Special Advertising Feature
Director of College Advising | Key School
Since 2015, Laura Burrell Baxter has guided students as they search for the right fit in a college. Key School’s small size allows her to get to know students at the start of Upper School, so her approach is student-centered and highly personalized. She focuses on identifying the characteristics and criteria that help students find schools that meet their academic ability, social needs, and geographic preferences.
How does Key School prepare students to be successful in college—not just get into college?
Key School builds college readiness throughout a student’s experience. Students learn to think critically, communicate effectively, and advocate for themselves. College advising builds on that foundation, helping students make informed decisions about their future. The goal isn’t simply to help them get into college; it’s to prepare them to thrive.
Families hear about finding the “right fit” in the college search. What does this mean?
Researching a wide array of colleges helps students recognize that schools vary greatly in type and size. Finding the right one means looking beyond rankings and acceptance rates.
My role is to help students understand what matters to them and why. Students identify their strengths and how they learn, determine their criteria, and research a variety of schools.
They build a balanced college list that includes a range of admission possibilities while considering academic, social, financial, and personal fit. Self-awareness allows students to approach the search with confidence and make a decision that feels authentic and strategic.
What advice would you give families beginning the college search?
1.) Approach the college search as if it’s a marathon—not a sprint! The process takes time and an exploratory mindset. Students change and grow significantly throughout high school. 2.) Identifying potential colleges is about curiosity and self-discovery. With rankings, testing policies, and the influence of social media, it’s easy to lose sight of what the process means. 3.) Giving students space to take ownership of the process not only leads to better decisions but also builds the independence and confidence they’ll need when they arrive on campus.
Finding a college starts with knowing yourself.
Key School
534 Hillsmere Drive | Annapolis, MD 21403
