College Process

Below is an outline of general dates for the college planning journey. Current families can find more specific information for each grade level in their College Counseling Groups on the Derryfield My School App.

List of 4 items.

Freshman Year
- 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.  
Sophomore Year
- 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
Junior Year
- Visit with college representatives in College Office in the fall during free periods
- Attend the Financial Aid Workshop
- Take the PSAT in October
- 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 evening workshops on college planning for students and parents in October and April
- Explore ACT/SAT review courses/tutoring
- Take ACT 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
- 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
Senior Year
- 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 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for Financial Aid after October 1 to meet college application deadlines
- Register online for the CSS Profile, if required by college. This is a supplement to the FAFSA that is required by some colleges.

2022-2023 Profile

Meet the Office

List of 3 members.

Rebecca Kosakowski

Director of College Counseling

Bio
Rebecca Kosakowski joined the Derryfield community in 2021. Rebecca received her BS from Simmons College and her Certificate in College Counseling through the UCLA Extension program. Throughout her career of more than 15 years in education, Rebecca has served as the Director of Admission and Financial Aid, Class Dean, Advisor, and College Counselor at various independent schools throughout New England and also as an Independent College Counselor. She has held a leadership position on the Governing Board of the New England Association for College Admission Counseling. This past year, Rebecca and her family enjoyed a year-long sabbatical while cruising on their sailboat from Maine to the Bahamas, during which time they sailed over 4000 miles! When she is not snorkeling and spearing fish, Rebecca enjoys running, reading and spending time with her husband Todd and their children Ava and Isaac, who also attend Derryfield.
Jill Teeters

Associate Director of College Counseling

Ext. 2306

Bio
After a career of more than twenty years in college admission, Jill Teeters joined the Derryfield College Counseling Office in 2017. She received her B.S in Speech Communication from Ithaca College and her M.A. in Speech Communication Studies from Emerson College, with an original goal of becoming a college professor. A stint as a tour guide as an undergraduate, and an internship in the admission office in graduate school, piqued her interest in connecting with high school students and helping them find the right college fit. Jill has held a variety of volunteer leadership positions with the New England Association for College Admission Counseling and has served as an adjunct faculty member at local colleges. She is also a regular presenter on college admission topics for NHHEAF’s Center for College Planning. Outside of education, Jill is a long-time volunteer with the March of Dimes and her family served as the 2014 National Ambassador Family for the organization - traveling across the country and sharing their premature birth story. In addition, Jill sings with Northern Voices A Cappella, a women’s show chorus and her quartet, Paradigm. She lives in Manchester with her husband, David Lamothe, their son, Aidan, and their cat, Sophie (who thinks she is a dog).
Amanda Gagne

Registrar and College Counseling Coordinator

Bio
Amanda Gagne joined Derryfield in 2017 as the Registrar and College Counseling team Coordinator. Amanda earned a Bachelor's Degree from Wheaton College (MA) in International Relations and has a career background in sales and account management. She enjoys swimming, running and spending time with her family including a sweet black dog, Dublin, who you have probably seen around campus!

College Planning Timeline

List of 4 items.

Freshman Year

Sophomore Year

Junior Year

Senior Year

Meet the Office

List of 3 members.

Rebecca Kosakowski

Jill Teeters

Amanda Gagne

The Derryfield School