Dexter Southfield’s program of college counseling is designed to help each student find a suitable match in higher education to support his or her academic needs, goals, and interests. The College Counseling Office provides individualized counseling, guidance, and support throughout every step of the college search and application process.
We understand that the college search and application process can be both a challenging and exciting journey. We strive to educate students and families to ensure a full understanding of the comprehensive process and provide the adequate tools and resources to help successfully navigate the process. The office works closely with students’ advisors, teachers, and coaches to ensure that colleges and universities receive the fullest image of each student’s achievements and promise.
College Planning Resources
2019-2020 College Counseling Checklist and Timeline (Classes 9-12)
Naviance
Naviance Overview
Common Application
ACT College Planning
How to Demonstrate Interest in a College
Understanding Likely, Possible, and Reach Schools
Building a College List
Early Decision vs. Early Action
College Navigator
Planning for College Visits
College Visit Checklist
Get the Most Out of a Campus Visit
College Interviews: Practice Questions and Strategies
Helpful Literature
10 Things to Know About Getting Into Your Dream College
The College Search Process: Advice from a Participant Observer
What Colleges Want in an Applicant (Everything)
Rethinking College Admissions
Don’t Trust Your Friends’ Advice on Getting into College — and Other Tips from Admissions Experts
College-bound? It Pays to Visit First
Taming the Admissions Anxiety
Recommended Reading
Colleges That Change Lives By Loren Pope
Where You Go Is Not Who You’ll Be By Frank Bruni
For Students
Self-Reporting SAT and ACT Scores
College Essay Final Revision Checklist
Pro Tips on Writing Your Personal Statement
Class 11 Student Questionnaire
2019-2020 Common Application Essay Prompts
Sample Resume
Local Community Service Opportunities
For Parents
Class 11 Parent Questionnaire
Standardized Test Preparation
A testing plan will be discussed with each student during individual college counseling sessions beginning in the fall of Class 11. Students are responsible for registering for standardized testing (with the exception of the PSAT) as well as sending their scores to colleges. The Dexter Southfield School code: 220262.
SAT vs. ACT
There are several colleges that no longer require SAT or ACT scores.
Test Optional Schools
Prospective College Athletes
Remember to list the NCAA Eligibility Center (code 9999) as a score recipient whenever you register for the SAT or ACT. You can send all of your test scores to the NCAA and they will choose the best scores from each test section to create your sum score.
2019-2020 PSAT Dates
PSAT 11/NMSQT (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test)
Wednesday, October 16, 2019
PSAT 10
Wednesday, February 26, 2020
Taking the PSAT with Accommodations
SAT (College Board)
SAT Test Dates and Deadlines
SAT Fees
Register for the SAT
Taking the SAT with Accommodations
SAT Test Day Checklist
View SAT Scores and Send Scores to Colleges
Self-Report SAT Scores
Interpreting SAT Scores
College Board Parent Email Reminders
College Board: SAT Subject Tests
Students enrolled in Honors or AP courses are strongly encouraged to register for the SAT Subject Test(s) in May or June for that respective subject. Class 9 and 10 students are encouraged to consult with their math and science teachers to determine if they qualify to take the test.
SAT Subject Test Requirements and Recommendations
SAT Subject Test Dates and Deadlines
Register for SAT Subject Test
Taking SAT Subject Test with Accommodations
SAT Subject Test Day Checklist
Get Your SAT Subject Test Scores
Send SAT Subject Scores to Colleges
ACT
ACT Test Dates and Deadlines
ACT Fees
Register for the ACT
Taking the ACT with Accommodations
View Scores and Send Scores to Colleges
Self-Report ACT Scores
AP (Advanced Placement) Exams
AP Exam Dates and Fees
AP Exam Day Checklist
Taking AP Exams with Accommodations
Free Online Standardized Test Prep Resources
PSAT Practice
SAT Practice Tests
SAT Practice (Khan Academy)
SAT Subject Test Practice Questions
ACT Test Preparation
AP Exam Practice Questions
Standardized Test Prep
Although not specifically endorsed by Dexter Southfield, the companies below are known to serve many Boston-area students who are applying to selective colleges and universities.
Academic Approach (Newton)
Chyten Educational Services (Lexington, Newton, Wellesley)
Inspirica Tutoring (Newton, Wellesley, Nantucket, Cape Cod, The Vineyard)
Kaplan (Various locations in MA)
The Princeton Review (Various locations in MA)
Quintessential Tutoring (Millis) Dr. Russell Jassie (617) 875-1969
Signet Education (Cambridge)
Summit Educational Group (Newton)
College Admissions Representatives Visit Dexter Southfield
September - November 2019
*Open to students in Classes 10-12
Class 12 students must ask teachers one day in advance if they can miss class for a college rep visit. Students cannot attend visits if they have a test or quiz. Students in Classes 10-11 can only attend rep visits during free blocks.
Class 11: PSAT 11/NMSQT (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test)
Wednesday, October 16, 2019
*Note: Students will register in advance at school with the College Counseling Office.
Class 10 & 11 Free Practice ACT
Saturday, November 16, 2019
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Sohier 2 Classrooms
Registration Deadline: November 8, 2019
*Note, students with accommodations can take a free Practice ACT test at Summit's Newton office on an alternate date. Students are encouraged to call Summit to schedule a time at 1-800-698-8867.
Learn More and Register >>
Class 11 Parent & Student College Night
Wednesday, December 4, 2019
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Clay Center Lecture Hall
College Admissions Panel: Wake Forest University, Bucknell University, Connecticut College, and University of Richmond
Class 11 ACT Prep Class at Dexter Southfield
Offered by Summit Educational Group
Course runs: Saturday, January 11, 2020 - Sunday, March 29, 2020
Cost: $720 (Financial aid is available).
