College Counseling

At GFS, we view the college process as a reflective, critical journey toward self actualization. It is comprised of research, campus visits, the identification of best-fit schools, and completing and submitting applications. Though overwhelming at times, it can also be exciting, enlightening, and, ultimately, deeply rewarding.

THE COLLEGE PROCESS

Applying to college is not only about finding a school that is the right fit; it is about self-discovery. The process of inquiry and transition challenges students to think creatively and explore options they may not have previously considered.

Throughout their junior and senior years, students will become increasingly responsible for managing their college search. As they take ownership of this process, they continue to learn how to think critically, communicate effectively, self-advocate, and build relationships—the very skills that will help them make a successful transition from high school to college and beyond.

College Counseling Office

For questions related to college counseling, please contact the office at 215-951-2330, or college@germantownfriends.org.

Lindsay Dussing
Director of College Counseling - Internal Operations

Michael Heeter
Director of College Counseling - External Affairs

Melissa Benski
Senior Associate Director of College Counseling

Angela Jones-OBrien
Senior Associate Director of College Counseling

Syidah Abdullah
Administrative Coordinator

Grade 9

In ninth grade, students are assisted with course selection and exploring summer opportunities as needed—and encouraged to take time to adjust to high school, relax, and not worry about college too much at this point.

Assist students with course selection and exploring summer opportunities.
Emphasize the importance of academic record and achievement.

Student Tasks:

Conduct informal college visits over breaks to better understand the various types of schools (large, small, urban, rural, state, private, etc.)
Attend College Conversations to learn about the application process, extracurricular involvement, and testing options
Summer: Engage in meaningful and skill-building opportunities

Grade 10

During sophomore year, students are assigned a college counselor and given access to Cialfo, an online student management platform specifically designed for the college process.

Introduce and reinforce the essential elements used by colleges to measure a student’s record.
Encourage students to further develop strengths, interests, and passions through commitment to academics and extracurricular activities.
Advise students about standardized testing options.
Introduce students, parents, and caregivers to summer program opportunities, as well as different types of colleges and admissions processes

Student Tasks:

Begin visiting colleges during breaks to better understand the various types of schools (large, small, urban, rural, state, private, etc.)
Add extracurricular information to Cialfo
Attend College Conversations to learn about the application process, extracurricular involvement, and testing options
October: Take the PSAT at GFS
Winter: Receive college counselor assignment and research colleges and universities
Summer: Engage in meaningful and skill-building activities

Grade 11

Juniors meet with their assigned college counselor at GFS and take a Navigation course, which educates them about the skills needed for a successful college search process: organization and planning, interviewing, essay writing, and decision making.

Help students better define a sense of self and direction, and create an approach to the college search rooted in fit.
Help students manage academic pressures and stress.
Educate families on the college process and what colleges are looking for in applicants.
Discuss how to embark on formal college visits to schools students are interested in attending.
Reinforce the importance of academic record.
Offer suggestions for how students can best use their last high school summer.
Help students develop a standardized testing plan.
Support students in refining their leadership role at school and in the community.
Communicate with families who are eligible for standardized testing and college application fee waivers.

Student Tasks:

Visit colleges throughout the year with increased focus.
Beginning in the fall, meet with college representatives visiting GFS.
Discuss standardized testing strategy with college counselor and register for the SAT and/or ACT.
October: Take the PSAT at GFS. Attend Junior College Night (parents and students)
November: Begin meeting with college counselor
January: Begin researching scholarships and financial aid
May: Ask for college recommendations
Summer: Research scholarship opportunities and outline/write at least one draft of college essay.

Grade 12

College counselors provide additional hands-on support and guidance to seniors as they actively engage in the college application process.

Assist students in successfully completing their college search and application process while preparing them for the transition to college.
Support student efforts to maintain a rigorous academic program.
Guide students step-by-step through the college application process, and support them and their families through the pressures of senior year.

Student Tasks:

September–December: Attend College Counseling Senior Check-In and continue to meet with college representatives visiting GFS. Take SAT or ACT, as needed. Complete required transcript request forms and submit college essays for review and editing. Review application deadlines and requirements for all schools to which applying. Submit SAT and ACT scores to final list of schools
May (or earlier): Thank teachers for recommendations and inform them of final college choice

Student Achievement Stories

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Scaling Scholastic Heights

GFS students notched numerous gold, silver, and honorable mention awards in The Annual Scholastic Art and Writing Competition. The country’s longest running program honoring creative teens marks the pinnacle of artistic achievement during the high school years.

Besting the Regional Brain Bee

Junior Muyan Liu ’27 recently earned the top spot at the Northeastern Pennsylvania Brain Bee. She’ll compete in the USA National Brain Bee competition at the University of California, Irvine in April.

Varsity Squash Wins Div. III Girls National Championship

Read a full recap of of the GFS Girls Varsity Squash Team's thrilling National Championship run. Everyone contributed: freshmen delivered under pressure, while veterans steadied the ship. By the end of the weekend, that collective faith proved unstoppable.

The GFS Middle School MathCounts team holding their trophies at the Philadelphia competition.

GFS Middle School Team Takes Second Place at Philadelphia MathCounts Competition

Throughout the year, GFS students test their talents in a variety of competitions, earning awards and recognition while contributing to the wider community of thinkers and creators. One example is Philadelphia MathCounts, where the GFS Middle School team won second place and a sixth grader took first place this year!

Engineered for Success: GFS' Upper School Robotics Team Performs Well at Regional Competitions

The GFS Upper School Robotics team has entered two competitions so far this year at Great Valley and Norristown High Schools. At both, they tried new strategies, took some risks, and held their own against tough competitors.

GFS Debate Team Scores High at the Harvard National Speech and Debate Tournament

Congrats to the GFS Upper School Debate Club on a strong showing at the prestigious Harvard National Speech and Debate Tournament. Two seniors, Andrew Li and Luke Zhong, took second place out of thousands of students!

Girls Win 35th Annual Germantown Community Tournament

The Girls Varsity Basketball team won the 35th Annual Germantown Community Basketball Tournament. Haneef Hill and Urban Youth Kings & Queens receive the Community Service Award.

group photo of GFS National Merit Semifinalists standing on front steps of Main.

GFS Seniors Named 2026 National Merit Scholarship Semi-Finalists

Fifteen Germantown Friends School Upper School students have been named National Merit Scholarship semifinalists. These awards are highly competitive, and the number of students who make it to the semifinal round represents less than 1% of high school seniors across the country.

GFS Students Earn Top Honors

Throughout the year, GFS students test their talents in regional, national, and international contests earning awards and recognition in languages, writing, debate, chess, entrepreneurship, scientific research, and more.

“In putting their work and their voice forward, students are contributing to the global community of thinkers, writers, and humanists, and that’s so important.” - Alex Levin, head of the GFS English Department.