The new year got off to a great start for juniors and seniors as they attended the annual College Alumni Forum on Tuesday, Jan. 7. The panel, comprising recent graduates attending a variety of different colleges and universities, explored their experiences in the college-selection process, their transition to greater independence and different schedules, and the ups and downs of living in residence halls and with roommates.

During the hour-long assembly in Jones Theatre, Audrey Hughes ’21 (Denison University), Heidi Segars ’22 (University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill), Sara Baende ’23 (Columbia University), Pierce Augusti ’23 (Duke University), Oliver Fesko ’23 (Temple University) and Donnie Williams ’24 (Lafayette College) answered questions from moderator Bill Pruden, college counselor and Director of Civic Engagement in the Upper School, that covered a wide range of topics.

Pruden began by asking about what characteristics of a college or university were most important as each Raven was deciding where to apply. Responses included the size and location of the school and how at home the applicants felt when they toured campus, as well as the programs each school offered. Audrey, Oliver and Donnie also spoke about the athletic programs available and the varying amount of commitment required. Sara emphasized how important it is to be open-minded and resilient as college decisions come in and one’s list of options and preferences may shift. Oliver — whose parents and brother, Ben ’20, all attended the same university — urged students to choose the best path for themselves, rather than doing what their friends and family might have done.

Students also shared anecdotes and advice around time management, cultivating relationships with professors, selecting a major and handling roommate challenges. At the close of the hour-long assembly, attendees had been given plenty of good information to assist them in preparing for what comes next. 

Ravenscroft’s College Counseling Department provides a robust four-year experience to help Upper School students and their families prepare for and understand the college application and selections process. Upcoming programming from College Counseling includes the workshop for seniors and senior families from Campus Outreach Services (Thursday, Jan. 16) and Upper School Career Day (Thursday, Feb. 6) that will feature alumni from many different fields and industries sharing their experiences and insights. 

View the full calendar of events by College Counseling on our website. Read more about the College Counseling Department in our June 2024 feature “College Counseling Helps Families ‘Find the Right Fit.’”