College Counseling:
The Friends Academy Journey
Our accomplished alumni consistently share that their Friends Academy education prepared them for a life of purpose. They understand what colleges and workplaces know – that what you do with your life can have a positive impact on the world. Though test scores are important, educators and employers recognize that young people who also possess critical thinking skills, independence, values, and drive will make their community stronger.
With a rigorous academic program rooted in our Quaker values, students engage in a balanced education that ensures they understand their impact on the world around them with reflection and integrity - not just for now, but for the world of tomorrow.
– Director of College Counseling Edward Dugger
College Counseling
Our College Counseling office is committed to guiding students on their journey to finding the school that is the best fit for them and their future. Choosing a college marks a significant progression in the maturity of a young person’s life, and we are committed to each and every student’s success. we demystify the complicated college application process and guide students through the steps that will lead them to great colleges whose strengths match their goals and unique talents. Our role is to provide direction so that seniors at our school recognize their true calling, empowering them to make a personal and professional difference in the world in which they live.
#1 Ranked
College Prep High School
(in Nassau County)
"I had a wonderful experience at Friends Academy. The teachers were excellent, especially the College Office. I was fortunate enough to be a member of TASQUE (Teachers and Students for Quaker Understanding of Education) which helped me incorporate strong Quaker values such as integrity and community which I carry with me to the present day.” — FA Student
Our Graduates Thrive at Top Universities
Friends Academy students graduate from our school not only knowing the information they need to succeed, but also how to discern that information in a way that is innovative, inclusive, and influential. We are proud that our graduates go on to thrive with purpose at top colleges across the country.
Our Students Have Gone On to Attend
Class of 2024 College Matriculation
Barnard College
Bentley University
Boston College
Boston University
Carnegie Mellon University
Chapman University
Colby College
Colgate University
College of Charleston
Columbia University
Cornell University
Dartmouth College
Emory University
Fairfield University
Florida State University
Georgetown University
Hampton University
High Point University
Indiana University-Bloomington
Kenyon College
Lehigh University
Loyola University Maryland
Mount Holyoke College
New York University
Northeastern University
Pennsylvania State University
Providence College
Purdue University
Spelman College
Stony Brook University
Syracuse University
Texas A&M University
The George Washington University
The New School-Parsons School of Design
The University of Texas at Austin
Tufts University
Union College
University of Colorado-Boulder
University of Connecticut
University of Miami
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
University of Pennsylvania
University of Richmond
University of St. Andrews-Scotland
University of Virginia
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Villanova University
Virginia Tech
Wake Forest University
William & Mary
Williams College
Yale University
College Reps Visiting Friends Academy in 2023-24
Babson College
Barnard College
Boston University
Bucknell University
Colby College
Colgate University
College of the Holy Cross
Dartmouth College
Denison University
Fairfield University
Fordham University
Georgetown University
Georgetown University; Washington DC
Hamilton College
Haverford College
Hobart and William Smith College
Northeastern University
The College of William & Mary
Union College
University of Chicago
University of Michigan
University of Richmond
University of Southern California; Los Angeles, CA
University of Southern California
Vanderbilt University
Villanova University
Wake Forest University
Washington University
Listen to visiting college Admissions representatives as they describe our unique program for junior families, "Inside College Admissions," as well as what they notice about students who graduate from Quaker schools – and from Friends Academy.
In Grades 9 and 10, students "build their narrative," which starts in part by completing the requirements in art and technology.
As students continue to "build their narrative" in Grades 9 and 10, they are encouraged to investigate the variety of Upper School activities and clubs available. From athletics to student life, from the performing and visual arts to community service, students should explore how they can be engaged members of the Upper School and how they can cultivate interests that are meaningful to them.
Let Your Life Speak –
A Four-Year Journey
Strive to be honest and trustworthy, specifically when it comes to academic and citizenship endeavors. Remain mindful that Integrity is the key to true success.
Build Community and relationships with those who teach, coach, and advise you. Think about those adults in the school who inspire and challenge you to be a better person; these are individuals who can speak to your engagement and character when it is time for you to apply to college.
Pursue Equality by treating all with respect and giving your best effort to everything.
"If I had children, I would send them to FA in a heartbeat, knowing they would come out the other side as compassionate individuals. Many of my friends, myself included, went on from FA to attend top universities...so that's a given. But when it comes to what actually matters…growing into a person with good values and producing great people...FA is truly wonderful.” — FA Student
Let Your Life Speak – A Four-Year Journey
Grades 9 & 10:
Build Your Personal Narrative
The goal of a Friends Academy education reminds students that their purpose and passion should be a benefit to themselves, to their families, and their local communities and to the world. Beginning Upper School can seem daunting at first, and even when students have adjusted to the ebb and flow of the year, they may continue to feel uncertain as to which path they desire to take.
October – Grade 10
January – Grades 9/10
INTRODUCTION TO THE COLLEGE PROCESS: Students and their parents meet with the Grade 9/10 Academic Counselor in mid-January, who provides general information about the initial stages of the college process, including course planning, standardized testing (PSAT) and summer opportunities. Two sessions are given, one during the morning and one at night.
February – Grades 9/10
LONG-TERM COURSE OPTIONS: In-school presentation to students about Academic Pathways in the Upper School is held in mid-February; an evening program is held for parents. Both events provide guidance in terms of offering pertinent information regarding future course selection; parents are encouraged to attend.
Spring of Grade 10
UPCOMING DEADLINES: A timeline is e-mailed to students and parents that provides an overview of the college process with upcoming deadlines.
