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
  • 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
  • Access to SCOIR, the college planning software used by students and parents
  • Meeting representatives from colleges visiting Chatham Hall
  • Evaluating pros and cons of early decision/early action
  • Assistance with financial aid and scholarships
  • Making the most of the college organization website



College Counseling

List of 1 members.

  • Photo of Erin McHugh

    Dr. Erin McHugh 

    Dean of College Counseling; Standardized Testing Coordinator
    Read Bio

Program Highlights

List of 6 items.

  • 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 have access to 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.



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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