In July 2024, Sidwell Friends School welcomed Dr. Joel Siepierski as the new Director of College Counseling. Prior to joining Sidwell, Siepierski served as Dean of College Counseling at the Community School of Naples and Associate Director at the Nichols School in Buffalo.
However, Siepierski’s path to college counseling was not straightforward. With a Ph.D. in History from the State University of New York at Buffalo, Siepierski first started as a history teacher at various high schools and universities. Working in education allowed him to pursue different paths in administration and college counseling.
“College counseling appealed to me for several reasons,” Siepierski explained. “I had worked in higher education prior to moving into high school teaching; I had a background in athletics as both a recruited college athlete and high school coach; and I was a competent writer and communicator.”
His rich experience in college counseling eventually led him to the Sidwell community, which he was drawn to because of the school’s academic excellence and principles. “This affinity makes working here more than a job, but also valued membership in a vibrant community and culture,” Siepierski commented.
When it comes to college admissions, Siepierski emphasized the importance of finding the right “fit” for each student. “Every college isn’t for every student and success in the process can look very different from student to student,” he said. His philosophy centers on helping each student find the school right for them rather than pushing for a narrow list of prestigious institutions. Sieperski finds this personalized approach the most rewarding part of guiding students through the college application process.
“Every year, I learn something new about college admissions,” Siepierski said. “New types of schools or programs, changes to application strategies, even shifting politics impact college admissions. This newness, and how each student navigates them differently, keeps the job fresh.”
As Siepierski settles into his role, he’s already thinking about the future of college counseling at Sidwell Friends. One of his goals is to integrate the College Counseling Office into students’ overall high school experiences, supporting students more holistically and helping students grow as individuals during their time at Sidwell.
“I strongly believe that a solid grounding in the educational mission of the school as well as meaningful participation in the life and culture of the community only make college counselors better at their job,” Siepierski explained. “Following from this is a reality of college admissions — while there are central elements of the process that are technical, selective colleges are interested in and evaluate students as a whole person. Because of this, a good college office should help educate and be involved in students’ lives throughout high school.”
Siepierski is also focused on collaboration between the College Counseling Office, faculties, and families. He has already had conversations with faculty on ways to better incorporate their valuable expertise into the college counseling process. Siepierski also recognizes that parents play an important role in every student’s application process. “None of this work is valuable if students are not mentally healthy and feeling supported by those closest to them,” he said. “Supporting their children through what can be an anxious and emotional process is a parent’s central role.” Siepierski aims to provide parents with guidance to support their children while helping them understand the “shifting reality of college admissions which has changed dramatically from when they may have applied.”
Understanding the stress and pressure inevitable in the college application process, Siepierski advocates for two key strategies for students to adopt: organization and perspective. Siepierski helps seniors plan their applications and strategies, and he notes that an organized approach can encourage students to “be confident they have done everything they can to ensure success in addition to enjoying their senior fall.”
Perspective is equally important in helping students manage the toll of the college application process. “Colleges have a near impossible job to do in evaluating thousands of applications,” Siepierski said. “At the same time, to the individual student it feels intensely personal. Having some perspective on the nature of the process and the many different paths to success can help students cope with the twists and turns of the process.”
Siepierski’s advice to students currently applying to colleges is simple: “Be open minded. There are nearly 4,000 four-year colleges and universities in the U.S. alone. The variety and choices are much broader than many realize.” He also encourages students to work hard and effectively. “The application process is always more work than students think. Put in the work, but also plan and be efficient.”
Siepierski expressed that he is “thrilled to be joining the Sidwell Friends community,” and he looks forward to working with Sidwell’s “bright and driven students in a school community exuding vitality.”
