Serious business.
Serious results.
Serious fun!
We believe the college process should be exciting and collaborative (and dare we say, fun!). At Westridge, the process is not a competition, but rather a continuation of students’ journeys of self-discovery, exploration, and empowerment.
We Take a Holistic Approach to the College Journey
Our College Counseling team hosts more than 30 events each year, including workshops for both students and parents related to essays and applications, financial aid, interviews, the transition to independent life in college, and more—click here to view an overview of our workshops.
Low-pressure exploration begins in the 9th grade and the process expands as students (and their parents!) progress through the Upper School. The deep work starts in 11th grade with one-on-one counseling and a semester-long class and continues through senior year applications and acceptances.
College Counseling Roadmap:
Westridge College Counseling was a million different people built into one group. They were there when I needed a comforting friend or when I was looking for an inspiring motivator. In the emotional process that is application season, I knew I could bring them my vulnerable self, whether I was excited, curious, or disappointed, and they would be there to support me.
—Ella Bilu, Class of 2025
Now at Duke University
Our results speak for themselves!
Westridge graduates end their time in Upper School well-prepared and excited for whatever college experience they have chosen. Our matriculation list is as varied as our students; the 74 members of the Class of 2025 earned 686 acceptances to 179 colleges and universities.
Westridge students are incredibly competitive in today’s college landscape—not just academically, but in the depth of their passions and the clarity of their educational goals. With this in mind, we prioritize a highly personalized approach, empowering each student to take ownership of their college journey and make thoughtful, authentic choices. Year after year, their success speaks for itself, with acceptances to top-tier institutions and programs, opportunities, and experiences that truly reflect who they are and who they will become.
—Dr. Monique Eguavoen
Director of College Counseling
Meet Our College Counseling Team
Our world-class College Counseling team wears many hats; our counselors are enthusiastic cheerleaders, reliable and supportive coaches to Westridge families, and knowledgeable sources of information and tools. While students are each assigned to a main counselor dedicated to working with them one-on-one throughout their junior and senior years, our counselors work as a highly collaborative team who all genuinely care about every student that walks through their doors.
The College Counseling team's motto of “honesty, support, and consensus” captures the essence of their process. We recognize the deeply personal, emotional, and financial considerations that play significant roles in the college process, and our commitment to discussing all perspectives and addressing every expectation honestly and compassionately, sets up each student and their family for success.
College Counseling Team
MONIQUE EGUAVOEN, Ed.D.
Director of College Counseling
JANN LACOSS, Ph.D.
Assistant Director of College Counseling
KATHLEEN O'REILLY
Senior College Counseling Associate
PAM WHITE
Administrative Assistant to College Counseling
Contact the team at collegecounseling@westridge.org.
For College Representatives
College representatives are invited to visit Westridge and meet with our students. Find more information on scheduling a visit below.
The College Counseling Team at Westridge School has each student’s best interest at heart when it comes to the university advising process. Having worked directly with the team for years, the caring excellence in advising the Westridge team provides families is comprehensive, student-centric, and oriented towards individualized success.
—Mark E. Butt
Director of Admission at Emory University