At CATS Academy Boston, we take great pride in supporting students as they earn places at leading universities across the United States and around the world. While these achievements are driven by our students’ hard work, ambition, and determination, they are also made possible through the expert guidance and unwavering support of our dedicated College Counseling team.
For many students, the college application process can feel overwhelming, especially for those who arrive at CATS Academy Boston with little understanding of what to expect. Our College Counselors work closely with students on a one-to-one basis, providing personalized guidance every step of the way.
In this interview, we speak with Ms. Courtney Whalen, Director of College Counseling, and Ms. Sarah Hoffman, College Counselor, to learn more about their roles and the impact they have on our students’ futures. Together, they are committed to helping every student make informed decisions about their college journey and achieve their individual aspirations.
Meet Ms. Courtney Whalen
Ms. Courtney Whalen has served as Director of College Counseling at CATS Academy Boston since 2023. She earned a BA in Psychology and Sociology from Framingham State University and an MEd in School Counseling from Cambridge College after discovering her passion for helping students navigate the college admissions process. Previously a College & Career Pathways Counselor at Neighborhood House Charter School and recipient of the Teaching Excellence Award and College Board Counselor of the Year, Ms. Whalen is dedicated to empowering students to achieve their goals through informed guidance, strong advocacy, and a deep understanding of the evolving admissions landscape.
Meet Ms. Sarah Hoffman
Ms. Sarah Hoffman joined CATS Academy Boston in 2024, bringing a wealth of experience from both college admissions and college counseling. A Massachusetts native, she holds a BA from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a Master’s in Education from Harvard University, and has worked with leading institutions including Smith College, McGill University, the College of Charleston, Loyola Marymount University, and Harvard University.
Having counseled students across North America and visited more than 100 universities in the U.S, UK, Canada, and beyond, Ms. Hoffman offers students exceptional insight into the admissions process and university fit. She is passionate about helping each student find the right path, combining deep admissions expertise, global perspective, and a commitment to keeping pace with the rapidly evolving higher education landscape
What college counseling services are offered at CATS Academy Boston?
Courtney Whalen: Our college counseling program begins with admissions workshops, college fairs, and practice testing opportunities. In Grade 11, students receive more personalized support through individual and group counseling sessions focused on university research, crafting standout essays, obtaining impactful recommendations, and application planning.
By Grade 12, students have priority meetings with counsellors, as well as targeted workshops on the Common Application and college essays, ensuring they are fully prepared for the admissions process and empowered to present their best selves to prospective universities.
Our mission is to foster a generation of confident, well-prepared students ready to embark on their journey to university success!
Sarah Hoffman: I also organise visits from more than 50 university representatives each year and help coordinate a large college fair that introduces students in Grades 9 through 12 to a wide range of institutions.
In addition, I run workshops during the school day, after school, and in the residence halls covering every aspect of the admissions process.
How do you help students choose the right universities and potential majors?
Sarah Hoffman: I begin by learning about each student’s interests, strengths, values, goals, and preferred learning environment. Together, we use tools such as MaiaLearning, College Board BigFuture, and the Common App to research universities and programmes.
I encourage students to take advantage of Boston’s unique location by visiting college campuses, attending virtual tours, reading university blogs, and connecting directly with professors, admissions representatives, and current students. Throughout the process, I help students build a balanced list of universities so they can make informed, confident decisions.
Courtney Whalen: I believe the process begins with self-discovery. We use personality assessments and reflective exercises to help students understand their strengths, passions, learning styles, and long-term goals.
Once students have identified potential academic interests, we create tailored university lists based on factors such as programme offerings, location, size, demographics, study abroad opportunities, and affordability. This helps students find colleges that are not only academically suitable but also personally and socially the right fit.
How do you support students during the application process?
Sarah Hoffman: I help students present the strongest version of themselves through every stage of the process, from developing college lists and personal essays to reviewing applications and making final decisions. My goal is to make the experience as friendly and stress-free as possible while helping students tell their unique story.
Courtney Whalen: I maintain an open-door policy and work hard to create a welcoming space where students feel supported. The application process can be stressful, so I take time to understand each student as an individual, considering their unique interests, goals, and circumstances beyond just academics.
I believe success looks different for everyone, and my role is to make sure students feel heard, valued, confident, and empowered throughout the process.
How important are extracurricular activities when applying to university?
Sarah Hoffman: Extracurricular activities are extremely important because colleges want students who will contribute to the community beyond the classroom. Whether through athletics, the arts, leadership opportunities, academic clubs, service projects, or residential life, involvement helps students demonstrate passion, commitment, and impact.
Courtney Whalen: Extracurricular involvement is a vital part of the holistic admissions process used by many U.S. universities as it highlights students’ ability to balance academics with diverse interests and showcases their character. Activities help students cultivate leadership, teamwork, initiative, and time management skills while also showcasing their individuality.
How do you support students who aspire to attend an Ivy League university?
Sarah Hoffman: The key is starting early. I work with students to build a strong academic foundation and encourage them to develop meaningful involvement in a select number of extracurricular activities. Early planning helps students position themselves competitively while still exploring their interests.
Courtney Whalen: I provide the same dedicated support to all students, but for those interested in Ivy League institutions, we focus carefully on planning ahead, meeting application deadlines, and preparing thoroughly for standardised testing. Since many Ivy League applications require multiple supplemental essays, organisation and time management are especially important.
What advice would you give to a student about to start their college search?
Sarah Hoffman: Start early. The process can feel overwhelming at first but focus on finding institutions where you can grow, learn, and thrive.
Courtney Whalen: Spend time getting to know yourself. Understanding your interests, strengths, and learning style will help guide important decisions about majors, extracurricular activities, and university choices. It’s perfectly okay not to have everything figured out yet but it’s essential you are challenging yourself academically, and actively participating in extracurriculars!
What do you love most about working at CATS Academy Boston?
Sarah Hoffman: Helping students begin their post-secondary journey is incredibly rewarding. I also love being involved in so many aspects of campus life, from working in the dorm and co-leading the Language and Culture Club, to sporting events, theater productions, art showcases, university visits, and local events.
Courtney Whalen: Working with students from around the globe is a dream. Every student brings a unique perspective and story, and I feel privileged to learn about their cultures, backgrounds, ambitions, and aspirations through our one-to-one work together.
Supporting Every Student’s Future
While Ms. Courtney Whalen and Ms. Sarah Hoffman each bring their own experiences, expertise, and counseling styles, they share a common goal: helping every student feel confident, prepared, and excited about the next stage of their educational journey.
From exploring potential majors and identifying best-fit universities to crafting compelling applications and celebrating acceptances, the College Counseling team at CATS Academy Boston provides personalized support every step of the way, ensuring students are empowered to make informed decisions and achieve their ambitions.
