College Counseling

Preparation for the World Beyond

​As with everything at MIS, the college counseling program is designed to be individualized and specific to each student and their unique strengths, needs and goals. Our approach involves the student being at the center of the process and our ultimate goal is to help each of our students find the college that is the best fit for them- somewhere they can continue to grow and thrive.

We have formal college meetings with students starting in 11th grade, but begin talking about interests and goals as early as middle school. In addition to more formal meetings, our small student body allows for the ability to meet individually when students need to. It's not uncommon for seniors to stop by our office on a daily basis to provide updates, ask questions, or get individualized counseling. 

Applying to college is a lot of work, but by breaking down the process, we help to make it manageable and less stressful. From brainstorming essay ideas to walking students through each section of the Common Application, to comparing financial aid packages, we are here every step of the way!

A major perk to having such a small student body is the ability for our faculty to develop deep relationships with each student. This is particularly helpful when it comes time for teachers and counselors to write recommendation letters, as we know our students extremely well and can help colleges truly understand who they are and what makes them unique. 

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College Tours

The MIS experience is largely designed around exposure and choice. We believe in exposing students to a variety of possibilities in order to empower them to make educated choices.

One of the unique aspects of the college counseling program at MIS is the opportunity to attend multiple college tours throughout the year starting in the 10th grade. In addition to local college tours, all students attend a free three-day college tour around the state of Georgia and can attend two additional regional tours each year. We find that these tours provide an unparalleled experience for students to figure out what is important to them and to form their own opinions on various colleges and universities. 

When the time comes, our students are able to make confident, informed choices about where they apply.

  • Schools to be announced.

  • Berry College

    UT Chattanooga

    Fisk University

    Nossi College of Art

    Vanderbilt University

    Middle Tennessee State University

    Sewanee: University of the South

  • Georgia College and State University

    Georgia Southern University

    Mercer University

    Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)

    University of Georgia (UGA)

  • Boston University

    Brandeis University

    Hampshire College

    Harvard University

    Lasell University

    Massachusetts College of Art and Design

    Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

    Worcester Polytechnic Institute

  • Johns Hopkins University

    Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA)

    Loyola University - Maryland

    Goucher College

    Georgetown University

    American University

    Catholic University of America

    George Washington University

    Howard University

  • Clemson University

    University of North Carolina - Ashville

    High Point University

    Duke University

    North Carolina State University

    University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

    Wofford College

College Representative Visits


Each year MIS welcomes 35+ college representatives from all over the country and around the world. With a small student body, students have the opportunity to meet with representatives in a small setting (sometimes only one or two students) where they can learn more about various programs and opportunities, as well as ask questions and form relationships with college officials.

We work with our students on how to interact professionally, what types of questions to ask, and how to follow up with representatives after they leave. This is a wonderful opportunity and our students have gained so much from it! 

*If you are a college representative looking to visit MIS, please schedule your visit via SCOIR. We look forward to seeing you! ​

Standardized Testing Philosophy & Schedule

We repeatedly stress to our students that they are NOT their test scores. That said, we can't ignore the fact that test scores can impact college admission, and we want our students to have as many choices and opportunities as possible. Although we do not do a lot of testing at MIS, we make it a priority to provide our students with ample opportunities to learn and practice their test-taking skills. Starting in 8th grade, students will take either a PSAT or PreACT each year through 11th grade. Our students also have the opportunity to take a test prep elective course that is offered each year in high school. 
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  • 8th: PreACT 8/9 

  • 9th: PSAT

  • 10th: PreACT 

  • 11th: PSAT/MNSQT

Test Preparation Resources

Free test prep is available through the following*: 


Additional Resources*: 


​*MIS does not endorse any specific test prep program 

Looking for a university that doesn’t require testing? Check out Test Optional Colleges.

SCOIR

MIS uses the SCOIR College Network platform as a tool to help students and families navigate the college selection and application process. Students and parents can access their SCOIR account as early as 8th grade and can use it to complete career inventories, conduct college searches, etc. Parents can also do searches, suggest colleges, and access financial tools to better estimate the actual cost of various colleges. 

Financial Aid & Scholarships Resources​

Helpful Websites

A Message from our Director of College Counseling, Ms. Kierstin Streitel​

Applying to college can be exciting, but it can also be stressful and at times, overwhelming. As a college counselor, my goal is to not only make the process manageable, but to hopefully make it fun as well. My door is always open and students know that they can come in at any time with a question or to celebrate or lament an admission decision!

At MIS, we help students to focus on the personal growth and learning that happens within the process. We challenge our students to dig deep and to be honest with themselves about their priorities, their passions, and who they want to be. Throughout the process we are here to guide, encourage, and support our students as they work towards turning their dreams into realities. 

A major perk to having such a small student body is the ability for our faculty to develop deep relationships with each student. This is particularly helpful when it comes time for teachers to write recommendation letters and to help guide students through the process of writing personal statements and college essays. Our teachers are an amazing resource and it shows in their applications! 

Please feel free to reach out with any questions. We look forward to assisting you along this journey!