College Counseling
Finding the Right Fit
“Aim High” and “Balance” are guiding principles for Derryfield’s College Counseling program. The college search and application process is one that is ripe with opportunity for self-discovery and growth. We encourage students to identify their strengths and interests and to develop skills of self-advocacy and independence. We work individually with students and their families to think big, plan ahead, and find a college fit that will meet their wants and needs. Every fall, over a hundred colleges and universities visit Derryfield’s campus to meet the young men and women who will bring intellectual engagement, positive citizenship, and unique talents to their school communities. Each student has a story to tell and we help them find and share their voice.
Fast Facts
90%
Admitted to one of top three choice schools
100+
Colleges Visiting Campus
3.0M+
College Merit Awarded
65%
Filed a binding early decision application
4
National Merit Commended Scholars
The College Process
Below is an outline of general dates for the college planning journey.
Ninth Grade
- Develop good study habits
- Get involved! Learn about extracurricular activities – many colleges consider talent, commitment, and leadership
- Develop a 4-year academic plan with advisor and grade level curriculum coordinator
- If you have excelled at a specific sport and think you will want to play at the college level, meet with the college office to plan for the recruiting process.
Tenth Grade
- Take the PSAT (given to all sophomores/juniors in October);
- Update 4-year academic plan with advisor and grade level curriculum coordinator
- Begin to visit some college campuses when traveling
- Consider engaging in test preparation during the summer
Eleventh Grade
- Take the PSAT in October
- Visit with college representatives in College Office in the fall during free periods
- Make college visits on non-school days
- Research college choices – use the resources in the College Counseling Office and SCOIR
- Register to take the ACT/SAT
- Attend weekend and evening workshops on college planning for students and parents in October and April
- Explore SAT/ACT review courses/tutoring
- Take ACT (with writing)/or SAT. It is recommended to take these standardized tests in the late winter or in the spring before the school year ends
- Review 4 year academic plan, graduation and college entrance requirements
- Begin scholarship searches
- Complete student and parent questionnaires
- Attend the Financial Aid Workshop
- Complete the Transcript Release/Waiver Form for NCAA if you are considering Division I or II sports at the college level
- Attend local college fairs
- Approach two teachers in the spring for letters of recommendation and submit request through SCOIR
- During the summer, work on college essays and continue college visits
Twelfth Grade
- Attend end of summer College Counseling Retreat
- Revise college list in SCOIR
- Parents attend September meeting for question/answer session with the college counselors
- Visit with college representatives at Derryfield during the fall
- Finalize list of colleges to apply to by December 1
- If necessary, register for the SAT/ACT and retake before January 1
- Submit the FAFSA for Financial Aid after October 1 to meet college application deadlines
- Register online for the “CSS/Financial Aid Profile,” if required by college. This is a supplement to the FAFSA that is required by some colleges.
Oh the Places You’ll Go
Explore at which colleges and universities the Class of 2023 has matriculated.
Barnard College
Bentley University (5)
Boston University
Bucknell University
Carnegie Mellon University
Case Western Reserve University
Colgate University (3)
Denison University
Dickinson College
Elon University
Embry-Riddle
Endicott College (2)
Emerson College
Fordham University
George Washington University (2)
Georgia Institute of Technology
Hobart & William Smith Colleges
Ithaca College
Merrimack College (2)
Middlebury College (3)
Northeastern University (6)
Notre Dame of MD University
Tufts University
Union College (2)
University of California – Irvine
University of California – San Diego
University of Central Florida
UNC at Chapel Hill
University of Denver
University of Massachusetts – Lowell
University of New Hampshire
University of Notre Dame
University of Rochester
University of Vermont
Vassar College (2)
Villanova University
Wellesley College
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Yale University
Meet the College Counseling Team
Rebecca Kosakowski
Rebecca Kosakowski
- Job Title:
- Director of College Counseling
- Education:
- Simmons College - B.A.
- Email:
- rkosakowski@derryfield.org
Jill Teeters
Jill Teeters
- Job Title:
- Associate Director of College Counseling
- Education:
- Ithaca College - B.A., Emerson College - M.A.
- Email:
- jteeters@derryfield.org
Amanda Gagne
Amanda Gagne
- Job Title:
- Registrar and College Counseling Coordinator
- Education:
- Wheaton College - B.A.
- Email:
- agagne@derryfield.org