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BASIS Independent Fremont’s Class of 2025 College Acceptances

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We are thrilled to share the college acceptances of BASIS Independent Fremont’s Class of 2025! Our seniors reached an exciting milestone, receiving offers from a wide range of exceptional colleges and universities across the country and beyond. These acceptances reflect not only their academic excellence but also their growth as leaders, thinkers, and individuals over the years. As they prepare for the next chapter, we celebrate the hard work, perseverance, and passion that brought them to this point—and we look forward to all they’ll achieve in the future.

Head of School Mariam Abodouma captured the spirit of this class, sharing that, “The Class of 2025, as our second graduating class, has accomplished impressive academic and personal growth. Over the years, they’ve built a close-knit community grounded in kindness, resilience, perseverance, and a strong work ethic. They have never been afraid of hard work or shied away from challenges. Their outstanding college acceptances reflect the dedication they’ve shown throughout their time here. I’m confident they will continue to make a positive impact wherever their paths lead.”

College admissions have grown increasingly competitive in recent years, and the Class of 2025 met that challenge with focus, ambition, and intention. Their outcomes reflect not only their academic strength but also the thoughtful and personalized way they approached the process.

We’re proud to share the impressive college acceptance results from BASIS Independent Fremont’s Class of 2025:

• 35% of students were accepted to their first-choice school
• 29% of students were accepted to Top 15 Schools
• 39% of students were accepted to Top 20 Global Schools
• 92% of students were accepted to Top 50 Schools
• 100% of students were accepted to Top 100 Schools
*Based on U.S. News & World Report rankings of National and Global Universities

In addition, five students were accepted into prestigious Scholarship or Honors College programs, and three were recognized as National Merit Finalists.

Speaking on behalf of the college counseling team, College Counselor Niyati Shah highlighted the dedication this group brought to their journey, saying, “The Class of 2025 was truly exceptional. Each student brought clarity, purpose, and ambition to their college journey, demonstrating a strong sense of direction and determination. It has been a privilege to work with such bright, motivated individuals and witness their growth throughout the process. We are incredibly proud of all they’ve accomplished and can’t wait to see the impact they’ll make as they begin this exciting new chapter.”

As only our second graduating class, these seniors have helped shape what it means to be a BASIS Independent Fremont graduate, and they’ve set a remarkable standard for future trailblazers to follow. The individuality, purpose, and persistence they brought to their college journey mirror the same qualities they brought to our school community.

As they begin the next chapter of their academic journeys, we offer our heartfelt congratulations. We are proud of everything they’ve accomplished and even more excited about what’s ahead.

Please find the full list of college acceptances for this extraordinary group of students below.

CLASS OF 2025 ACCEPTANCES
Arizona State University (Downtown Phoenix)
Arizona State University (Tempe)
Binghamton University
Boise State University
Boston University
Cal Poly Humboldt
California Institute of Technology
California Polytechnic State University (San Luis Obispo)
California State Polytechnic University (Pomona)
California State University (Fresno)
California State University (Sacramento)
Carnegie Mellon University
Case Western Reserve University
Colorado School of Mines
Columbia University
Cornell University
Drexel University
Duke University
Emory University
Georgetown University
Georgia Institute of Technology
Harvard University
Harvey Mudd College
Indiana University (Bloomington)
Johns Hopkins University
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Michigan State University
North Carolina State University
Northeastern University
Northern Arizona University
Northwestern University
Occidental College
Penn State University (Abington)
Penn State University (University Park)
Penn State University (World Campus)
Purdue University (Main Campus)
Reed College
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Rice University
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Rutgers University (Camden)
Rutgers University (New Brunswick)
Rutgers University (Newark)
Saint Louis University
San Diego State University
San Francisco State University
San Jose State University
Santa Clara University
Stanford University
Stevens Institute of Technology
Stony Brook University
SUNY University at Buffalo
Texas A&M University
The Ohio State University
The University of Edinburgh
The University of Texas at Austin
The University of Texas at Dallas
University College London
University of Arizona
University of California (Berkeley)
University of California (Davis)
University of California (Irvine)
University of California (Los Angeles)
University of California (Merced)
University of California (Riverside)
University of California (San Diego)
University of California (Santa Barbara)
University of California (Santa Cruz)
University of Cambridge
University of Colorado Boulder
University of Delaware
University of Florida
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
University of Iowa
University of Maryland (College Park)
University of Massachusetts (Amherst)
University of Massachusetts (Boston)
University of Michigan
University of Minnesota (Twin Cities)
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
University of Pennsylvania
University of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh)
University of San Francisco
University of Southern California
University of the Pacific
University of Utah
University of Washington (Seattle Campus)
University of Wisconsin (Madison)
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Westmont College
William & Mary

Interested in learning more about our High School Program?

Connect with our Admissions Team to discover how BASIS Independent Fremont empowers students to
thrive in high school, college, and wherever their ambitions take them.

BASIS Independent Fremont is a TK – Grade 12 private school, providing students with an internationally benchmarked liberal arts and sciences curriculum, with advanced STEM offerings. Considering joining the BASIS Independent Fremont community? To join our interest list for the next school year and receive admissions updates and more, please click here.

BASIS Independent Silicon Valley’s Class of 2025 College Acceptances

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The Class of 2025 at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley has left a lasting mark with their unique passions, drive, and resilience. From academic achievements to extracurricular pursuits, these students have fully embraced the challenges and opportunities of our program. Their growth reflects not only their personal determination but also the support and encouragement of the BISV community that surrounds them.

Head of School Ms. Kolb reflected on this year’s graduates, noting that their college acceptances represent more than just strong academics. “I couldn’t be prouder of our graduates. Their college acceptances reflect not just academic excellence, but a deep commitment to finding the right fit for who they are and who they’re becoming. This is what success looks like at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley—intentional, authentic, and earned,” said Kolb.

