--- title: Finding the Fun in College Apps: Meet CH-CH’s new College Counselor, Abby Maguire description: Meet Abby Maguire, CH-CH's new college counselor. You'll hear all about her background, approach, and tips on the college search! image: https://blog.chch.org/hubfs/College%20Counseling-2.png --- - [Login](https://www.chch.org/app) Search - [![Facebook](https://blog.chch.org/hubfs/ChapelHill_September2018%20Theme/Images/large_link1258166_96536.png)](https://www.facebook.com/ChapelHillChauncyHall) - [![Instagram](https://blog.chch.org/hs-fs/hubfs/ChapelHill_September2018%20Theme/Images/large_link1258167_96535.png?width=120&height=120&name=large_link1258167_96535.png)](http://instagram.com/chchschool/) - [Parent/Guardian](https://www.chch.org/parentguardian) - [Alumni](https://www.chch.org/page/alumni) - [Summer](https://www.runningbrook.org/) - [Calendar](https://www.chch.org/page/ch-ch-calendar) - [Contact](https://www.chch.org/page/contact) - [Apply](https://www.chch.org/admissions/apply) - [myCH-CH](https://chch.myschoolapp.com/app#login) [![CHCH](https://blog.chch.org/hubfs/ChapelHill_September2018%20Theme/Images/Main-Banner-Logo.png)](https://www.chch.org/Page) - [Admissions](https://www.chch.org/admissions) - [About](https://www.chch.org/page/about) - [Academics](https://www.chch.org/page/academics) - [Student Life](https://www.chch.org/page/student-life) - [Boarding](https://www.chch.org/boarding) - [Support CH-CH](https://www.chch.org/page/support-ch-ch) - [Blog](https://blog.chch.org) - [myCH-CH](https://chch.myschoolapp.com/app#login) - [Back to CH-CH](https://www.chch.org/back-to-ch-ch) - [Reopening Plan](https://www.chch.org/back-to-ch-ch/reopening-plan) - [Reopening Videos](https://www.chch.org/back-to-ch-ch/reopening-videos) - [Community Resources](https://www.chch.org/back-to-ch-ch/community-resources) - [FAQ and Links](https://www.chch.org/back-to-ch-ch/faqs-and-links) - [Reopening Translations](https://www.chch.org/back-to-ch-ch/reopening-translations) - [Admissions](https://www.chch.org/page/admissions) - [Admissions](https://www.chch.org/page/admissions) - [Why CH-CH?](https://www.chch.org/page/admissions/why-ch-ch) - [Why CH-CH?](https://www.chch.org/page/admissions/why-ch-ch) - [We Teach the Way Students Learn](https://www.chch.org/page/admissions/why-ch-ch/we-teach-the-way-students-learn) - [Challenge/Support](https://www.chch.org/page/admissions/why-ch-ch/challengesupport) - [Inquire Now](https://info.chch.org/inquire) - [Visit CH-CH](https://info.chch.org/book-a-ch-ch-campus-visit) - [Apply](https://www.chch.org/page/admissions/apply) - [Affording](https://www.chch.org/page/admissions/affording) - [Affording](https://www.chch.org/page/admissions/affording) - [Need-Based Financial Aid](https://www.chch.org/page/admissions/affording/need-based-financial-aid) - [Charger Scholarship](https://www.chch.org/page/admissions/affording/charger-scholarship) - [Waltham Scholarships](https://www.chch.org/page/admissions/affording/waltham-scholarships) - [Tuition](https://www.chch.org/page/admissions/affording/tuition) - [CH-CH Admissions Virtual Experience](https://www.chch.org/admissions/ch-ch-virtual-experience) - [About](https://www.chch.org/page/about) - [About](https://www.chch.org/page/about) - [Our Approach](https://www.chch.org/page/about/our-approach) - [Anti-Racism & Equity Initiatives](https://www.chch.org/about/anti-racism--equity-initiatives) - [Our Students](https://www.chch.org/page/about/our-students) - [Our Teachers](https://www.chch.org/page/about/our-teachers) - [Leadership](https://www.chch.org/page/about/leadership) - [Leadership](https://www.chch.org/page/about/leadership) - [2020 Strategic Plan](https://www.chch.org/page/about/leadership/2020-strategic-plan) - [Trustees and Advisors](https://www.chch.org/page/about/leadership/trustees-and-advisors) - [Campus](https://www.chch.org/page/about/campus) - [History](https://www.chch.org/page/about/history) - [Employment](https://www.chch.org/page/about/employment) - [Employment](https://www.chch.org/page/about/employment) - [Teaching Fellows](https://www.chch.org/page/about/employment/teaching-fellows) - [Academics](https://www.chch.org/page/academics) - [Academics](https://www.chch.org/page/academics) - [Curriculum](https://www.chch.org/page/academics/curriculum) - [Skills and Academic Support](https://www.chch.org/page/academics/skills-and-academic-support) - [Beyond the Classroom](https://www.chch.org/page/academics/beyond-the-classroom) - [College Counseling](https://www.chch.org/page/academics/college-counseling) - [College Counseling](https://www.chch.org/page/academics/college-counseling) - [Matriculation List](https://www.chch.org/page/academics/college-counseling/matriculation-list) - [Advisor & Grade Level Programs](https://www.chch.org/page/academics/advisor--grade-level-programs) - [Student Life](https://www.chch.org/page/student-life) - [Student Life](https://www.chch.org/page/student-life) - [Residential Life](https://www.chch.org/page/student-life/residential-life) - [Athletics](https://www.chch.org/page/student-life/athletics) - [Athletics](https://www.chch.org/page/student-life/athletics) - [Team