The Hill School welcomed several senior admissions leaders from a variety of highly selective colleges and universities to campus January 28–30, 2026 as part of its annual College Counseling Advisory Board visit.

Hosted by Hill’s College Counseling Office, the Advisory Board brings together deans and directors to engage in candid conversations about Hill’s academic program, student experience, and college counseling approach The goal of the visit is to ensure Hill continues to present its mission, curriculum, and students in the strongest and most authentic light, and to gain first-hand insight into how colleges are evaluating applicants in an increasingly competitive admissions landscape.

This year’s Advisory Board included the following admissions leaders: Sara Cohen, Associate Dean of Admissions for the University of Pennsylvania; Krista Evans, Dean of Admissions for Lafayette College; Zach Evans, Deputy Dean & Director of Undergraduate Admissions for the University of Chicago; Kevin Mathes, Vice President of Enrollment Management & Dean of Admissions for Bucknell University; Justin Mohney, Director of Recruitment for Carnegie Mellon University; and Leslie Davidson, Vice President for Enrollment Management for Franklin & Marshall College, who attended virtually.

Over three days, board members participated in a wide range of activities designed to provide a comprehensive view of Hill’s academic and co-curricular life. They attended classes across disciplines, met with department chairs and faculty, observed the advisory program, and engaged in conversations with students. Members also shared their insights on financial aid, institutional priorities, student wellness and purpose, and navigating the college admissions process.

New this year, a panel discussion was added on Thursday evening featuring several Board members and moderated by Director of College Counseling Lauren Hoyt P’29. The panel discussion was offered specifically for fifth form students and their families about to launch into their college process in earnest. The college admission professionals offered advice such as ensuring both a personal and student-driven process; the importance of organization and managing deadlines; keeping an open mind; taking advantage of college visits as a chance to explore and discover new places and make family memories; and avoiding the tendency to focus too much on the future and not be present in the moment. They also explained a holistic admissions approach and standardized testing as it relates to their institutions, trends in majors, and what makes a memorable college essay.

"The Advisory Board visit is an invaluable opportunity for reflection and partnership,” said Lauren Hoyt P’29, Director of College Counseling. “Each year, the opportunity to spend quality time with seasoned and expert admission professionals gives us a deeper understanding of trends and issues within college admissions and higher education. We are committed to continually refining how we support Hill students and how we tell their stories, and this program is critical to that mission."

The annual Advisory Board is a key component of Hill’s commitment to thoughtful, student-centered college counseling. By fostering these long-standing relationships with college admissions leaders and inviting them to step into life at Hill, our college counseling team helps colleges and universities understand students not just through transcripts and test scores, but as whole people shaped by Hill’s distinctive educational experience.