College acceptances represent a major milestone for our students and their families, and this exciting moment would not be possible without the guidance and support of our college counseling team. While rankings often grab attention, our counselors focus on helping students discover schools where they will truly thrive academically, socially, and personally. Through individualized conversations and thoughtful planning, they consider each student’s goals, interests, and practical needs, such as location and financial fit. This personalized approach empowers our graduating Bobcats to find college communities where they can grow with confidence and purpose.

Ms. Christie Filios, one of our college counselors, reflected on the Class of 2025 with admiration, sharing, “The Class of 2025 was comprised of students with very diverse interests and passions, but who all had a deep desire to put their stamp on the world. There is no doubt that these students will achieve much in their lifetime. Congratulations seniors on your graduation.”

The Class of 2025 has demonstrated resilience, curiosity, and an unwavering commitment to growth. As they prepare to leave our campus and begin this exciting next chapter, we offer our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes. Below is a full list of college acceptances for this remarkable group of Bobcats. Congratulations, Class of 2025. Your journey is just beginning, and we can’t wait to see where it takes you.

CLASS OF 2025 UNITED STATES ACCEPTANCES
Amherst College
Arizona State University (Polytechnic)
Arizona State University (Tempe)
Barnard College
Bates College
Baylor University
Boston College
Boston University
Bowdoin College
Brown University
Bucknell University
Cal Poly Humboldt
California Institute of Technology
California Polytechnic State University (San Luis Obispo)
California State Polytechnic University (Pomona)
California State University (East Bay)
California State University (Fullerton)
California State University (Long Beach)
California State University (Los Angeles)
California State University (Sacramento)
Carnegie Mellon University
Case Western Reserve University
Claremont McKenna College
Colorado School of Mines
Columbia University
Cornell University
Dartmouth College
Drake University
Drexel University
Duke University
Emory University
George Washington University
Georgetown University
Georgia Institute of Technology
Harvard University
Harvey Mudd College
Haverford College
Hofstra University
Imperial College London
Indiana University (Bloomington)
Iowa State University
Johns Hopkins University
Loyola Marymount University
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Michigan State University
Middlebury College
New York University
Northeastern University
Northwestern University
Oberlin College
Occidental College
Olin College of Engineering
Oregon State University
Oxford College of Emory University
Penn State University (University Park)
Penn State University (World Campus)
Pomona College
Princeton University
Purdue University (Main Campus)
Reed College
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Rhode Island School of Design
Rice University
Rochester Institute of Technology
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Rutgers University (New Brunswick)
Rutgers University (Newark)
Saint Louis University
San Diego State University
San Jose State University
Santa Clara University
Sarah Lawrence College
Smith College
Southern Methodist University
Stanford University
Stevens Institute of Technology
Stony Brook University
SUNY Polytechnic Institute
SUNY University at Buffalo
Swarthmore College
Syracuse University
Temple University
Texas A&M University
The Ohio State University
The University of Texas at Austin
The University of Texas at Dallas
Tufts University
Tulane University of Louisiana
University of Arizona
University of California (Berkeley)
University of California (Davis)
University of California (Irvine)
University of California (Los Angeles)
University of California (Merced)
University of California (Riverside)
University of California (San Diego)
University of California (Santa Barbara)
University of California (Santa Cruz)
University of Chicago
University of Colorado Boulder
University of Connecticut
University of Florida
University of Georgia
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
University of Iowa
University of Maryland (College Park)
University of Massachusetts (Amherst)
University of Miami
University of Michigan
University of Minnesota (Twin Cities)
University of Missouri (Kansas City)
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
University of Notre Dame
University of Oregon
University of Pennsylvania
University of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh)
University of Rochester
University of San Diego
University of San Francisco
University of Southern California
University of Utah
University of Virginia (Main Campus)
University of Washington (Seattle Campus)
University of Wisconsin (Madison)
Vanderbilt University
Vassar College
Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Wake Forest University
Washington and Lee University
Washington University in St. Louis
Wellesley College
Wesleyan University
William & Mary
Williams College
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Yale University
CLASS OF 2025 INTERNATIONAL ACCEPTANCES
Duke Kunshan University
The London School of Economics and Political Science
University College London
University of British Columbia
University of Cambridge
University of Oxford
University of Toronto
University of Toronto Mississauga
University of Toronto Scarborough
University of Waterloo

BASIS Independent Silicon Valley is a TK – Grade 12 private school, providing students with an internationally benchmarked liberal arts and sciences curriculum, with advanced STEM offerings. Considering joining the Bobcat community? To join our interest list for the next school year and receive admissions updates and more, please click here. 

Mountaineer Futures: Launching College Counseling at BASIS Independent Bellevue

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The college application process seems to change every year, affected by global events like COVID-19 as well as more local factors like the national economy. Universities and colleges themselves have been shifting away from (or back towards) accepting standardized testing scores, utilizing different application platforms, and refining what they’re looking for in an ideal student. Some have raised the income ceiling for what would qualify a family for fully subsidized tuition; others have seen such an increase in their applications that their acceptance rates have dropped to single digit numbers. At BASIS Independent Bellevue, we understand that the research and decision-making that goes into choosing the next step in a student’s educational career can feel overwhelming, which is why we offer a robust College Counseling program with various levels of support for both students and parents. 

Ms. Angkham seen here leading a college counseling information session for grade 9 families.

This school year, we welcomed Ms. Che Angkham to establish the College Counseling program at BASIS Independent Bellevue, coinciding with our inaugural high school class. Though this is her first year at the Bellevue Campus, this is her 7th year with BASIS Independent Schools and her 17th year overall as an educator. She joins us from our network’s largest high school—the Silicon Valley campus in San Jose, California–where in addition to College Counselor, she had held the roles of English Subject Expert Teacher, Dean of Students, and Associate Head of School. Prior to joining BASIS Independent Schools, she taught elementary and middle school at other independent schools and worked as a private consultant. Her experience has given her unique insight into a student’s journey, all the way from grade 1 through grade 12—from learning phonics to walking in their high school graduation. This breadth of knowledge has served her well in building a College Counseling program from the ground up.  

