Academics
Upper School | Gr. 9-12

College Counseling

At Shipley, the college search involves much more than the name of the college. Here, the emphasis is on choosing a college that is the right fit for the individual. Every student develops a list with a range of schools, each suitable for that student’s needs, talents, and interests. There are no prescribed “right” schools.

Our college counseling program brings together the assignments, activities, and resources that can lead to a productive search with satisfying results.
Choosing a College
Our program carefully guides each student in a comprehensive two-year self-evaluation. Juniors and seniors focus on their own individual interests, strengths, and goals. Our program builds skills for doing research and making wise decisions about the future. It is the capstone of a Shipley career, drawing on the students’ accumulated analytical and communication abilities.

What Students Learn
In weekly seminars, our experienced counselors guide juniors and seniors:
  • to evaluate their academic and co-curricular accomplishments and values
  • to clarify their personal and academic goals
  • to understand how character strengths and personal values can affect the college process
  • to search open-mindedly for options for their future
  • to present themselves effectively and honestly in the college admissions process, both in writing and in person

Download Shipley's College Profile

List of 1 news stories.

  • Many Paths to Success: Shipley’s Unique Approach to College Counseling

    What if society's preconceived notions of what is “best” when it comes to the college selection process have been skewed? What if we shifted the lens and considered the “best” option the one that would cater to the needs of the student, specifically engineered for their success? This is precisely what Shipley’s College Counseling Program sets out to achieve with every student.
    Read More

  • ~

    College Counseling greatly supported me. They could not have done more. To be honest, they carried me throughout the process.

  • ~

    I felt supported by my college counselor. I think my college counselor did everything they could've. One thing they did particularly well was reviewing my work quickly and always having time to meet

  • ~

    I think all the college counselors gave great information about where to look for colleges. I didn't know where to start and every time I met with my counselor, she gave me a new college I never thought about, which I felt would be a perfect fit for me. She also gave me room to do things on my own and never felt like someone was constantly looking over my neck.

  • ~

    I really found it helpful that I could meet outside of the SEED classes. All the counselors were really flexible with their time and were really easy to schedule meeting times.

  • ~

    I felt very supported by my college counselor throughout the process. I really had no idea what is was going to do and my parents were not on the same page about everything most of the time, but my college counselor understood everything and the situation that I was in and it made everything less stressful.

  • ~

    Even when the November deadline was approaching, and my counselor told me that she may be slow in returning essay comments, I hardly had to wait more than a few hours for a response or comments. She also understood how the college process can be rough when other things are going on, and helped me manage my work, time, and worries!
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Meet the Team

List of 4 members.

  • Photo of Donielle Couture

    Donielle Couture 

    Director of College Counseling, Associate Head of US for Postsecondary Experiences
    4674
  • Photo of Sarah Sterling

    Sarah Sterling 

    Associate Director of College Counseling
    4142
  • Photo of Kelsey Fisher

    Kelsey Fisher 

    Associate Director of College Counseling
    4148
  • Photo of Darlene Capriotti

    Darlene Capriotti 

    Administrative Assistant-College Counseling

Meet the Class of 2024

814 Yarrow Street
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010

Phone: 610-525-4300
Fax: 610-525-5082
The Shipley School is a private, coeducational day school for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students, located in Bryn Mawr, PA. Through our commitment to educational excellence, we develop within each student a love of learning and a desire for compassionate participation in the world.