Summer Following Grades 9/10
PURSUE PASSIONS AND SERVICE: Students are strongly encouraged to participate in activities that provide depth in particular fields of study, service to others through community-based organizations, or pursue experiences that will reinforce life skills to increase their capacity as positive agents of change.
Grade 11: The Way Will Open
As the work in junior year becomes more complicated, demands on students' time increases. We help students maintain balance by organizing a schedule that promotes attention to academic, as well as spiritual and emotional well-being. With this, good citizenship remains paramount, as does continuing to make a positive contribution to the Friends Academy community, in addition to the community at large.
Fall
INTRODUCTION TO THE PROCESS: College Night, an introduction to the college process, is held for juniors and their parents in late October.
RESEARCH COLLEGES AND SCHEDULE UPCOMING VISITS: Spend time learning about colleges via website research, visiting College Board (www.collegeboard.com) or Peterson’s (www.petersons.com). Start to schedule late winter/early spring college visits.
Winter
ENGAGING IN THE PROCESS TOGETHER: Attend Meeting for Business, a program designed for both students and parents to help families prepare for next steps, in mid-January.
MEET YOUR COLLEGE COUNSELOR: Students are assigned their individual college counselor.
SCHEDULE FIRST STUDENT/PARENT CONFERENCE: Contact College Office Associate Sharon Lapointe to set up initial student-parent conference in mid-January.
COLLEGE VISITS BEGIN: Begin to explore colleges of interest.
ACCESS NAVIANCE: Juniors are e-mailed their log-in information to access Naviance, our college application tracking software. Students are encouraged to keep all of their information up to date.
Spring
MEET & HEAR FROM COLLEGE ADMISSIONS REPRESENTATIVES: Inside College Admissions Day in April for juniors and their parents. This is the last major parent/student event. The two-hour event hosts college admissions representatives from numerous colleges. Students are released from class for the program. Parents are strongly encouraged to attend.
SCHEDULE SECOND CONFERENCE: Set up second student-parent conference with student’s college counselor. Contact College Office Associate Sharon Lapointe to schedule a conference. Discuss SAT2 testing options. Juniors will receive personalized goals to complete over the summer (including essay, resume and Common App).
PAPERWORK FOR STUDENT ATHLETES: Send a resume, unofficial transcript and cover letter to coaches at colleges to learn about recruitment opportunities, and indicate what summer athletic camp(s) they will attend.
Summer
STUDENT ATHLETES REGISTER DEADLINE: Students hoping to play sports in Division I or Division II colleges need to register with the NCAA Clearinghouse online at www.ncaaclearinghouse.net.
Grade 12: Look Not Out, But Within
Senior year is the culmination of a student's experience at Friends Academy. The College Office aims to encourage seniors to view the year as an affirmation of their contributions and talents. We also encourage students to consider their future and how an education will lead to realizing their potential. Students are provided with assistance in enunciating who they are in an authentic and coherent way.
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Fall
FINALIZE COLLEGE LISTS: Students and parents work closely with college counselors to finalize college lists and discuss the wide range of options and pathways using Naviance.
ESSAYS AND COMMON APP REVIEW: College counselors proofread essays and supplements and review students’ Common Applications. Students are given a limit of fifteen colleges and universities in keeping with the Quaker testimony of simplicity, modesty, and the remembrance that the school is a collaborative community where our actions reverberate beyond our own existence and influence the lives of others.
SCHEDULE STUDENT/COUNSELOR-ONLY MEETINGS: Students set up independent meetings with their college counselors, thereby learning how to advocate for themselves and establish healthy boundaries as they embark upon becoming young adults.
FINANCIAL AID DEADLINE: Mail or submit the CSS financial aid “Profile” form, the preliminary application for aid from private colleges, as soon as you know which colleges to which you intend to apply. Apply for FAFSA for financial aid at https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa.
NOVEMBER 1 – DEADLINE FOR EARLY DECISION/EARLY ACTION COLLEGE APPLICATIONS: Students should be mindful of navigating the demands of the year.
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Early Decision is suitable for students who are ready to make a binding commitment to one college and believe that their junior-year record represents the best work of which they are capable.
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Early Action is the same, except that the student commitment is non-binding. Schools that offer Early Action usually have lower yields (the number of students who actually attend after they are accepted) and for this reason Early Action is sometimes more challenging depending on the college.
Winter
MID-DECEMBER – ED AND EA CONFIRMATION: Early Decision/Early Action decisions are made and communicated.
JANUARY 1 – REGULAR COLLEGE DECISION DEADLINE: Some colleges may also have their own deadlines later than this date. Students should maintain their academic work and extracurricular obligations during the semester.
GATHER ADDITIONAL MATERIALS FOR REGULAR DECISION APPLICATION: Seniors confer with their college counselor about additional information to send to colleges for regular decision.
Spring
MID-MARCH TO APRIL 1 – CONFIRMATION FROM COLLEGES FOR REGULAR DECISIONS: Regular college decisions are made and communicated primarily online, however, a small handful of schools still notify students by mail.
MAY 1 – DECIDE, CONFIRM AND SEND DEPOSIT: Deposits to the college where a student will matriculate must be made. Advanced Placement exams are followed by Independent Service Projects, which are a requirement for graduation.
FINAL FRIENDS ACADEMY SENIOR EVENTS: Events at the close of senior year culminate in graduation.
"If I had children, I would send them to FA in a heartbeat, knowing they would come out the other side as compassionate individuals. Many of my friends, myself included, went on from FA to attend top universities...so that's a given. But when it comes to what actually matters…growing into a person with good values and producing great people...FA is truly wonderful.” — FA Student
The Journey Continues – Alumni Profiles
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