What makes College Counseling at BASIS Independent Schools so effective is its holistic, collaborative approach. Ms. Angkham works closely with the School Counselor, Dean of Students, Director of Student Affairs, and Subject Expert Teachers as part of a network of support, covering not just academic achievements but also social-emotional learning, executive functioning, and life skills. Furthermore, the team of College Counselors across all the BASIS Independent Schools regularly collaborate with one another as well as meet monthly with counselors across the Spring Network. Every College Counselor also belongs to the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), which provides industry-standard training and up-to-date resources. 

This year, our grade 8 families got a jumpstart into College Counseling with their course selection in the spring. Students and families met with Ms. Angkham to learn more about our high school curriculum and receive individualized planning on their high school trajectory. Those families can enter this summer with the assurance that they have made informed decisions for their teen’s first year of high school. 

Once grade 9 begins, students and families attend a “College Counseling 101” workshop at the start of the year in which Ms. Angkham gives them an overview of what to expect with advising and counseling throughout high school. Parents also receive some tips on how to best support students, while students find out what skills and achievements they should focus on as they move through each year of high school. Ms. Angkham also shares industry norms in college admissions and dispels some commonly held myths regarding the process. 

Throughout the year, Grade 9 students have multiple touchpoints and sessions with Ms. Angkham, including the following: 

  • Seattle College Fair in the fall 
  • Trimester check-ins to review academic progress 
  • Additional academic support for students whose grades fell below a certain level 
  • Preliminary major and college research 
  • Aptitudes and interests assessment 
  • Activities and achievements tracking 
  • Reflection and goal-setting 
  • Essay writing practice 
  • Course selection advising 

Parents, along with students, are invited to workshops that review best practices on how to choose an impactful summer experience; financial planning for college; and tips for success on the end-of-year AP tests, finals, and beyond. 

Grade 9 students were accompanied by Ms. Angkham and several of our staff to a College Fair this year. Seen here at Pike Place Market, they used the off-campus opportunity to check out some of the classic sites in Seattle.

Looking ahead to grades 10 and 11, students and families will continue with similar support, but of course scaled to that specific year in high school. Additionally, we will offer standardized testing practice and visits with college admissions representatives so that students can make individualized connections and find out more about a school’s application process, beyond what can be found online. Grade 11 students can begin their college applications in earnest, including receiving counseling and essay feedback throughout the summer leading up to senior year. 

Grade 12 is where students and families become deeply immersed in College Counseling with open access to the counselor through family meetings and drop-in office hours. Additionally, seniors will have a daily college counseling class with Ms. Angkham during trimesters 1 and 2 in which they will continue with visits from college admissions representatives, learn how to best approach different essays, broaden their knowledge of colleges in general, figure out what financial aid is available to them, and build a balanced college list based on their strengths and interests. Students will also receive robust one-on-one application review and essay feedback.  

After the culmination of the application season, the College Counseling class will pivot to Life Skills where students will learn material that will benefit them in college and beyond, such as university resources and how to be a good roommate. 

During trimester 3 of senior year, students may continue meeting with Ms. Angkham as needed. While they wait for college acceptances to continue rolling in, they will focus on their Senior Research Projects in earnest. This project may have actually started as early as grade 11, depending on whether a student is continuing a passion project or whether they are introducing a brand-new proposal their senior year. Students will spend the trimester doing hands-on original research, writing blogs to update us on their progress along the way, and completing their papers. Those students completing their Senior Projects through the AP Research course will also defend their papers to the College Board. Each senior will then present their findings at an end-of-year conference in which all students, staff, and family members will be invited to be amazed, proud, and humbled by the ingenuity of our soon-to-be graduates.  

As a growing high school with only grade 9 students this year, we have a lot to look forward to. We have been delighted to share in the successes of our sister high schools: BASIS Independent Brooklyn, Fremont, Manhattan, McLean, and Silicon Valley. Students at all campuses received acceptance to their schools of choice. Our industry standard of ensuring students apply to schools based on fit means that BASIS Independent graduates are not only excited to enroll in college; they are also well-positioned to have a satisfying college experience and success in their future classes. They will graduate college with the education and maturity to become the next generation of leaders. Read all about our students’ acceptances in this blog.  

We have amazing students here at BASIS Independent Bellevue. We look forward to seeing them learn and grow over the years, and we cannot wait for our first graduating class to celebrate their achievements in 2028! 

BIM Class of 2025 College Acceptances: A Private School Achievement 

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We are extremely excited and proud of our very talented Class of 2025, and equally glad to share news of their college acceptances! This class is an amazing group of young people with tremendous futures ahead of them. Associate Head of School, Kate Reynolds, says of them, “As someone who has watched many of these students grow from their earliest years on our campus, I am filled with pride. They’ve grown not only in academic skill but in character, curiosity, and leadership. Their college acceptances reflect years of persistence, integrity, and a deep commitment to their goals.” 

“This group of students has demonstrated remarkable achievements, both in and out of the classroom,” says Head of School, Jason Shorbe, “Their college acceptances are a testament to the strength of our academic program and the depth of their individual aspirations. We are so proud to see them take this next step and excited to see what they go on to accomplish next!” 

This year’s graduates have been accepted into BA/MD, Honors College, and other prestigious Scholars programs. Several of our recruited athletes will compete in fencing, baseball, and volleyball in college. Four were designated as National Merit Finalists. 

