The Midland College Difference
College counseling at Midland begins well before senior year and centers on individualized guidance. Students work closely with the college counselor through regular one-to-one meetings, structured seminars, and ongoing reflection on their academic interests, experiences, and goals. This deliberate process helps students identify colleges, universities, and gap-year opportunities that match who they are and how they learn, while developing the self-knowledge and confidence to present themselves thoughtfully in the admissions process. Admissions officers consistently recognize the maturity, self-awareness, and independence Midland students bring to their applications. Leadership in daily work programs, responsibility for real community outcomes, and sustained academic engagement cultivate a level of readiness that colleges value. Results reflect that distinction: at several colleges with acceptance rates below 25 percent, Midland students have been admitted at rates at least twice the national average.
COLLEGE COUNSELING AT A GLANCE
12 applications
average submitted per Midland senior
95% submit early
decision / early acceptance applications each year
50+ colleges
Visit Midland’s campus to interview and attract Midland seniors annually
100% of Midland seniors receive weekly 1:1 meetings
During the Fall of their Senior Year with our full-time, expert college counselor to support their college discovery and application process
Where do Midland students go from here?
Midland graduates attend a wide range of colleges and universities across the United States and internationally. Students pursue programs in the liberal arts, sciences, arts, and professional fields, choosing institutions that align with their academic interests, values, and long-term goals.
RECENT GRADUATES HAVE BEEN ADMITTED TO:
| Agnes Scott College | Earlham College | Scripps College |
| American University | Emerson College | Sewanee: The University of the South |
| American University of Paris | George Washington University | Skidmore College |
| Arizona State University | Grinnell College | Smith College |
| Bard College | Harvey Mudd College | St. Lawrence University |
| Bates College | Indiana University | Syracuse University |
| Bennington College | Kenyon College | Tulane University |
| Boston University | Lewis & Clark College | UC Berkeley |
| Bowdoin College | Macalester College | UC Davis |
| Brandeis University | Middlebury College | UC Irvine |
| Bucknell University | Mount Holyoke College | UC San Diego |
| Cal Poly San Luis Obispo | Northwestern University | UC Santa Barbara |
| Carnegie Mellon University | Oberlin College | University of British Columbia |
| Chapman University | Occidental College | University of Colorado Boulder |
| Colorado College | Oregon State University | University of Denver |
| Colorado State University | Pitzer College | University of Oregon |
| Connecticut College | Pomona College | University of Puget Sound |
| Cornell University | Reed College | University of Vermont |
| Dartmouth College | Santa Clara University | Whitman College |
| Dickinson College | Sarah Lawrence College | Williams College |
| ...just to name a few! |
College Prep at Every Grade Level
College preparation at Midland unfolds across all four years through a structured, highly personalized process. Students work closely with the college counselor to explore their interests, understand the admissions landscape, and build the academic and leadership experiences that shape a strong college application.
Support grows more focused each year. Early conversations encourage exploration across Midland’s academic and experiential programs, while junior and senior years include guidance on testing, college research, essays, applications, and financial aid planning.
Progession
During the first three years at Midland, students begin building the academic foundation, leadership experience, and self-understanding that shape a strong college process. Students meet with the college counselor in group settings and individually to learn about college expectations, explore potential pathways, and reflect on their interests and goals.
Throughout these years, college representatives regularly visit campus, giving students early exposure to a wide range of institutions and helping them begin to imagine the environments where they may thrive.
The Junior Spring College Counseling Seminar marks the formal launch of the college process at Midland. This weekly seminar guides students through every component of the application process, including researching colleges, understanding admissions criteria, testing strategy, essay writing, interviews, recommendations, and financial aid.
Students begin building their college lists, start drafting application essays, and meet individually with the college counselor to discuss fit and strategy. By the end of the seminar, students leave with a clear plan for summer work and a strong start on their applications.
Senior fall continues the seminar structure with a focus on completing applications thoughtfully and on time. Students participate in regular seminar sessions while also meeting weekly one-to-one with the college counselor.
During this period, students finalize college lists, refine essays, request recommendations, prepare for interviews, and submit applications. The combination of structured seminar guidance and individualized advising ensures that each student presents a thoughtful, authentic application.
Families are active partners in the Midland college counseling process. Parents meet with the college counselor during junior year to discuss college planning, financial considerations, and the steps ahead.
These conversations help families understand the admissions process while supporting students as they take increasing ownership of their college research, applications, and decisions.
Student Leadership
Midland students stand out in the college admissions process because leadership here is real and sustained. Students graduate with experience managing responsibility, leading peers, and contributing meaningfully to their community.
They lead work crews, serve as Outdoor Stewards and Senior Prefects, guide clubs and Student Council, captain athletic teams, and take leadership roles in the farm and horse programs. Many also lead experiential Saturdays, represent Midland as admissions ambassadors, or complete yearlong senior projects, giving their college applications unusual depth and credibility.
AP, SAT & ACT Exams
Midland offers several college entrance exams on campus throughout the year, including the PSAT, SAT, Pre-ACT, and ACT, as well as AP exams to students participating in eligible coursework.
These testing opportunities allow students to complete important steps in the college application process within the familiarity of their school environment while receiving guidance from faculty and the college counseling team.
Case-Study Events
Each year Midland hosts a Case Study program that introduces students to the college admissions process from the perspective of admissions officers. Colleges visit campus and review mock student applications while discussing how admission decisions are made. This experience is open to Midland students across all class years.
College Fairs
Midland students also have opportunities to meet college representatives during fall and spring college fairs hosted on campus. These events typically bring 20–30 admissions officers to Midland, creating time for informal conversations, questions, and introductions to a wide range of institutions.
FINANCIAL LITERACY & SCHOLARSHIP SUPPORT
Midland’s college counseling program also supports families as they navigate the financial aspects of higher education. The counseling team helps students and families understand scholarships, financial aid, student loans, grants, and other funding opportunities. Counselors also work closely with first-generation college applicants and support students pursuing funded campus visits and fly-in programs designed to expand access to higher education.
My central goal in the learning support program is to meet students where they are in their journey towards a strong academic disposition. Whether they are struggling to manage responsibilities in the boarding school setting or ready to excel with extra challenges, I bring a personalized approach to offering guidance. Every Midland student has the opportunity to build up to a successful academic experience, and those who struggle to embrace academic independence receive responsive support beginning with targeted meetings and moving into an intervention program involving the teacher when necessary. I am available to our students for spontaneous and structured support throughout the year, and I partner with teachers and families to help provide the best learning experience possible for all Midlanders.
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Leah Hebie Director of College Counseling |