Anna Pless Peel Director of College Counseling

Anna Pless Peel

Director of College Counseling

anna.plesspeel@tnsatlanta.org  |  404-500-9753

College Counseling at The New School

The college counseling process at The New School is rooted in helping students find schools that are the right fit for their learning styles, academic ability, personalities and goals. Thanks to The New School’s innovative approach to education, in their four years at TNS, our students gain insight into their own strengths and weaknesses and how these can be applied to professional careers. They graduate ready and eager for the challenges they will face in college and beyond. Our curriculum is a unique blend of traditional college preparatory classes and out-of-classroom experiences, where students engage with Metro Atlanta’s dynamic community. Advanced Placement Courses include: AP Calculus AB, AP English Language, AP English Literature, AP Environmental Science, AP Spanish Language, AP Statistics, AP Studio Art (2D), and AP US History.

College Visits to TNS:

The New School is delighted to welcome representatives from near and far to learn more about our students and our school. Representatives can schedule online through SCOIR or by emailing our Director of College Counseling. Learn more about our school and our graduates by downloading our TNS College Profile 2019-20.

The New School is located in a converted warehouse at 655 Memorial Drive SE, Atlanta, GA 30312. Parking for visiting college representatives is usually reserved in the front of the building and there is also ample parking in the gravel lot to the left of the school.

Campus visitors may enjoy sampling some of the offerings of our Cabbagetown neighborhood – a dose of caffeine and conversation at Brother Moto or Octane Coffee, a quick bite at Grindhouse or Mix’D Up Burgers, Doc Chey’s, or a leisurely lunch at Petit Chou or Thumbs Up Diner.

Application Websites:

The college application process now takes place almost entirely online. Several colleges have joined forces to make the application process simpler for students and recommenders. Close to 750 colleges and universities, including Georgia Tech, now accept the Common Application and over 130, including the University of Georgia, accept the Coalition Application.  Many colleges in the Georgia system use a common application form accessible through the GAFutures website where students can also register for and learn more about the HOPE and Zell Miller Scholarship Programs.

Standardized Testing:

In order to help students prepare for the journey ahead, all 9th and 10th graders at The New School take a mock PSAT in October, and we offer a mock ACT for interested students each winter. TNS helps students register for the official PSAT and AP Exams at our test center host, Druid Hills High School. Families are responsible for registering students for the appropriate dates for the SAT and/or ACT. A growing number of colleges do not require standardized testing as part of their application process. Visit FairTest for more information.  

Financial Aid:

For many families, the cost of a college education can seem daunting. The College Counseling Office at TNS is committed to helping families find schools that are both a good fit for the students’ ambitions and abilities as well as the families’ budget. If you haven’t started saving for college, START NOW! Take advantage of the tax savings offered by a 529 Plan. Use the FAFSA4caster to see what your estimated family contribution might be. When the time comes, you will apply for financial aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (commonly known as “The FAFSA”) and, for some colleges, the College Scholarship Service PROFILE as well. For outside scholarships, GoingMerry; and FastWeb are great places to begin your search. FinAid offers a great summary of how to apply for aid and how to interpret financial aid awards once they arrive. For information about Georgia’s HOPE and Zell Miller Scholarships, check out GAFutures and the Georgia Student Finance Commission.  

Matriculations:

Click HERE to see where our students are getting accepted and going to college.

Memberships:

The New School is a proud member of the National Association for College Admission Counseling as well as the Southern Association of College Admission Counseling. Both organizations offer helpful resources for students and families navigating the college search and application process.