Here are some other highlights of their successes: 

  • 30% were accepted by their first-choice school 
  • 52% were accepted to a top 25-ranked institution 
  • 66% were accepted to a top 50 school 
  • 100% were accepted to a top 100 school 

Members of the Class of 2025 were accepted at:  

  • American University of Paris 
  • Amherst College 
  • Babson College 
  • Carnegie Mellon University 
  • Case Western Reserve University 
  • Colgate University 
  • Denison University 
  • Drexel University 
  • George Mason University 
  • George Washington University 
  • Georgetown University 
  • IE University-Madrid 
  • James Madison University 
  • Johns Hopkins University 
  • Michigan State University 
  • New York University 
  • North Carolina State University 
  • Northeastern University 
  • Northwestern University 
  • Nova Southeastern University 
  • Oberlin College 
  • Ohio State University 
  • Oxford College of Emory University 
  • Pennsylvania State University 
  • Pomona College 
  • Purdue University 
  • Rice University 
  • Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute  
  • Rutgers University 
  • Stanford University 
  • Temple University 
  • Texas A&M University 
  • The College of William & Mary 
  • Trinity College 
  • Union College 
  • University of Alabama 
  • University of Arizona 
  • University of California, Berkeley 
  • University of California, Davis 
  • University of California, Irvine 
  • University of California, San Diego 
  • University of Chicago 
  • University of Colorado Boulder 
  • University of Florida 
  • University of Glasgow 
  • University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 
  • University of Maryland 
  • University of Massachusetts Amherst 
  • University of Michigan 
  • University of Minnesota 
  • University of Missouri-Kansas City 
  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 
  • University of Notre Dame 
  • University of Pennsylvania 
  • University of Pittsburgh 
  • University of Rochester 
  • University of South Carolina 
  • University of Southern California 
  • University of Toronto 
  • University of Virginia 
  • Virginia Commonwealth University 
  • Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University 
  • Washington University in St. Louis 
  • Yale University 

Celebrating BASIS Independent Brooklyn’s Class of 2025 College Acceptances

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We are incredibly proud to share news of college acceptances of BASIS Independent Brooklyn’s Class of 2025! Our seniors have spent the past weeks deciding among the top schools in the country, and they had many wonderful options to explore. Students took time to research and fully assess programs and universities offering resources that will build on their interests nurtured in high school, both in classes and activities outside of school, for years to come.

“Many of the students in this year’s class have been with our school since its founding,” said College Counselor Matt Brauch. “In our High School Program, all these students actively leaned into coursework, clubs, and extracurricular activities to identify and then explore their interests. They aggressively chased after these interests inside and outside of school, starting with course selection (choosing where available to pursue their interests on our campus) and through utilizing resources we created and updated throughout their tenure here to explore their interests off campus.”

“Our seniors embody the character, determination, and care for one another that all of our students should strive for each year,” commented Head of School Josh Harmon. “I know they will benefit the communities and schools they go on to join next year.”

This year was one of the most selective yet in college admissions. Many colleges that were highly selective last year were even more selective this year. We are proud to share the university and college acceptances received by our 24 students who applied to colleges this year:

  • 5/24 students (21%) were offered seats at one of the Top 10 National Universities ranked by U.S. News & World Report. If you extend that to include Cornell (currently the 11th-ranked National University), then the number grows to 7/24 (29%).
  • 67% of students (16/24) were accepted to schools in the Top 30 U.S. National Universities and Liberal Arts Colleges, including Princeton University, Stanford University (2), Duke University, Northwestern University (2), the University of Pennsylvania, Cornell University (3), University of California-Los Angeles, University of California-Berkeley, Washington University in St. Louis, Georgetown University, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, University of Southern California (3), Hamilton College, Haverford College, and University of Richmond. Students in this cohort also received offers from Top-20-ranked global universities, including the University College London, Imperial College London, and the University of Toronto (3).
  • Nearly every senior received an acceptance from a school ranked in the Top 50 National Universities and Liberal Arts Colleges as ranked by U.S. News and World Report. If we count Northeastern (#54), then this number jumps to 23/24 seniors (96%), since one of our students applied to Northeastern as their first-choice school via early decision this year. The remaining senior was accepted to an excellent program at their first-choice university through early decision.


“While I am thrilled that all our students have fantastic college options,” shared Mr. Brauch. “I am most proud of this class of seniors for applying to schools that fit what they want out of a college environment and experience. All of our seniors chose the path that fit them best at and outside of our school. They have driven this process, and the results show the effort and time spent focusing on fit for their unique interests and talents. That has served them well at our school and will help tremendously as they take their next steps towards college and beyond.”

CLASS OF 2025 ACCEPTANCES  

Albright College

American University

Bard College

Bentley University

Binghamton University

Boston University

Brandeis University

Bucknell University

Case Western Reserve University

Clark University

Colgate University

Cornell University

CUNY Bernard M Baruch College

Drexel University

Duke University

Duquesne University

Elon University

Emory University

Fordham University

George Washington University

Georgetown University

Georgia Institute of Technology

Goucher College

Hamilton College

Haverford College

Hofstra University

Illinois Institute of Technology

Imperial College London

Indiana University (Bloomington)

Ithaca College

Kenyon College

King’s College London

Lesley University

Loyola Marymount University

McGill University

McMaster University

Miami University (Oxford)

New York University

Northeastern University

Northwestern University

Oberlin College

Oregon State University

Penn State University (University Park)

Pepperdine University

Princeton University

Providence College

Purdue University (Main Campus)

Purdue University Fort Wayne

Reed College

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Rice University

Rochester Institute of Technology

Rutgers University (New Brunswick)

Rutgers University (Newark)

Sarah Lawrence College

Skidmore College

Stanford University

Stony Brook University

SUNY at New Paltz

SUNY at Purchase College

SUNY College at Cortland

SUNY Geneseo

SUNY University at Buffalo

Syracuse University

The London School of Economics and Political Science

The Ohio State University

The University of Edinburgh

The University of Texas at Austin

The University of Warwick

University College London

University of Arizona

University of Bristol

University of British Columbia

University of California (Berkeley)

University of California (Davis)

University of California (Irvine)

University of California (Los Angeles)

University of California (Riverside)

University of California (Santa Barbara)

University of California (Santa Cruz)

University of Colorado Boulder

University of Connecticut

University of Delaware

University of Florida

University of Illinois at Chicago

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

University of Maryland (College Park)

University of Massachusetts (Amherst)

University of Miami

University of Minnesota (Twin Cities)

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

University of Oregon

University of Pennsylvania

University of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh)

University of Rhode Island

University of Richmond

University of Rochester

University of San Diego

University of Southern California

University of Toronto

University of Virginia

University of Washington (Seattle Campus)

University of Wisconsin (Madison)

Vassar College

Villanova University

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Washington University in St. Louis

Wesleyan University

Western University

Wilfrid Laurier University

William & Mary

Congratulations to our Bears! Our soon-to-be graduates have had a huge impact on our school, and we are confident they will develop further into the leaders our world needs in the years to come.

