Academics

College Counseling

FINDING THE RIGHT COLLEGE BEGINS WITH KNOWING YOU.

At Sanford, “No Talent Lies Latent,” and our college counseling program is built on that conviction. 
We take the time to know each student deeply: their intellectual passions, creative strengths, personal story, and the kind of environment where they will genuinely flourish. Guided by the same values of rigor, collaboration, and human wholeness that define a Sanford education, we approach the college search with intentionality and honesty. We encourage students to find the institutions that align with their aspirations and values. Through individualized guidance, we help students not simply identify colleges they can get into, but colleges where they belong. We believe authenticity is a competitive advantage, and we work with every family to convey each student’s capacity for success through a deliberate and differentiated application package. Our goal is not merely admission; it is helping students make college choices that reflect both who they are and who they are becoming.

Facts & Figures

List of 1 items.

  • It's Different Here

  • The College Search

    Students reflect on who they are, what they value, and where they will thrive as they discover colleges that offer the right next step on their educational journey.

  • Our Competitive Advantage

    Sanford College counselors build meaningful relationships with students and families, providing thoughtful guidance that helps each student find a college community where they belong.

  • Personalized Pathways

    Because every student is different, we champion a diverse range of colleges–from large universities to smaller liberal arts and sciences colleges–where students can learn, grow, and succeed.
1/3

Meet the Team

Heather Graber Stinson
Director of College Counseling
302.235.6545
Philosophy: Ms. Stinson’s background in clinical mental health counseling informs her approach to counseling students, emphasizing well-being alongside achievement and ambition. She sees the college admissions process as a journey of self-discovery, helping students find schools where they'll genuinely thrive academically, socially, and personally. A product of a rigorous, enriching, and exciting college experience, Ms. Stinson hopes for the same match for Sanford students!
Pete Williams
Associate Director of College Counseling
302.235.6546
Philosophy: Mr. Williams often speaks of how much he benefited from having a college counselor in high school who truly knew him, ultimately enrolling at a college he never would have applied to without her enthusiastic encouragement. This is the type of relationship he strives to foster with each of his students at Sanford. The college experience has so much more to offer than a degree; Mr. Williams strives to help his students find places that will allow them to continue becoming their best, truest, and fullest selves.

Athletic Recruiting

Sanford is home to many talented student-athletes who go on to compete at the Division I, II, or III level. Our college counselors have extensive experience guiding student-athletes and their families through the recruiting and admissions process, working closely with coaches and admissions officers at colleges and universities nationwide. This support may include securing transcripts for a pre-read, helping students navigate recruiting questionnaires, submitting documents through the NCAA Eligibility Center, and communicating directly with coaches and admissions representatives, all to help each student find the right academic and athletic fit.

Timeline

List of 4 items.

  • Ninth Grade

    Throughout the year:
    • Guidance on making the most of Sanford’s opportunities
    • Relationship-building with your teachers and advisor - don't hesitate to seek their guidance and support!
    • Advice on course selection 
    • Parent/family coffees hosted by the Upper School administration

  • Tenth Grade

    Throughout the year:
    • Guidance on making the most of Sanford’s opportunities
    • Relationship-building with your teachers and advisor - don't hesitate to seek their guidance and support!
    • Advice on course selection in the spring
    • Parent/family coffees hosted by the Upper School administration
    Semester 1:
    • College Night for parents/families and class meeting with students
    Semester 2:
    • College Counselor assigned in March
    • Opportunities to practice standardized tests
    • Assistance with course selection

  • Eleventh Grade

    Throughout the year: 
    • Frequent communication from College Counseling
    Semester 1:
    • Meet with 100+ visiting college admissions representatives
    • On-campus PSAT
    • Individual meetings with students and their college counselor
    • Student, family, and college counselor conferences
    • College Night for parents/families
    Semester 2:
    • Weekly College Class
    • College Nights featuring college counselors and admission deans
    • Preparation for the DAIS College Fair
    • Individual meetings with students and their college counselor
    • Draft and revise the college essay in English class and with college counselors
    • On-campus SAT
    • Student, family, and college counselor conferences
    • Reach out to teachers for recommendations
    • Standardized test preparation and testing opportunities
    Summer:
    • Draft and revise your second college essay for English summer work 
    • Continue work on the Common Application; your goal is to complete this before school starts!
    • Standardized test preparation and testing opportunities
    • Continue your college visits!

  • Twelfth Grade

    Throughout the year: 
    • Frequent communication from College Counseling
    Semester 1:
    • Regular meetings with your counselor to finalize your college list, refine application materials, and edit essays.
    • Meetings with 100+ visiting college admissions representatives
    • College Night with college counselors
    • On-campus SAT (if applicable)
    • Complete standardized testing (if applicable)
    • Finalize and submit college applications
    Semester 2:
    • Review admission decisions and financial aid offers
    • Celebrate college decisions and prepare for the exciting transition to college!

Upcoming Events:

List of 3 events.

View All Events

Sanford School

6900 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE 19707
Phone: 302.235.6500
Email: admission@sanfordschool.org

Do you need help?

If you have questions or need help using the site, send an email to webhelp@sanfordschool.org.

Connect With Us