Pages](https://www.chch.org/page/student-life/athletics/team-pages) - [Athletics Calendar](https://www.chch.org/page/student-life/athletics/athletics-calendar) - [Theatre Program](https://www.chch.org/page/student-life/theatre-program) - [Get Involved](https://www.chch.org/page/student-life/get-involved) - [Get Involved](https://www.chch.org/page/student-life/get-involved) - [Community Service](https://www.chch.org/page/student-life/get-involved/community-service) - [Dining Services](https://www.chch.org/page/student-life/dining-services) - [Support CH-CH](https://www.chch.org/page/support-ch-ch) - [Support CH-CH](https://www.chch.org/page/support-ch-ch) - [Welcome from Advancement](https://www.chch.org/page/support-ch-ch/welcome-from-advancement) - [Ways to Support](https://www.chch.org/page/support-ch-ch/ways-to-support) - [Ways to Support](https://www.chch.org/page/support-ch-ch/ways-to-support) - [Annual Fund](https://www.chch.org/page/support-ch-ch/ways-to-support/annual-fund) - [Building Creativity](https://buildingcreativity.chch.org/page) - [Parent/Guardian Association](https://www.chch.org/page/support-ch-ch/parentguardian-association) - [Give Now](https://www.chch.org/page/support-ch-ch/give-now) - [Parents](https://www.chch.org/page/parents) - [Parents](https://www.chch.org/page/parents) - [Resources for Our Community](https://www.chch.org/page/parents/resources-for-our-community) - [Alumni](https://www.chch.org/page/alumni) - [Alumni](https://www.chch.org/page/alumni) - [The Chronicle Magazine](https://www.chch.org/page/alumni/the-chronicle-magazine) - [Support CH-CH](https://www.chch.org/page/support-ch-ch/ways-to-support/annual-fund) - [Summer](https://www.runningbrook.org/) - [Calendar](https://www.chch.org/page/ch-ch-calendar) - [Contact](https://www.chch.org/page/contact) - [Employment](https://www.chch.org/page/employment) - [Directions](https://www.chch.org/page/directions) - [Contact Us](https://www.chch.org/page/contact-us) # Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall School Blog: Take Charge # Finding the Fun in College Apps: Meet CH-CH’s new College Counselor, Abby Maguire Posted by [Rebecca Lemaitre](https://blog.chch.org/author/rebecca-lemaitre) on 10/15/26, 3:38 PM ![Rebecca Lemaitre](https://blog.chch.org/hubfs/DSC03008.jpeg) “Exciting” isn’t the first word that normally comes to mind regarding college applications, but that’s exactly the one that Abby Maguire, CH-CH’s new college counselor, uses. Yes, she admits, the application process can be overwhelming, but to Abby, it’s also fundamentally one of growth, reflection, and understanding. She loves to “flip the script”, helping families and students find ways to enjoy, rather than dread, the process. Abby is a veteran from both sides of the desk in the college admissions game. She “caught the admissions bug” volunteering as a student tour guide at her own alma mater, and two years after graduation, she secured a position in Admissions at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Abby quickly realized, however, that her new role didn’t allow much direct work with students: “I liked the relationship building,” she explains, “and understanding what kids were looking for.” Making the switch to college counseling was the next logical leap. ![DSC09376-2](https://blog.chch.org/hs-fs/hubfs/DSC09376-2.jpg?width=2048&height=1365&name=DSC09376-2.jpg) It’s exactly this individualized approach that Abby has brought to college counseling for 12 years now, most recently as an independent consultant, before arriving at CH-CH. “It’s about focusing on what a student enjoyed during their high school experience,” she says - whether that means classes, teachers, extracurriculars, or campus life - and then using that information to drive the search. “I’ve been so impressed,” Abby says, “that CH-CH students are so self-aware and realistic about the process in a way that’s refreshing.” Rather than a focus on selectivity or prestige, students are comfortable saying, for example: “I love art, and I want to pursue art as much as possible.” This is exactly Abby’s goal: helping students find the place that makes them happy. She loves that the small student body here allows for individualized discussions; aside from the group experience of the Application Boot Camp (in the final week of summer before senior year begins), all discussions are one-on-one. As for practical tips, Abby hopes she can help students find the joy in the process. “Invest time and energy in the schools you’re most excited about,” she advises. “Give yourself grace. Some things we can control and some we can’t. But putting your best foot forward is all you can do.” It’s also important to remember that when the application process doesn’t work out as hoped or planned, it’s not a reflection of a student’s potential or worth. As for parents, Abby’s advice is simple: “Celebrate every win, no matter how big or small.” That can mean the first application submitted, the last check box checked off, or any milestone in between (she recommends cookies with frosting