BASIS Independent Brooklyn is a PreK–Grade 12 private school, providing students with an internationally benchmarked liberal arts and sciences curriculum, with advanced STEM offerings. Considering joining the Bears community? To join our interest list for the next school year and receive admissions updates and more, please click here. 

BASIS Independent Manhattan Class of 2025: Celebrating Outstanding College Acceptances

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Join us in celebrating the BASIS Independent Manhattan Class of 2025 and their outstanding college acceptances! Our second graduating cohort reached a significant milestone with the commitment of their stellar college enrollment decisions, and we are overjoyed to share the results. Coming from a challenging high school program at a New York City private school, we are incredibly proud of and inspired by their success.

College Enrollment Reflects Exceptional Achievements

Congratulations to the Class of 2025 on their enrollment at the following colleges and universities (in alphabetical order):

  • Amherst College
  • Babson College
  • Boston University
  • Columbia University
  • Cornell University (Two students)
  • Lehigh University
  • Penn State University (University Park) – Schreyer Honors College
  • University of California, Berkeley
  • University of Connecticut

Head of School Ms. LaNette Hodge reflected on the list, saying,

“The Class of 2025, our remarkable second set of graduating seniors, truly embodies the spirit of BASIS Independent Manhattan. Building upon the high standard set by our pioneering seniors last year, they have faced the highly challenging college admissions process with exceptional hard work, dedication, courage, and resilience. We are brimming with pride for our current seniors because their impressive college acceptances are a powerful testament not only to their incredible talent and academic achievement, but also to the lasting legacy they are creating – one that will undoubtedly continue to inspire the Wildcat students who follow in their footsteps.”

To provide perspective on these results, these statistics speak volumes about the caliber of this graduating class:

  • 40% of students secured spots at top-15 universities and liberal arts colleges, ranked by U.S. News and World Report.
  • 50% received offers from institutions within the top 25 nationally, including prestigious names like Amherst, Cornell, Columbia, and the University of Virginia.
  • An impressive 70% gained acceptance to schools ranked in the top 50.
  • Remarkably, 90% were accepted to colleges within the top 75.

Note: Due to Babson’s academic specialization, it isn’t ranked in U.S. News and World Report’s overall rankings, but it is ranked #1 in Entrepreneurship.

A Class to Be Remembered and Truly Missed

college prep with college counselor in college counseling meeting with senior

Reflecting on his experience with the Class of 2025 and their participation in BASIS Independent Manhattan’s college preparation program, College Counselor Mr. Danny Tejada shared, “This senior class stands out as the most impressive and ambitious group of students I have had the privilege to work with. In addition to daily college counseling classes and weekly individual meetings, they successfully achieved their college application objectives while maintaining their commitment to rigorous senior-year coursework. I am very proud of the adaptability and growth mindset instilled in these seniors that helped them navigate the complexities of the college application process.”

The impressive college acceptances achieved by the BASIS Independent Manhattan Class of 2025 underscore the success of our curriculum and supportive learning environment that unlocks the remarkable potential of our students. This second graduating class has truly set a high bar for future college enrollment, building upon the legacy of our pioneers. We are immensely proud of their hard work, resilience, and the bright futures ahead of them.

senior class of 2025 college acceptances college decisions at high school

Please find the Full List of College Acceptances below for a comprehensive look at all their achievements in the college admissions process.

seniors class of 2025 graduation swag basis independent manhattan

American University

Amherst College

Babson College

Binghamton University

Boston College

Boston University

Columbia University

Cornell University

Drexel University

Ferris State University

Fordham University

George Washington University

Imperial College London

Indiana University (Bloomington)

Lehigh University

McGill University

New York University

Penn State University (University Park)

Rutgers University (New Brunswick)

SUNY University at Buffalo

Syracuse University

The University of Edinburgh

The University of Nottingham

Tufts University

University College London

University of California, Berkeley

University of California, Davis

University of California, San Diego

University of California, Santa Barbara

University of Connecticut

University of Nevada (Las Vegas)

University of Southern California

University of Virginia (Main Campus)

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Redefining College Counseling at BASIS Independent Brooklyn

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The college application process has grown more complicated each year, layering in a great deal of uncertainty and anxiety into an already complex process. That is why BASIS Independent Brooklyn offers individualized support and preparation for both students and their families. Matt Brauch established the College Counseling Program at BASIS Independent Brooklyn almost a decade ago, and he lives and breathes the very complicated world of college admissions with our Student Affairs Team at the High School Program. After working with seven graduating classes as well as serving as the College Counselor Advisor for our entire network of BASIS Independent Schools, we wanted to share how Mr. Brauch’s focused approach, informed by years of experience across our network, makes a difference.

Colleges and universities now offer many different application options to students—Early Decision I, Early Decision II, Early Action, Restrictive Early Action, Rolling Admissions, and Regular Decision. Many of our students also consider universities abroad, and that is why we have found offering families more guidance and support leads directly to exceptional outcomes. An equally important factor is help navigating the whole world of financial aid, scholarships, and ancillary programs.

