Our Programs
College Guidance
The personalized college guidance program at WFS supports students as they navigate the complex college application process with a customized, student-centered approach. Our program provides individualized advising, comprehensive resources, and strategic planning to help each student identify and achieve their higher education goals.
We encourage students to engage in personal reflection to identify a college that will allow them to become the person they envision.
With two full-time college counselors, we provide individual guidance to every Friends family. We provide college-related programs and experiences including grade-specific programming, guest speakers, and standardized test practice. We also host 100-150 college representatives on campus each year. Rising seniors participate in August in Application 101 workshop where they complete the Common Application and finalize their college essays. Our students attend a wide variety of colleges and universities: small, liberal arts colleges; large universities; HBCUs; women’s colleges; technical and arts colleges; and international universities.
A Comprehensive Program
List of 7 items.
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One-on-One Advising
Each student is paired with a dedicated college counselor who helps them explore academic interests and potential college options. Regular check-ins ensure personalized support throughout high school. -
Customized College Roadmap
From freshman to senior year, students receive a step-by-step guide outlining key milestones such as course selection, extracurricular involvement, reminders about the importance of academic performance, standardized test planning, and application deadlines. -
Application & Essay Support
Students receive hands-on assistance with college applications, including personal statement workshops, essay brainstorming, and editing to craft compelling narratives that reflect their unique experiences. -
Scholarships & Financial Aid Guidance
Our counselors help families understand financial aid options, offer programming about the FAFSA and CSS Profile, and share scholarship opportunities for families to research to reduce college costs. -
Test Prep
Students are given individual guidance about standardized testing. WFS offers the pre-ACT and PSAT exams to 10th and 11th graders. In addition, our in-house test prep expert offers free test prep. -
College Visits & Networking
100-150 admissions representatives visit WFS each year to help students make informed decisions and personal connections. Our college guidance team is actively involved in regional and national organizations and visits dozens of college campuses each year to build relationships and obtain updated information. -
Decision & Transition Support
Once students receive admissions offers, we provide guidance on finalizing choices, navigating waitlists, deciphering financial aid awards, and preparing for the transition to college life.
The College Process
List of 4 items.
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9th Grade
Freshman Year College Guidance SupportFreshman year is the foundation for academic success and future college planning. Our counselors provide early guidance to help students stay on track. Key recommendations for 9th graders include:- Focusing on academic success, as GPA calculations begin in ninth grade and play a key role in future college admissions.
- Getting involved in WFS activities that align with their interests while continuing to develop hobbies outside of school.
- Exploring colleges by attending a local college fair, if interested. The College Office shares information on area college fairs with parents of 9th–12th graders each fall.
- Taking free, diagnostic SAT and ACT practice exams, offered each year for students who are interested.
- Attending the First Steps for Freshmen and Sophomores program, an annual fall event introducing the college process.
- Engaging in early college planning discussions, as College Guidance meets with freshman and sophomore homerooms, advisories, and English classes to cover topics like GPA, course selection, and IB options.
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10th Grade
Sophomore Year College Guidance SupportSophomore year is an important time for academic growth and early college awareness. Our counselors provide support and resources to help students stay on track. Key recommendations for 10th graders include:- Prioritizing academic success, as GPA calculations begin in ninth grade and play a key role in college admissions.
- Getting involved in WFS activities that match their interests while continuing to explore hobbies outside of school.
- Taking the PLAN (pre-ACT) in mid-October, which is automatically scheduled at WFS and helps students get familiar with standardized testing while offering career insights.
- Exploring colleges by attending a local college fair, if interested. The College Office shares information on area college fairs with parents of 9th–12th graders each fall.
- Visiting college campuses by driving through or scheduling tours during vacations, if interested.
- Taking free, diagnostic SAT and ACT practice exams, offered each year for students who are interested.
- Attending the First Steps for Freshmen and Sophomores program, an informative session each fall to introduce the college process.
- Engaging in college planning discussions, as College Guidance meets with freshman and sophomore homerooms, advisories, and English classes to cover topics such as GPA, course selection, and IB options. Counselors are also available for parent questions.
By staying engaged academically and exploring early college opportunities, sophomores can build a strong foundation for the years ahead. -
11th Grade
Junior Year College Guidance SupportJunior year plays a crucial role in the college process, and our counselors provide guidance every step of the way. Key recommendations for juniors include:- Focusing on academics, as junior-year courses and grades are vital to college admission outcomes.
- Getting involved in WFS activities that align with their interests and continuing to nurture hobbies outside of school.
- Taking the PSAT in mid-October, which is automatically scheduled at WFS and serves as a qualifier for the National Merit Scholarship.
- Taking free, diagnostic SAT and ACT practice exams, offered each year for students who are interested.
- Meeting with college representatives during their visits to WFS in the fall—100-150 colleges visit each year!
- Attending a college fair to explore schools, programs, activities, and admissions requirements.
- Joining the optional Jump Start for Juniors program, which provides an early introduction to the college process.
- Exploring college campuses by driving through or scheduling visits, especially during vacations or March break.
- Attending the required Kick Off for College program with parents/guardians in late fall.
- Scheduling an individual college guidance meeting with parents/guardians beginning in January.
- Attend programming to engage with college admissions professionals.
- Planning standardized testing, with most juniors taking:
- The SAT in March
- The ACT in May or June
- Drafting their primary college essay and completing practice interviews in English class during the spring.
- Requesting letters of recommendation from faculty before the end of junior year.
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12th Grade
Senior Year College Guidance SupportOur counselors provide guidance and individual meetings throughout senior year to help students navigate the college application process. Key steps include:- Attending Application 101 Program in August of senior year to prepare college applications and finalize college essays with the advice and support of our team.
- Scheduling campus visits as students refine their college lists.
- Arranging interviews with colleges, either on-campus or with alumni interviewers.
- Writing college essays and preparing applications, with College Guidance available for essay review.
- Meeting with college representatives at WFS during the fall.
- Registering for additional SAT or ACT exams if needed.
- Reviewing college lists with College Guidance to ensure a balanced range of options.
- Awaiting college decisions—hope springs eternal!
- Making a final decision by May 1 (National Candidate Reply Date) and selecting a college to attend.
If families plan to apply for financial aid, parent(s)/guardian(s) should file the CSS Profile (if required) and the FAFSA in the fall of the senior year.
Families can attend the Financial Aid Night in the fall to learn more about financial aid forms, deadlines, and processes.
College admission representatives can schedule a visit at Wilmington Friends via SCOIR. If you do not have a SCOIR account, please click here to sign up for your free account today.
Contact Us!
101 School Road, Wilmington, DE 19803
302.576.2900 | info@wilmingtonfriends.org
Preschool - 12th Grade
302.576.2900 | info@wilmingtonfriends.org
Preschool - 12th Grade
Statement of Nondiscrimination as to Student Enrollment
Wilmington Friends School admits students of any race, color, gender, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students of these schools. Wilmington Friends School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national and ethnic origin in administration of their educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school administered programs.