in a college’s colors to mark a moment!). Abby is also looking for ways to engage students sooner in their junior year, frontloading the work so that senior fall feels less overwhelming for everyone involved. Abby also highlights CH-CH’s prime position in the Boston area. There are roughly 60 institutions of higher education within a 30-mile radius, meaning students can use the area like a petri dish and discover which college experience speaks to them most - a big public research university, a small liberal arts experience, rural, urban, and anything in between. “It’s a way to try schools on for size,” Abby says, “whether you want to get out of Massachusetts or not, without a ton of money or a ton of time. Then take these lessons on visits further afield, later in junior year.” And finally? “Make it FUN,” she urges. Don’t make visits all about the college; be sure to check out the town…because after all, you’ll be living there, not just studying. It’s exactly these “unscripted” moments - a chance encounter with a professor or student, a random conversation with a local - that reveal the true character of a place. “I’m so passionate about this work,” Abby says in conclusion. More than anything, she doesn’t want kids to feel intimidated when they knock on her door. “There will be tough conversations, but I want there to be trust and respect.” Reflecting on how transformational her own college experience was, Abby thrives on helping students discover that place that’s just right for them. “It’s hard,” Abby admits. “But it can be exciting for everyone involved.” Abby’s Top Tips: - Invest time and energy in schools you’re most excited about - Give yourself grace - Celebrate every win - Frontload what you can in junior year - Take advantage of the Boston area! ![DSC09383-2](https://blog.chch.org/hs-fs/hubfs/DSC09383-2.jpg?width=2048&height=1365&name=DSC09383-2.jpg)   [![Book Your CH-CH Tour Meet students and teachers, experience how CH-CH students achieve their best!  ](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4008772/interactive-184089442460.png)](https://blog.chch.org/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLIBjXqj4gGCAraXekRIeEg0UBUyjf1Pzd%2BC6%2BprdSJqECEXhIrPFMI8QUJLj6WvfKCOzB1JxJSKQ7xH3bsVqbXXzc9%2F%2B7oR3flcsY8kJTCGltCFgEvH%2BwWtak229UzgxDERveRz8qR2IjlQfNSLXTnb4qbV6sXbdK4WeP9B9F6Zj8UDgFmEG7CNHXD6SROO%2FgWgbcxHgAK1%2FD8%3D&webInteractiveContentId=184089442460&portalId=4008772) [![Take-Charge-Blog-Logo-WEB](https://blog.chch.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos/Take-Charge-Blog-Logo-WEB.jpg?width=650&height=474&name=Take-Charge-Blog-Logo-WEB.jpg "Take-Charge-Blog-Logo-WEB")](https://blog.chch.org/) ### Subscribe Here! [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4008772/8772f376-a330-4e7e-819d-541f00bd2f93.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4008772/8772f376-a330-4e7e-819d-541f00bd2f93) ### Recent Posts ### Posts by Tag - [Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall (80)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/chapel-hill-chauncy-hall) - [Boarding School (37)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/boarding-school) - [Student Skill Building (32)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/student-skill-building) - [Caring Community (21)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/caring-community) - [Student Wellness (21)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/student-wellness) - [Alumni (17)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/alumni) - [Beyond the Classroom (14)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/beyond-the-classroom) - [Multiple Intelligences (14)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/multiple-intelligences) - [Teacher Spotlight (12)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/teacher-spotlight) - [Athletics (10)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/athletics) - [Leadership (10)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/leadership) - [Inclusion (8)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/inclusion) - [Embracing Diversity (7)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/embracing-diversity) - [Graduation (7)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/graduation) - [Matriculation (7)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/matriculation) - [Building Creativity (6)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/building-creativity) - [College Counseling (6)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/college-counseling) - [Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (6)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/diversity-equity-and-inclusion) - [Experiential Learning (6)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/experiential-learning) - [Study Guide and Strategies (6)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/study-guide-and-strategies) - [Admissions (5)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/admissions) - [Alumni Entrepreneurs (5)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/alumni-entrepreneurs) - [Alumni