Currently, our seniors are balancing natural anxiety with the confidence gained from BASIS Independent Brooklyn’s college prep programs and supportive environment as we await Regular Decision outcomes later this month. With personalized guidance from our dedicated faculty, expert resources, and custom events, the Class of 2025 is not only applying to the finest educational institutions but also cultivating resilience and independence—qualities that will serve them well in their future academic journeys and beyond.  

Here’s a glimpse into the college counseling approach that distinguishes BASIS Independent Brooklyn. 

Personalized Preparation

Standing apart from almost every other high school in the U.S., our students begin their college preparation in grade 9. This early start allows our College Counselor, Mr. Brauch, to take the time to get to know students and uncover their interests and strengths. He meets with families and has an open-door policy for students to stop by and ask questions.

He says, “I ask students about their passions and interests and work with them on ways they can demonstrate them in meaningful ways. We talk about possible college and career options, but the conversations need to be deeply rooted in their personal interests and goals.” 

For Mr. Brauch, the goal is finding the right college fit. Students must understand the connection between their strengths and the varying opportunities that each university has to offer. 

To help students uncover this connection, in the senior year Mr. Brauch works with students in a daily 50-minute College Counseling class to provide group and individualized guidance, helping them learn practical skills, such as navigating the application process, resume building, and essay writing, while encouraging them to explore degree pathways that might be a good fit.

Photo: Mr. Brauch and Director Forde alongside our seniors who received the 2024 College Board National Recognition Awards.

A Focused Approach

At many other schools in New York City, college counseling is part of a general guidance counseling program where the onus is on the student to ask for support and meet application deadlines. At BASIS Independent Brooklyn there is a balance of independence and accountability. The College Counselor works one-on-one with juniors and seniors, challenging them to complete goals and following up on their progress.  

Another factor that has empowered the older students at BASIS Independent Brooklyn is our commitment to small class sizes and expert educators. This model has made it possible for our teachers to impart a deep understanding and mastery of content in the sciences, mathematics, literature, history, world languages, AP, and Capstone courses. Personalized teaching translates to proficient learning and is one of the contributors to our legacy of content mastery, including outstanding test scores. 

Bringing Experts to Families

At BASIS Independent Brooklyn, students are positioned to drive the college admissions process with parents as informed partners.

Grades 9 & 10Grade 11Grade 12
College Counseling NewsletterCollege Counseling NewsletterCollege Counseling Newsletter
Encouraged to Attend College Rep Visits  Required to Attend College Rep Visits  Encouraged to Attend College Rep Visits  
Open access to College Counselor  Open Access to College Counselor  Regularly Scheduled Meetings with College Counselor  
Getting Ready College Counseling NightCollege Planning Workshop for Parents/Guardians Financial Aid Night – How to Interpret Financial Aid Award Letters
Financial Aid WorkshopOne-on-one Scheduled Meetings with College Counselor (Fall and Spring)Regularly Scheduled Meetings with College Counselor  
Financial Aid WorkshopDaily College Counseling Class (for Two Trimesters)
SMART TRACK College Funding ResourcesSMART TRACK College Funding Resources
Life Skills Mentoring
Presentation Training for Senior Projects
Transition Tips: Getting off to the Right Foot in College
Managing Stress and Emotions of the Transition to College (with School Counselor)

Photo: One of our college representative visits held in the senior lounge.

Outstanding Results

The Class of 2025 has made us proud every year. Senior year has been no exception. Many of our seniors received Early Action or Early Decision acceptances, and we are thrilled to announce our students received acceptances from schools including:

  • Princeton University
  • Stanford University
  • Cornell University
  • Georgetown University
  • Washington University at St. Louis
  • University of Virginia
  • University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
  • University of Southern California
  • New York University
  • Georgia Institute of Technology
  • Purdue University
  • Virginia Institute of Technology
  • Northeastern University 
  • American University
  • Oberlin College
  • Pepperdine College
  • McGill University
  • Imperial College London
  • King’s College London

Year after year, the effectiveness of the College Counseling approach at BASIS Independent Brooklyn truly stands out, showcasing the remarkable results we achieve together now with seven graduating classes this year.

Our students are well-equipped to overcome any setbacks with the right mindset. Our robust College Counseling Program plays a crucial role in this process. With personalized support, dedicated resources, and daily classes, our students confidently navigate obstacles and are empowered to make informed decisions about their future. 

BASIS Independent Brooklyn is a PreK– Grade 12 private school, providing students with an internationally benchmarked liberal arts and sciences curriculum, with advanced STEM offerings. Considering joining the Bears community? To join our interest list for the next school year and receive admissions updates and more, please click here. 

A Celebration of Excellence: Class of 2025 College Acceptances Announced

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BASIS Independent Schools continues to set the standard nationally for academic excellence. The Class of 2025 represents 206 graduates across five high schools—BASIS Independent Brooklyn, Fremont, Manhattan, McLean, and Silicon Valley. From coast to coast, our graduates have earned admission to the world’s top colleges and universities, demonstrating that they are ready to lead, excel, and contribute.

College preparation at BASIS Independent Schools starts in grade 9 introducing students early to the foundational concepts and expectations of the college admission journey. In their senior year, students take a dedicated, daily college counseling class for two trimesters, taught by our College Counselors. This class builds upon the preparation that they have received since freshman year. It provides students with the resources, tools, and confidence to successfully navigate the college admission process.

“Everyone involved with supporting the students in this graduating class is equal parts inspired and impressed by everything that they have achieved,” expressed Toby Walker, Vice President of BASIS Independent Schools. “Students in the BASIS Independent Schools Class of 2025 have shown themselves to be real innovators, diligent scholars, and positive contributors. We look forward to hearing more about their undoubted future successes.”

College Acceptances by the Numbers

We are proud to present a summary of the acceptances to the 2024-2025 U.S. News & World Report’s Top National Colleges and Universities, including graduates from all five of our high schools. Congratulations to the Class of 2025!

