Academics

College Counseling

At Chatham Hall, you'll actively participate in the college preparation process.

We begin with conversations during the first and second years as you begin to think about the "why" of college, and then progress to asking what you expect from the college experience. This process of guided introspection helps you make appropriate curricular choices while building a variety of life skills. With the support of the dean of college counseling, advisors, faculty, and parents, as a junior you'll begin to ask where this growth will take place as you begin to build your college lists and embark on the college selection process as a senior.

Some components of the college counseling process include:

PSAT preparation and results analysis
SAT and ACT registration, preparation, and practice
Tours of area colleges and universities
Self-discovery exercises and analysis related to college and career choices
Essay-writing practice (in conjunction with English classes)
Planning and maximizing college visits
Completing the Common Application
Interview skills
Using online and print resources to research colleges
Meeting representatives of colleges who visit Chatham Hall
Evaluating pros and cons of early decision/early action
Financial aid and scholarships
Making the most of the college organization website

College Counseling

List of 1 members.

Dr. Erin McHugh

Dean of College Counseling; Standardized Testing Coordinator

Read Bio
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.

Cheney Knight '19 (University of Virginia)

“Through the environment at Chatham Hall and overwhelming support of peers, teachers, and advisors, I was able to develop study habits that set me up to be successful in college. I not only gained the knowledge I needed at Chatham Hall, but I learned how to learn.”
Shannon Huth '18 (Sweet Briar College)

“Chatham Hall taught me how to be an independent woman in a demanding world, and I came into college with a greater knowledge of independent life skills than my peers. High school was definitely a major challenge for me and it really made me learn time management and proper study habits, and now I am in my second year of college maintaining a 4.0 GPA.”
Alex Rains '16 (Vanderbilt University)

“Chatham Hall taught me that learning from peers outside the classroom is just as important as what you learn in class. It revealed to me what I find valuable in friendships and in a community, which helped me enter the college process knowing what I was looking for. The rigor of the classes combined with the community of passionate individuals at Chatham Hall taught me a lot about the world and myself.”
Ashton Mitchell '16 (James Madison University)

“Chatham Hall’s education and environment pushed me to be the best student I could be. Learning how to manage homework, sports, and clubs early on allowed me to establish a solid foundation that has allowed me to succeed in college. The boarding experience allowed me to foster friendships that will last me a lifetime, and also helped me to adjust to the college environment. I would not be the student I am today without the support of the faculty and staff at Chatham Hall.”
Srida Chadalavada '16 (Kenyon College)

“I liked that we were eased into the process by starting early. I also found that the college application process was made easier by all of the resources that were available, whether that was the College Counselor, alumnae, or all of my teachers.”

800 Chatham Hall Circle • Chatham, VA 24531
+1 434.432.2941 • admissions@chathamhall.org
Day and boarding school for girls grades 9 -12 in the Episcopal tradition.

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