College Counseling

Upper School Academics

College Counseling

At SDS, college counseling is built on relationships — and the belief that every student deserves guidance as individual as they are.

Our counselors take the time to truly know each student: their strengths, their passions, their goals, and the environment where they will flourish. That relationship — built over four years, within a community of trust — is the foundation of everything we do. Our work begins before students even set foot in the Upper School and continues all the way through graduation, giving families personal attention at every step of the journey.

The goal is never simply college admission. It is finding the right fit — a place where each Griffin will be challenged, supported, and set on the path toward a life well lived.

2026-27 School Profile

Quick Facts

List of 5 items.

100%

college acceptance rate
30

The Class of 2026 is attending 30 different colleges and universities
42

seniors in the Class of 2026
6:1

upper school student–teacher ratio
61%

of faculty hold advanced degrees

Our Approach

College counseling at Spartanburg Day School is personal by design. Because our counselors work with a small, close-knit Upper School community, they are able to invest deeply in each student's story — understanding not just grades and test scores, but character, curiosity, and aspiration. This is what it means to be known at SDS.

We guide students to ask the right questions about themselves first, so that the search for the right college follows naturally. The diversity of destinations in any given graduating class — from flagship universities to small liberal arts colleges to international institutions — reflects the intentionality of that process. No two Griffins are alike, and no two college lists should be either.

Our team brings firsthand knowledge of how college admissions decisions are truly made. Director Jennifer Spearman serves on the Board of Directors of the Southern Association for College Admission Counseling (SACAC), where she serves as Co-Chair of the Finance Committee — a reflection of both her professional standing and her commitment to the broader college counseling community.

List of 2 members.

Jennifer Spearman

Director of College Counseling
Ann Wesneski

Assistant Director of College Counseling

The Four-Year Roadmap

Each fall, college admissions representatives visit the SDS campus. All Upper School students — 9th through 12th grade — are welcome and encouraged to attend these meetings and connect directly with representatives from colleges across the country.

List of 4 items.

9th - Freshman: Building the Foundation
- Freshman Seminar — a fall course taught by College Counselors introducing students to the Upper School, the college process, self-reflection, and what makes a strong application
- Establishing strong academic habits, extracurricular involvement, and a student's unique story
- Exploring interests through clubs, athletics, arts, and service — the building blocks of a compelling application
- Begin building a resume that will grow and develop through all four years
- Practice standardized testing (PSAT 8/9 offered) to establish an early baseline
In the spring of sophomore year, each student is assigned a primary college counselor who will guide them through the rest of the process.
10th - Sophomore: Meeting Your Counselor
- Resume development — updating and refining with counselor feedback
- Case Studies Night — an evening with college admissions representatives giving students and families firsthand insight into what colleges look for in an application
- Introduction to college research tools and early exploration of potential college fits
- Spring: Each student is assigned their primary college counselor, and families meet together to look ahead at the full Junior and Senior year journey — building a shared understanding of the road ahead
11th - Junior: Narrowing the Search
- Individual family meeting with the primary counselor to develop a college list, review testing strategy, and map out the application timeline
- Resume refinement in preparation for applications
- Case Studies Night — Juniors participate again, deepening their understanding as the application process draws near
- SAT and ACT testing; counselors guide students on exam strategy and timing, with standardized test prep provided by the School
- Students write their first college essay — brainstorming and drafting supported by the counseling team
- Junior Parent Night — an evening dedicated to preparing families for the Senior year application process
- Financial Aid Night — a community presentation on navigating financial aid, scholarships, and the FAFSA, led by a local expert
12th - Senior: Submitting, Deciding, & Celebrating
- Individual family and student meetings to finalize college lists, review essays, finalize the resume for submission, and manage application deadlines — with school-provided test prep continuing for any fall SAT/ACT retakes
- College application nights and individual mock interview practice
- SDS submits school recommendations, transcripts, and the school profile on behalf of each student
- Individual financial aid counseling with a local expert — personalized guidance on award letters, appeals, and making informed financial decisions
- Scholarship application support through the spring semester
- Students make their final college decision by the May 1 national deadline
- Senior Parade & Banner Signing — a community celebration of each Griffin's next chapter