The following is a comprehensive list of acceptances both within the United States and internationally.

Class of 2025 Acceptances – United States
Albright College
American University
Amherst College
Arizona State University
Babson College
Bard College
Baylor University
Bentley University
Binghamton University
Boise State University
Boston College
Boston University
Brandeis University
Brown University
Bucknell University
Cal Poly Humboldt
California Institute of Technology
California Polytechnic State University
California State Polytechnic University
California State University
Carnegie Mellon University
Case Western Reserve University
Claremont McKenna College
Clark University
Colgate University
Colorado School of Mines
Columbia University
Cornell University
CUNY
Denison University
Drake University
Drexel University
Duke University
Duquesne University
Elon University
Emory University
Ferris State University
Fordham University
George Mason University
George Washington University
Georgetown University
Georgia Institute of Technology
Goucher College
Hamilton College
Harvard University
Harvey Mudd College
Haverford College
Hofstra University
Illinois Institute of Technology
Indiana University
Iowa State University
Ithaca College
James Madison University
Johns Hopkins University
Kenyon College
Las Positas College
Lehigh University
Lesley University
Loyola Marymount University
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Miami University
Michigan State University
Middlebury College
New York University
North Carolina State University
Northeastern University
Northern Arizona University
Northwestern University
Nova Southeastern University
Oberlin College
Occidental College
Olin College of Engineering
Oregon State University
Oxford College of Emory University
Penn State University
Pepperdine University
Pomona College
Princeton University
Providence College
Purdue University
Reed College
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Rhode Island School of Design
Rice University
Rochester Institute of Technology
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Rutgers University
Saint Louis University
San Diego State University
San Francisco State University
San Jose State University
Santa Clara University
Sarah Lawrence College
Skidmore College
Smith College
Stanford University
Stevens Institute of Technology
Stony Brook University
SUNY
Syracuse University
Temple University
Texas A&M University
The Ohio State University
The University of Alabama
The University of Texas
Trinity College
Tufts University
Union College
University of Arizona
University of California, Berkeley
University of California, Davis
University of California, Irvine
University of California, Los Angeles
University of California, Merced
University of California, Riverside
University of California, San Diego
University of California, Santa Barbara
University of California, Santa Cruz
University of Chicago
University of Colorado Boulder
University of Connecticut
University of Delaware
University of Florida
University of Georgia
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
University of Iowa
University of Maryland
University of Massachusetts
University of Miami
University of Michigan
University of Minnesota
University of Missouri
University of Nevada
University of North Carolina
University of Notre Dame
University of Oregon
University of Pennsylvania
University of Pittsburgh
University of Rhode Island
University of Richmond
University of Rochester
University of San Diego
University of San Francisco
University of South Carolina
University of Southern California
University of the Pacific
University of Utah
University of Virginia
University of Washington
University of Wisconsin
Vassar College
Villanova University
Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Washington University in St. Louis
Wellesley College
Wesleyan University
Western University
Westmont College
Wheaton College
William & Mary
Yale University

Class of 2025 Acceptances – International
Duke Kunshan University
IE University
Imperial College London
King’s College London
McGill University
McMaster University
The American University of Paris
The London School of Economics and Political Science
The University of Edinburgh
The University of Nottingham
The University of Warwick
University College London
University of Bristol
University of British Columbia
University of Cambridge
University of Glasgow
University of Oxford
University of Toronto
University of Waterloo
Wilfrid Laurier University

Amanda McCollum, a member of the team of college counselors from BASIS Independent Schools, remarked, “We are incredibly proud of our seniors and all that they have accomplished. Over the past years, they have worked hard, grown in confidence, and planted the seeds for a bright future. As they prepare to take this next step, we know they are more than ready—and while it is bittersweet to see them go, we send them off with heartfelt congratulations and excitement for all that lies ahead. I can’t wait to see what they do next!”

BASIS Independent Schools serves students PreK-Grade 12 across the United States with private schools in Bellevue and Bothell, WA; Brooklyn and Manhattan, NY; Fremont and San Jose, CA; McLean, VA; and a new school opening in Dublin, CA in fall 2026.

Parent Education Series: Design Your Student’s Middle and High School Experience for College Success

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Parents of middle and high school students, set your child up for college success!

Join BASIS Independent Schools for a free virtual event, “Design Your Student’s Middle and High School Experience for College Success” on Saturday, February 1, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM PST. Gain valuable insights and strategies to help your family navigate the path to college readiness.

“There is an abundance of information available about college counseling and readiness, but how do you make sense of it all,” expressed Vice President of BASIS Independent Schools, Mr. Toby Walker. “This Parent Education Event is a unique opportunity to hear from experts, get your questions answered, and gain valuable insights to guide your journey.”

Expert Panelists:

Tim Pratt, Director of College Advisory, Spring Education Group

Mr. Pratt, with 35 years of experience in education, joined Spring Education Group as the inaugural Director of College Advisory. He leads efforts to enhance college counseling across the network, including promoting Spring schools to colleges, recruiting and training counselors, supporting schools in evolving their programs, and establishing college counseling offices at new high schools. Previously, Mr. Pratt served as Dean of College Advising at St. Paul’s School in New Hampshire, where he also led strategic initiatives. He has conducted college counseling audits for independent schools, served on advisory boards for prestigious universities, and was a trustee for School Year Abroad.

Che Angkham, College Counselor, BASIS Independent Schools

Ms. Angkham earned a Bachelor of Arts in Cultural Anthropology from San José State University, where she supported underrepresented communities through peer health education and AmeriCorps’ Cal-SOAP program. After nearly a decade as a classroom instructor, she joined BASIS Independent Schools, excelling in roles such as English Teacher, Dean of Students, College Counselor, and Associate Head of School. Now based in the Pacific Northwest, she is excited to focus on college counseling and contribute to the growth of BASIS Independent Schools’ high school programs.

