Our Philosophy

Vision

At SAIS, we inspire students to create their unique future.

Mission

Together, we cultivate a culture of optimism, excellence, and empowerment for everyone by developing the mind-set and skills to thrive in a complex world.

SAIS College Counseling Philosophy

The SAIS College Counseling Department aims to guide and support students in their post-high school plans. Our team of Academic and College Counselors roles' include advising and advocating for students in their academic choices. Additionally, our A&C Counselors play a large role in supporting their post-high school plans. Students are encouraged to see their A&C Counselors at least several times throughout the year. The atmosphere in the Counseling Center is friendly and informal and the Counselors are very accessible. Students may drop in at any time – before or after school, during study periods, or at breaks and lunch. For Grade 11-12, the expectation is that students use their assigned A&C Counselor's google calendar (available on this website's homepage) to book in 1:1 meetings.

Individual Counseling: The A&C Counselors are here to help students with adjustment to school, parental expectations, academic pathways and choices, study habits, time management, self-advocacy and developing a plan for post-Stamford.

Group Counseling: At different times throughout the year, the A&C Counselors will conduct group sessions. These sessions are designed to help students gain insight into the different pathways available, both in terms of academic pathways during High School and beyond. Special interest group sessions will also be offered that include but are not limited to country specific options, major/industry focused, application workshops, and senior transitions.

College Counseling: The college counseling program at SAIS builds on the self-exploration students began in Grades 9 and 10 with learning style inventories, personality profiles and career exploration. All SAIS students are included in the college counseling program beginning in 10th grade when a student begins to meet with counselors to discuss the best academic pathways for the ensuing two years. A&C Counselors in the 11th and 12th grade work to build relationships with colleges worldwide so that students can make more informed choices about colleges that are a potential “fit” for their strengths and needs. As the student moves through the end of Grade 11 and into the beginning of Grade 12, this list will be refined and finalized, at which point the A&C Counselor will guide the student through the college application process. Through the years, parents will be invited to our Parent University, a webinar series outlining different topics related to post-high school plans, and follow our Google Site pages here for updated news and events. Students and parents also have access to a number of A&C Counselor-led workshops on various college-related topics, including Application Workshops, College Essay Writing, The Common Application, Applying Through UCAS, and University deep-dive sessions. 

SAIS is fortunate to be visited by college representatives from around the world each year. Parents and students are encouraged to attend these events. 

SAIS College Counseling Policies

Maximum Applications: The maximum number of applications a student is allowed to make for university applications is 10, to a recommended maximum of three countries worldwide. This policy is meant to ensure SAIS students apply to programs that have been thoroughly researched, are of true interest to the student, and are appropriate for the student’s academic record, thus enhancing the student’s chance of admission. This policy is communicated with and wholeheartedly supported by universities. Students should create a strategic list that includes Reach (more selective), Target/Match (good fit), and Likely/Safety (higher chance of acceptance) options. Should a student have used up all 10 applications from their balanced list, but have no acceptances from colleges/universities, the student will be supported on an individual basis. Students who are applying only after final results (i.e. during a gap year, or military service) follow the same process, with a maximum of 10 applications, and are expected to participate in the workshops and university-related sessions in Grade 12 whilst they are still present in school.

Deposits to university: Upon deciding on final university offers, Stamford students may have no more than ONE active deposit (or equivalent) per country. 

Please refer to our University Application Policy Form for full details of our school policy for applications.