College Counseling and Career Preparation

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Doane Academy’s college counseling program is designed to help students’ and their families find the best possible college fit for them, from the nation's most elite colleges and universities to leading large public universities, little-known liberal arts colleges and everything in between.

Like so much at Doane, the college process is shaped by the students themselves. It is exciting, collaborative, and even fun! Through one-on-one and small-group meetings, students identify their strengths and weaknesses, outline what they are looking for in a college experience, develop skills of self-advocacy and independence and think deeply about the life they want to lead beyond college. I work individually with students and their families to think big, plan ahead, and find a college fit that will meet their wants and needs. In my role as a college counselor, I spend much of my time talking with students and parents about the future, which, of course, means we’ve spent a lot of time discussing what to do in the present to ensure opportunity in the future; a job that includes academic advising, curriculum design, family counseling, increasingly sophisticated statistical analysis, and an unwavering appreciation of the absurd.

"The Doane Academy team, especially Mrs. Henry, made a daunting process easy and exciting. I am so thankful to the school for backing my decisions and guiding me through it all."

- Sean Hargrow '22 - Yale University

The college counseling office recognizes the deeply personal, emotional, and financial considerations that play significant roles in the college process, and our commitment to discussing all perspectives and addressing every expectation honestly and compassionately, sets up each student and their family for ultimate success. As their college counselor, I work with every Upper School student starting in their junior year and provide intensive guidance through semester-long seminar courses for both juniors and seniors. I encourage students to apply to schools they feel are a “good fit,” while also helping them see that the skills they have developed during their time at Doane will enable them to grow, learn, and adapt no matter where they land.

I have spent my entire adult life advocating for kids in college, and those who want to go to college and then helping students find the financial resources to get there and stay there. I love the work that I do every day and can’t think of a better place to do it than at Doane. The 30 members of the class of 2024 will be attending 27 different colleges and universities. Overall fit and financial aid and scholarships were the top reasons seniors chose their schools. Included in these schools are 7 seniors who will be playing DI, DII, and DIII athletics in the fall. One student will be joining the Coast Guard. More than one-third intend on majoring in Humanities and Social Sciences. More than one-third plan to study business and almost one-fourth intend on majoring in STEM fields.

Robyn Henry
Director of College Counseling

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General Timelines

Although each person’s journey through the process is unique, we encourage students to consider the following timetable as they explore their future in our upper school.

Freshman Year

Freshman Year

Take an appropriately challenging course load.
Do well in your classes.
Be an involved member of the community.
Pursue a passion.
Read on a regular basis, even when not assigned by school.
Get to know your college counselor.
In addition to enjoying your summer vacation, plan to do something constructive with your time.
Parents who have specific questions about summer opportunities, future course selections, and/or strategic approaches to standardized testing may request meetings with Ms. Henry.
The Road to College – A college info night with Ms. Henry in the spring.

Sophomore Year

Sophomore Year

Take an appropriately challenging course load.
Be an involved member of the community.
Continue pursuing your passions.
Parents who have specific questions about summer opportunities, future course selections, and/or strategic approaches to standardized testing may request meetings with Ms. Henry.
Take the SAT/ACT practice test (administered at Doane) in October.
College Counseling Class Meeting with Ms. Henry in February.
If a student has taken an AP Class, they should take the SAT Subject Test in May or June pertaining to that class.
Look at the list of senior college acceptances – whom do you know and where is he/she going?
In addition to enjoying your summer vacation, plan to do something constructive with your time: begin exploring college options; informally visit colleges; participate in a summer program, work, or pursue volunteer service.

Junior Year

Junior Year

September-January: Juniors should meet with at least 2 college representatives visiting Doane.
September: Prep for the PSAT.
October: Take the PSAT; parent workshop with Director of College Counseling; attend a College Fair.
January: Junior kick-off event for parents and students; take SAT or ACT.
January-March: Individual meetings with Ms. Henry.
March: Junior College and Career Prep Class; start the Common Application; begin formulating a college list.
April: Parent Meetings; ACT Test available to take.
May: Test Month! SAT, SAT Subject Tests, TOEFL, AP Exams.
June: SAT, SAT Subject tests and ACT Test Dates; athletes interested in playing Div I or Div II should register with the NCAA Eligibility Center; plan your college visits, summer work, volunteer service, or a summer program.
*All Juniors should take at least one SAT or ACT exam.

Summer Prior to Grade 12

Summer Prior to Grade 12

Senior Year

Senior Year

September-January: Individual Meetings with Ms. Henry; College Visits and Interviews.
September: College and Career Prep Class; SAT and/or ACT test; finalize college list; parent workshop.
October: SAT/ACT/TOEFL tests; Early Action/Decision applications completed.
November: SAT & SAT Subject Tests; Early Action/Decision deadlines
December: All applications due to Ms. Henry; SAT, SAT Subject Tests and ACT; Early Action/Early Decision reply date.
April: Traditional reply date for colleges.
May 1^st: Acceptance and deposit due at one college only; AP testing.
May-June: Waitlist decisions begin.
June: Commencement; final transcript mailed to colleges.