For 9th Graders, the focus is on establishing a solid foundation for academic success and immersing in all aspects of student life. Students should concentrate on doing their best in their classes, getting to know their teachers, classmates, and advisor, and finding activities—at school or beyond—that spark their interests and excite them.

Students and parents/guardians are introduced to the College Counseling program through a dedicated 9th-Grade program, providing an early opportunity to learn about SSFS’s approach to finding success as an Upper School student and what to expect in the years ahead.

During 10th Grade, students should continue to immerse themselves in all aspects of student life while beginning to reflect on their interests, strengths, and goals. This is a time for self-exploration, helping students better understand what they value in their SSFS experience and their future college experience.

Students will also begin learning about the college search and admissions process through community programs and grade-level conversations, some of which include:

• Taking the PSAT for the first time to familiarize themselves with standardized testing—while their parents/guardians have an opportunity to learn more about the evolving landscape of standardized testing as a whole during a program dedicated to that topic.
• Attending local fairs and events hosted by specific colleges and universities to research different types of institutions and environments.
• Participation in virtual seminars to understand various aspects of applying to college and exploring other postsecondary opportunities.

In the spring of 10th Grade, the Director of College Counseling confers with students and collaborates with advisors on course schedules for 11th Grade to ensure that each student is taking the classes that will set them up for success while appropriately challenging them.

In 11th Grade, students and families work closely with the College Counseling Team, receiving structured programming and personalized guidance designed to help each student reflect on their interests, goals, and priorities for college and their education beyond SSFS.

Key aspects of the 11th Grade process include:

• Meeting with college and university admission representatives at SSFS
• Taking the PSAT/NMSQT and Pre-ACT
• Participating in SSFS-hosted College Counseling information sessions and an interactive Admission Case Studies program involving college admission professionals with their parents/guardians
• Attending workshops and seminars with admission professionals to understand the current application landscape
• Participation in virtual and in-person college fairs
• Touring college campuses
• Parents/guardians learning more about standardized testing through a dedicated program and participating in a Parent-to-Parent event

The goal of 11th Grade is thoughtful preparation—helping each student develop a tailored plan and approach the college search with clarity, confidence, and a strong sense of fit.

Throughout the fall and winter of 12th Grade, our College Counseling Team supports students as they complete and submit applications, connect with colleges, and reflect on their options. Programs include:

• Application completion workshops for students
• FAFSA and CSS Profile completion workshop for students and parents
• Interview practice and preparation
• Personal statement writing support

In the spring, SSFS also supports a smooth transition beyond graduation through College Transition Workshops, helping students thoughtfully prepare for the academic, social, and personal transition to college and to living as an independent young adult.

The SSFS CEEB (College Entrance Examination Board) code is 210937.  This code is used to identify SSFS on standardized tests (SAT, ACT, AP) and college applications. 

Maia Learning is the SSFS online college application management tool and has a variety of resources to help students and parents research colleges and careers.  In the senior year, Maia Learning is also used to track application requirements and deadlines and manage key components of the application process, including the submission of school reports, recommendations, and official transcripts to colleges.

The Common Application (Common App) is accepted by over 1000 colleges and universities in all 50 U.S. states and more than 20 countries. It provides students with the option to submit general, or “common,” information about themselves to many different colleges at the same time, and to submit customized supplements to the Common App for different colleges, if required. 

Interviews can be an opportunity for students to share more about themselves and also learn more about a college. While not all colleges offer or require interviews, students are encouraged to take advantage of them when available, particularly at smaller colleges. Colleges typically offer interviews to students beginning in the summer prior to their senior year, and the College Counseling Office provides guidance to students on how to prepare for them.