Registration Deadline: January 3, 2020
Learn More and Register >>
Class 9 & 10 Parent Coffee with the College Counseling Office
Thursday, February 6, 2020
8:30-9:30 a.m.
Clay Center, 5th Floor
Class 11 SAT Prep Class at Dexter Southfield
Offered by Summit Educational Group
Course runs: Saturday, February 8, 2020 – Saturday, April 25, 2020
Cost: $720 (Financial aid is available).
Registration Deadline: January 31, 2020
Learn More and Register >>
Athletic Recruiting Night
Thursday, February 13, 2020
6:30-8:00 p.m.
Clay Center Lecture Hall
*Open to Upper and Middle School students and families.
Class 10: PSAT 10
Wednesday, February 26, 2020
*Note: Students will register in school in advance with the College Counseling Office.
Class 11 Parent Coffee with the College Counseling Office
Thursday, March 5, 2020
8:30-9:30 a.m.
Clay Center, 5th Floor
Middle School Parent Coffee with the College Counseling Office
Thursday, March 12, 2020
8:30-9:30 a.m.
Arena Warming Room
BISCCA College Fair
Sunday, April 26, 2020
*Time and location TBA. Required attendance for Class 11 students.
Collegiate Athletic Reception
Monday, May 4, 2020
6:30-8:00 p.m.
Arena Warming Room
*Invite only – To honor graduating seniors who have committed to play collegiate athletics.
2020 AP Exams:
Week 1: May 4-8, 2020
Week 2: May 11-15, 2020
View Full 2020 AP Exam Schedule >>
*All students enrolled in AP courses are required to take the respective AP exam. The College Counseling Office handles AP exam registration for students.
2019-2020 SAT Dates:
Saturday, August 24, 2019 (Registration Deadline: July 26, 2019)
Saturday, October 5, 2019 (Registration Deadline: September 6, 2019)
Saturday, November 2, 2019 (Registration Deadline: October 3, 2019)
Saturday, December 7, 2019 (Registration Deadline: November 8, 2019)
Saturday, March 14, 2020 (Registration Deadline: February 14, 2020)
Saturday, May 2, 2020 (Registration Deadline: April 3, 2020)
Saturday, June 6, 2020 (Registration Deadline: May 8, 2020)
Register for SAT>>
2019-2020 ACT Dates:
Saturday, September 14, 2019 (Registration Deadline: August 16, 2019)
Saturday, October 26, 2019 (Registration Deadline: September 20, 2019
Saturday, December 14, 2019 (Registration Deadline: November 8, 2019)
Saturday, February 8, 2020 (Registration Deadline: January 10, 2020)
Saturday, April 4, 2020 (Registration Deadline: February 28, 2020)
Saturday, June 13, 2020 (Registration Deadline: May 8, 2020)
Saturday, July 18, 2020 (Registration Deadline: June 19, 2020)
Register for ACT>>
SAT Subject Tests
Students enrolled in Honors or AP courses are strongly encouraged to register for the SAT Subject Test(s) in May or June for that respective subject. Class 9 and 10 students are encouraged to consult with their math and science teachers to determine if they qualify to take the test.
Register for SAT Subject Tests>>
Applying for Financial Aid
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Federal Student Aid
CSS Profile
Colleges that Require the CSS Profile
Financial Aid Resources
College Board Financial Aid Checklist
MEFA Pathway College Cost Calculator
Types of Financial Aid
Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA)
Edvisors
Fin Aid
Loan Resources
Federal Direct Stafford Loan (subsidized and unsubsidized)
Federal Perkins Loan
Massachusetts No Interest Loan
Private Alternative Student Loan Options: Compare Various Lenders (Tool available for select colleges)
Scholarship Resources
Some 2019 Scholarship Opportunities (revised 3/1/19)
Finding and Applying for Scholarships
Scholarships.com
College Board Scholarship Search
Fast Web
College Scholarships
Peterson's
Unigo
Cappex
Fall 2019 College Rep Schedule
Students can access the college rep schedule on the Dexter Southfield US app (Calendar/College Visits). College rep visits are open to students in Classes 10-12. All college rep visits take place in the College Counseling Office in Sohier 1.
Class 12 students:
Class 10-11 students:
We encourage all Upper School students to plan a summer experience that best aligns with their interests and academic goals. Whether students enroll in a pre-college program or athletic camp, land an internship, explore the arts, volunteer, research, work, or study abroad, we encourage students to do something interesting, productive, and educational. Pre-college programs are an excellent way for high school students to get a taste of college campus life. Students should seek out a new experience that they haven’t had before.
Dexter Southfield Summer 2019 Leadership Program >>
Some Suggested Summer 2019 Programs >>
Some Suggested Summer 2019 Internships >>
Local Community Service Opportunities >>
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Ms. Emily J. Moore Director of College Counseling ejmoore@dextersouthfield.org 617-751-3489 |
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Mr. Brian LaRochelle Associate Director of College Counseling blarochelle@dextersouthfield.org 617-751-3619 |
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Mrs. Allison Ranz Associate Director of College Counseling aranz@dextersouthfield.org 617-751-3595 |
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Ms. Lindsey Cunningham |
For transcript requests, general questions, or to schedule a student or parent meeting with the College Counseling team, please contact Lindsey Cunningham at lcunningham@dextersouthfield.org or 617-751-3670.
Our Location: Sohier Building, First Floor (formerly the Main Office)
Our Mailing Address:
Dexter Southfield
College Counseling Office
20 Newton Street
Brookline, MA 02445