Artists (4)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/alumni-artists) - [Anti-Racism (4)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/anti-racism) - [Class of 2020 (4)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/class-of-2020) - [Middle School (4)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/middle-school) - [Visual and Performing Arts (4)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/visual-and-performing-arts) - [Making Caring Common (3)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/making-caring-common) - [Rewrite Your Story (3)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/rewrite-your-story) - [Running Brook Camps (3)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/running-brook-camps) - [Studying Tips (3)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/studying-tips) - [Class of 2019 (2)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/class-of-2019) - [Community Service (2)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/community-service) - [Healthy Eating at School (2)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/healthy-eating-at-school) - [Inspiration Video (2)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/inspiration-video) - [Self-Care Strategies (2)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/self-care-strategies) - [Class of 2021 (1)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/class-of-2021) - [Empathy (1)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/empathy) - [Executive Function (1)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/executive-function) - [Halloween (1)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/halloween) - [Harvard Graduate School of Education (1)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/harvard-graduate-school-of-education) - [Independent Study (1)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/independent-study) - [International Program (1)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/international-program) - [MakerSpace (1)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/makerspace) - [Winter Carnival (1)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/winter-carnival) - [homecoming (1)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/homecoming) See all [![CHCH](https://blog.chch.org/hubfs/ChapelHill_September2018%20Theme/Images/2018logo.png)](https://www.chch.org/Page) ### Chapel Hill - Chauncy Hall [785 Beaver Street](https://goo.gl/maps/HTzUxaZgVv52) [Waltham, MA 02452](https://goo.gl/maps/HTzUxaZgVv52) [781-314-0800](tel:7813140800) [admissions@chch.org](mailto:admissions@chch.org) - [![Facebook](https://blog.chch.org/hubfs/ChapelHill_September2018%20Theme/Images/large_link1258166_96536.png)](https://www.facebook.com/ChapelHillChauncyHall) - [![Instagram](https://blog.chch.org/hubfs/ChapelHill_September2018%20Theme/Images/large_link1258167_96535.png)](http://instagram.com/chchschool/) - [![Twitter](https://blog.chch.org/hubfs/ChapelHill_September2018%20Theme/Images/large_link1258168_96534.png)](https://twitter.com/chchtweets) - [![Flickr](https://blog.chch.org/hubfs/ChapelHill_September2018%20Theme/Images/large_link1258169_96533.png)](https://www.flickr.com/photos/chapelhill-chauncyhall/collections) - [![YouTube](https://blog.chch.org/hubfs/ChapelHill_September2018%20Theme/Images/large_link1258170_96532.png)](https://www.youtube.com/user/TheCHCHSchool) Located 10 miles from Boston, Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall is a coeducational college preparatory school that teaches the way students learn. The School welcomes students with diverse learning styles and helps them to develop self-confidence and achieve academic success through personalized, integrated learning. Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall offers 180 boarding and day students a richly diverse cultural and academic environment and opportunities to engage in the arts, athletics and community service. Our [Privacy Policy](http://www.chch.org/privacy). - [![NEASC](https://blog.chch.org/hubfs/ChapelHill_September2018%20Theme/Images/large_link1263776_97171.png)](https://www.neasc.org/) - [![TABS](https://blog.chch.org/hubfs/ChapelHill_September2018%20Theme/Images/large_link1263770_97172.png)](https://www.boardingschools.com/) - [![SBSA](https://blog.chch.org/hubfs/ChapelHill_September2018%20Theme/Images/large_link1263769_97173.png)](https://www.sbsaonline.org/) - [![NBOA](https://blog.chch.org/hubfs/ChapelHill_September2018%20Theme/Images/large_link1263767_97174.png)](https://www.nboa.org) - [![EMA](https://blog.chch.org/hubfs/ChapelHill_September2018%20Theme/Images/large_link1263766_97175.png)](https://enrollment.org/) ©2026 Chapel Hill - Chauncy Hall. All Rights Reserved. Open Sitemap*Close Sitemap* - [Admissions](https://www.chch.org/admissions) - [About](https://www.chch.org/page/about) - [Academics](https://www.chch.org/page/academics) - [Student Life](https://www.chch.org/page/student-life) - [Boarding](https://www.chch.org/boarding) - [Support CH-CH](https://www.chch.org/page/support-ch-ch) - [Blog](https://blog.chch.org)