College Counseling
The College Counseling Department at Sandy Spring Friends School helps students transition successfully from SSFS into higher education, and achieve their personal and professional goals.
The college counseling staff is committed to ensuring that every student and family receives the necessary support required to design and implement a successful plan for college. We want to enable our students to transition successfully from SSFS into higher education, and to achieve their personal and professional goals. The college staff works in collaboration with students, families, and faculty to facilitate the process.
We traditionally begin meeting and working with juniors in December, and support them throughout their senior year and beyond. Every student is given individualized attention through one-on-one counseling sessions, and each is encouraged to create their own path to college. We also meet with families and offer a series of college workshops, panel discussions, and information sessions throughout the school year.
The college counseling staff holds the belief that there is a school for every student, and one of our primary tasks is to help them to identify their needs and goals for college in order to help make the best possible choice.
Chris Miller
Director of College Counseling
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Johanna Modak
College Counseling Support Specialist
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Our Community Speaks: The College Counseling Experience
“I want students and parents to know that my investment is about far more than moving students along in the process. My goal is for them to see me as a partner in the unmitigated success of the child.”
"The most intimidating part of the college process for me was the essay writing. The college counselors were really helpful during an entire day dedicated to application help for seniors. On top of the college counselors being there, English teachers floated around to help with our essays. I was able to pop into their offices to ask questions when they were on my mind. The counselors were helpful in finding schools with programs that matched what I was looking for. They were also very understanding of financial situations and worked with us to find what worked best."
"SSFS College Counseling—especially Chris—helped me understand that we all have a story. What I most needed in the college process was emotional support, and I received a great deal of it. Chris helped me show my growth and tell my unique story throughout my applications. I ultimately got accepted to programs I thought would be reaches, and I received merit-based scholarships."
"The college process could have easily felt overwhelming. Instead, the college counseling team at SSFS became a true support system. They were incredibly patient, thoughtful, and deeply invested in our futures. They took the time to understand what I wanted from my college experience and helped me narrow down options that aligned with my goals and identity. I vividly remember spending hours sitting with my counselor, talking through every detail—those conversations gave me confidence, clarity, and a sense of partnership at a time when I really needed it. Their support was invaluable."
"Like many, I remember initially feeling overwhelmed by the whole college process. I’m really grateful that the college counselors were there to help me every step of the way. Because of Sandy Spring Friends’ small community and having an individual college counselor, I got help searching for schools that were best fits for me—ones that I could thrive in. I built close relationships with the college counselors and knew I could go to them with any questions I had. I felt like Chris was an integral part of the whole experience."
"This school nurtured my son for six years, encouraging his sense of adventure, and gave him the self-confidence to follow his dream of going to college in Europe."