Moderator:

Toby Walker, Vice President, BASIS Independent Schools

Mr. Walker brings extensive international experience and a passion for education to his leadership role, guiding a network renowned for academic excellence. Originally from rural England, he holds a degree in Politics from the University of Sussex and began his career in education and public policy research. Mr. Walker’s journey with BASIS Independent Schools started as an AP humanities teacher at BASIS Scottsdale before advancing to Director of Student Affairs and Head of School at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley, where he led the school to new heights during his five-year tenure. He later served as the founding Head of School for BASIS Independent Online, overseeing its successful launch and development. A board member for BASIS International School Bangkok, he continues to champion global education initiatives, ensuring the network remains a leader in delivering world-class academic programs.

Parent participants will learn the following:

  • Discover the latest college trends and gain expert advice on navigating the ever-changing admissions landscape. 
  • Learn how to maximize the impact of extracurricular activities by focusing on depth versus breadth.
  • Find out how thoughtful class scheduling can pave the way for long-term academic success.
  • Explore strategies to build essential skills like time management and executive functioning.
  • Gain practical tips for SAT/ACT preparation and learn the true value of Advanced Placement© (AP©) and International Baccalaureate© (IB©) exams in the college admissions process.
  • Plus, get insider advice on selecting the right middle or high school to align with your family’s college goals.

Grab your favorite coffee or tea and your top questions! Join us as our college counseling experts guide families through the middle and high school years, helping you prepare for college admissions.

Design Your Student’s Middle and High School Experience for College Success

Saturday, February 1, 2025

9:00 AM to 10:00 AM PST

EVENT REGISTRATION (ZOOM)

Join our Interest List to receive exclusive Admissions updates! Sign up here. 

Redefining College Prep at BASIS Independent Manhattan

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Early applications are in, the first decisions are coming out, regular deadlines are approaching, and the long college checklist doesn’t seem to be getting any shorter. Thankfully, our seniors are balancing any anxiety with confidence gained from BASIS Independent Manhattan’s college prep programs and supportive environment.  

With personalized guidance from our dedicated faculty, expert resources, and custom events, the Class of 2025 is not only applying to the finest educational institutions but also cultivating resilience and independence – qualities that will serve them well in their future academic journeys.  

Here’s a glimpse into the incredible work our students have been doing. 

Personalized Preparation

While traditional high school students might begin preparing for college in grade 11 or 12, our students begin their college preparation in grade 9. This early start allows our College Counselor, Mr. Tejada, to take the time to get to know each student’s interests and strengths.  

He says, “I ask students about their career interests, potential major, passions, and hobbies and work with them on ways they can demonstrate them in meaningful ways.” 

For Mr. Tejada, it’s not just enough that our students are prepared to apply to college. They must understand the connection between their strengths and the varying opportunities that each university has to offer. 

College Counseling one-on-one

To help students uncover this connection, Mr. Tejada works with seniors in a daily 45-minute College Counseling class to learn practical skills, such as navigating the application process, resume building, and essay writing, while also having them explore future degrees that might be a good fit.

A Standout Program

At many other schools in NYC, college counseling is part of a general guidance counseling program where the onus is on the student to ask for support and meet application deadlines. At BASIS Independent Manhattan there is a balance of independence and accountability. The College Counselor works one-on-one with juniors and seniors on a weekly basis, challenging them to complete goals and following up on their weekly progress.  

Another factor that has empowered the older students at BASIS Independent Manhattan is our commitment to small class sizes and expert educators. This model has made it possible for our teachers to really impart a deep understanding and mastery of content in the sciences, mathematics, literature, history, world languages, and AP Courses.  Personalized teaching makes for proficient learning and is one of the contributors to our legacy of outstanding test scores. 

Bringing Experts to You

BASIS Independent Manhattan is committed to sharing what we know with parents, recognizing the significant role they play in their children’s educational journey. Our insightful “College Admissions 101” classes are a series of monthly workshops for high school parents/guardians hosted by Mr. Tejada. Each of these exclusive virtual sessions features knowledgeable panelists who provide valuable insights into various steps or specific topics within the college application process. Topics covered include:  

  • The benefits of pre-college programs 
  • Testing with the SAT & ACT and using those tests in the college application process 
  • A guide to University of California Admissions 
  • Financial aid 
  • The benefits of public honors colleges and programs 

And so on. Below is a simplified list highlighting some of the more impactful elements of our college preparation program.  

Grades 9 & 10Grade 11Grade 12
College Counseling Newsletter College Counseling Newsletter College Counseling Newsletter 
Encouraged to attend college rep visits  Required to attend college rep visits  Encouraged to attend college rep visits  
Open access to counselor  Open access to counselor  Open access to counselor  
Monthly Virtual Workshops for Parents/Guardians Monthly Virtual Workshops for Parents/Guardians Monthly Virtual Workshops for Parents/Guardians
Student “Boot Camp” Workshops (Spring)Weekly one-on-one scheduled meetings with counselor (Spring)Weekly one-on-one scheduled meetings with counselor  
Daily College Counseling Class for two trimesters in length
Life-Skills Mentoring
Cornell University Acceptance
Congratulations on your Early Decision at Cornell!

Impressive Results

Already, there is good news to celebrate. Four of our seniors received Early Decision acceptances, and we are thrilled to announce they will be attending:

  • Columbia University
  • Cornell University
  • Lehigh University
  • Babson College 

One could attribute success in the college application process to our advanced curriculum, your child’s innate talents, or a myriad of other factors. However, the effectiveness of the approach at BASIS Independent Manhattan truly stands out, showcasing the remarkable results we achieve together.  

Setbacks are inevitable, but our students are well-equipped to overcome them with the right mindset. Our robust college counseling program plays a crucial role in this process. With personalized support, dedicated resources, and daily classes, our students confidently navigate obstacles and are empowered to make informed decisions about their future. 

Interested in learning more? Schedule a tour of our Upper School campus to witness firsthand what sets our programs apart!