At Raffles American School, college counseling is not just about helping students get into the university of their choice; it is about helping them discover who they are and where they will thrive next. This is my 15th year of working with high school students in Asia across both specialized and international schools. My initial goal is to build a strong, systematic program that grows alongside our school community. As Raffles continues to expand, every student should feel supported in finding a pathway that truly fits who they are and where they want to go.

A Mission Centered on the Individual
The philosophy behind our College Counseling Department is simple but powerful: every student deserves a guided and empowered path forward. Our work goes far beyond admissions outcomes; it’s about helping students explore their interests, values, and goals, and connecting those to meaningful opportunities around the world.

Through individual counseling, family meetings, interactive grade-level workshops, and an increased number of college visits at Raffles, we help students build confidence, stay informed, and gain clarity about their future choices.

The College Counseling Program at Raffles
This year marks a major step forward in creating a more systematic and structured college counseling program at Raffles American School. The goal is to ensure that every student and family has access to consistent, clear guidance throughout the high school journey.

Our new framework includes:

• Grade-Level Workshops: Each grade attends tailored sessions designed to build awareness and readiness, from exploring strengths and interests in Grade 9 to finalizing college lists and applications in Grade 12.
• Study Hall Sessions: Dedicated time during the school week for seniors to work on essays, applications, and research, with counselors available for direct support.
• New Booking System: A streamlined online system allows high school students to easily schedule meetings with their counselors, making access to personalized guidance more efficient and transparent.
• Parent Workshops Every Quarter: Each grade level now has parent workshops once per quarter, and these are live-streamed for working parents, so families stay informed and involved at every stage.
• Essay Workshops from Grade 11: Students begin drafting their personal statements early, receiving structured feedback and guidance before senior year begins.
• College List and Application Strategy: We’ve created tools to help students organize their research, plan balanced college lists, and track deadlines effectively.
• Cialfo Workshops: Hands-on sessions to help students and parents use more features of our college platform, from researching programs and scholarships to managing application tasks.

This structured approach ensures that by the time our students reach Grade 12, they have a clear, organized table of college options across multiple countries and the confidence to take the next step. 

Beyond that, we continue to develop digital resources, volunteer opportunities, and academic competitions to broaden students’ experiences and strengthen their university applications. 

Looking Ahead
As our program evolves, I hope that college counseling at Raffles American School is seen not as a single event, but as a continuous journey of growth, reflection, and possibility. I want our students to see college planning as an ongoing process, one that begins with curiosity and ends with confidence.

Ultimately, the goal is for every Raffles student to feel guided, supported, and ready for what comes next. When that happens, transformation isn’t just possible; it’s inevitable.