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Welcome
The college counseling program at Friends Seminary is designed to support students as they make the transition on to higher education. Today there is a great deal of uncertainty, fear and confusion surrounding college admission, particularly admission to the most selective institutions. With heightened media attention on rising tuition costs and increased competition at the most selective schools, it is hard to know what to think or where to start. Our goal at Friends is to reduce that anxiety and confusion by providing students and parents with the information and support they need for a successful and positive college process. This next year and a half can and should be an exciting time of self-discovery and exploration; a world of infinite possibilities lies ahead.
“College is a match to be made not a prize to be won.”
- Frank Sachs
College Counselor at The Blake School, Minnesota
Philosophy
We believe the college process (researching, applying to, and selecting a college) can be a valuable learning experience. It requires responsibility and organization, independence and initiative, goal setting and follow through, self assessment and thoughtfulness, and communication skills both written and oral.
Finding "the right fit"
We encourage students to focus on finding the "right college match;" the environment in which that particular student will thrive intellectually, personally and socially. Much of the spring semester of the Junior Seminar will be focused on self-evaluation to help students better understand themselves and their goals. Ultimately, the students who are happiest about the college process and their placement are those who understand their abilities and needs best, and who are, therefore, able to focus on finding a college or university which fits these criteria.
Though college counseling at Friends Seminary is intended to be as individualized as possible, there are also a number of group activities for students and parents including weekly College Seminar classes and larger presentations.
Roles
Student
The student role is by far the most important one in the college search. After all, they are the ones who will be living, studying, and socializing on these campuses for the next four years. It is paramount that the student’s interests and thoughts be foremost in this process. In the end, the students must be the ones to make decisions about where to apply, what to write in essays, whom to ask for recommendations, and the like.
We encourage students to research their lists well; ask tough questions; invest time in reflecting on what is important to each of them and for their future success. They should take responsibility and ownership of this process and their future.
Students also have the challenging task of learning to balance the added responsibility of the college process with their usual academic and extracurricular commitments. Inevitably there will be crunch periods which will test everyone’s stamina and sanity, but if students stay focused and organized, and ask for help when they need it, they will find success.
Parents
The importance of the parent role in this process cannot be overstated. We count on you to provide constructive help and encouragement throughout the process. This includes everything from lengthy drives to visit campuses to being the soundboard for your child’s frustration and the voice that constantly reaffirms how wonderful they each are.
One of the most significant ways that parents can help their children is by approaching this process with an open mind (about colleges and about your child’s ability and accomplishments). Just as there is no such thing as a ‘good’ or ‘bad’ child, there are not ‘good’ and ‘bad’ colleges. Help your child explore colleges that are appropriate for them academically, personally and in terms of admissibility.
Ultimately, we hope that parents understand the educational value in letting their children take charge of this process. The skills, independence and confidence that students gain from spearheading this process will serve them well in their college careers.
Counselors
The college counselors have two primary roles in this process: advisor and advocate. The counselors are here to advise students and parents on the practical aspects of researching, selecting, and applying to college. The college counselors also act as advocates for each student both in writing (the School Letter of Recommendation) and in other ways throughout the application process. Finally, the counselors are responsible for ensuring that each student develops a well-balanced college list.
While the decisions made in college admission offices are beyond our control, we can offer strategic guidance and can help our students put forth applications of which they feel truly proud. If we all work together as a team, led by the student, this should be a positive and productive experience. We are excited to begin our work together!
College Admissions Timeline
A Month-by-Month Breakdown to Follow
Note: A timeline covering July 2025 through June 2026 will be provided in the spring.
December
Individual student & counselor meetings begin.
February
Feb. 8 ACT
Virtual Parent Coffee | Tuesday, February 11 from 8- 9 AM.
Organize college visits (if available) during Presidents Weekend (Feb. 15-18).
Register for Mar. 8 SAT by Feb. 21.
Register for the Apr. 5 ACT by Feb. 28.
Arrange a student-parent conference with your counselor before May 1. Appointments can be scheduled through Alyssa Zierenberg by phone or email.
Start planning your summer activities.
April
Apr. 5 ACT
Register for the May 3 SAT by Apr. 18.
College Fair at UNIS Monday, Apr. 28
Finalize your summer activities.
Arrange a student-parent conference with your counselor before May 1. Appointments can be scheduled through Alyssa Zierenberg by phone or email.
June
Friday, Jun. 6 Last Day of School
Jun. 7 SAT
Jun. 14 ACT
Begin your summer course, job, or community service project.
Schedule summer and fall college visits asking for interviews.
November
Financing a College Education | Nov. 4
Junior College Night | Nov. 13
Determine your standardized testing plan and preparation options for the spring.
March
Mar. 8 SAT
Plan your summer activities.
Arrange a student-parent conference with your counselor before May 1. Appointments can be scheduled through Alyssa Zierenberg by phone or email.
Spring Break: Monday, March 17- Friday, March 28. College visits (if available) are strongly recommended during the break.
May
May 3 SAT
Register for the Jun. 14 ACT by May 9.
AP Exams are administered from May 5-16.
Virtual Parent Coffee | Tuesday, May 13 from 8- 9 AM.
Register for the Jun. 7 SAT by May 22.