice-yearly live parent education workshops to help families of all grade levels develop an affordable funding plan for college.

We are proud to partner with SMARTTRACK to help families navigate the financial side of college planning. Through the College Funding High School Initiative, families gain free expert guidance on financial aid and college funding, including twice-yearly parent education workshops. Our goal is to ensure that every student finds the right college fit—academically, personally, and financially.