COLLEGE COUNSELING

At Shipley, the college process isn’t about chasing rankings—it’s about discovering who you are and helping you take confident steps toward what comes next.

A FOUR-YEAR JOURNEY

Through close relationships, expert guidance, and a thoughtful four-year process, our College Counseling team ensures that you are known, supported, and empowered to find the right fit for college—academically, socially, and personally.

Shipley College Profile

Want a closer look at Shipley’s academics and outcomes? The Upper School Profile outlines our curriculum, graduation requirements, and honors and advanced courses, along with a list of colleges and universities where Shipley graduates have continued their journeys.

View Shipley's College Profile

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9th & 10th Grade: Building Foundations

Your relationship with the College Counseling team begins early. In 9th grade, counselors visit SEED classes to demystify the college process and help you focus on what truly matters—exploring your interests, building strong habits, and growing as a learner and as a person. In 10th grade, you’ll be matched with a dedicated college counselor who becomes your point person for the rest of your Shipley journey.

11th & 12th Grade: College Counseling Seminars & Individual Guidance

During the second half of junior year, you’ll take part in weekly College Counseling Seminars—structured class time built right into your schedule. In small groups of 15 or fewer students, you’ll learn how to research colleges, complete the Common Application and Self-reported Transcript and Academic Record System (STARS), draft essays, identify recommenders, and understand financial aid and scholarships.

These seminars continue through senior year and are paired with regular one-on-one meetings, giving you space for personalized planning, reflection, and reducing stress. This intentional, embedded model ensures you’re supported consistently—without overwhelming your academic, family, or extracurricular commitments.

Our Approach

A Personalized Approach

Shipley’s philosophy of truly knowing each student is fully realized in the college counseling process—and that includes you. Because we keep our counselor-to-student ratio small, your counselor will get to know you well enough to offer guidance that is personal, grounded, and honest.

With more than 40 years of combined experience in selective college admissions and counseling, our team brings unmatched expertise to your journey. We advocate for you, draw on strong professional networks, and help your family navigate an increasingly complex admissions landscape with clarity and confidence.

Most importantly, we believe the “best” college is the one where you will thrive. We’ll encourage you to think broadly, stay open-minded, and explore options that align with your strengths, interests, and goals.

Well-Being First

Supporting Your Well-Being in a High-Pressure Landscape

College admissions can feel overwhelming. Shipley’s counselors will help you and your family stay grounded by focusing on healthy expectations and what you can control.

Together, you’ll reflect on the big questions: Who am I? What matters to me? How do I want to grow? We also partner with your family to clarify processes, ease anxieties, and support your increasing independence. Our goal is for you to move through the process with confidence, perspective, and a stronger sense of self.

The Right Fit

Finding the Right Fit

Fit—not prestige—is the foundation of our work with you. Because we know you well, we can guide you toward environments where you will truly flourish.

Our strong professional relationships and deep understanding of a wide range of colleges help us introduce you to options that align with your goals, interests, and aspirations. We’ll encourage you to explore broadly, stay curious, and consider schools you may not have encountered yet—expanding possibilities rather than narrowing them.

Support for Every Path

Your path might include a portfolio, NCAA athletic recruitment, conservatory applications, a gap year, or something entirely your own.

Wherever you’re headed, Shipley’s college counselors and our colleagues in the arts and athletics are ready to support you. We’ll help you prepare auditions, refine portfolios, contact coaches, and explore any opportunities that fit your goals.

Changing Landscapes

Navigating a Changing Landscape

The admissions world is evolving, and we help you adapt thoughtfully, research intentionally, and build a balanced college list. More applications don’t always lead to better outcomes—what matters is making informed, strategic choices.

We’ll also help you look beyond published rankings, which often reflect reputation more than the undergraduate experience. Instead, we’ll guide you in developing a personal set of criteria based on where you’ll thrive.