Meet Sarah Turner
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Sign UpSarah may have racked up some equestrian awards back in the day, but she doesn’t horse around when it comes to admissions. As Director of Admission at two independent schools in New England, she reviewed more than 1,000 applications to determine best-fit for both student and school, and analyzed 1,800 financial aid applications from new and returning families. In her most recent role as college counselor at Walnut Hill School for the Arts in Natick, MA, she advised and shepherded 36 actors, musicians, dancers, visual artists, and filmmakers through the college admissions process—helping them learn more about themselves and thoughtfully guiding them to the next big step in their lives.
For 10 years at Cambridge Friends School (CFS) in Cambridge, MA, Sarah served as Director of Admission and Financial Aid, Director of Secondary School Placement and Outreach, and Middle School Dean. Among her many responsibilities, she helped students explore their strengths and challenges through self-assessment and essay writing; advised families about school choices; and established partnerships with local test prep companies. To support efforts in better understanding race and identity in the CFS community, Sarah co-led a Committee on Community and Equity, for which she facilitated faculty and student workshops to examine and deconstruct power, privilege, and institutional racism at schools.
While it seems as if Sarah is “all-things-admissions”, this former equestrian also enjoys dance: in fact, she has performed with the Salsa Matei Dance Company and the hip-hop crew, Rhythm Factor.
Education & Experience
- B.A., Sociology, Minor in Education, Bowdoin College
- Director of Admission, The Gordon School, East Providence, RI
- Director of Admission & Financial Aid; Director of Secondary School Placement & Outreach; Middle School Dean, Cambridge Friends School, Cambridge, MA
- Associate Dean of Admission & Financial Aid, Waynflete School, Portland, ME
- Assistant Director of Admission & Financial Aid, North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, ME
Professional Organization Memberships
What are people saying about Collegewise?
My counselor boosted my confidence and helped me push myself while staying realistic about the college admissions process. She was there for me every step of the way, and even though I started working with her fairly late in the process, her help couldn't have been more valuable. Without her help, there's no way I would still be in one piece—not to mention going to my dream school! Collegewise made a very difficult process feel downright manageable—even enjoyable at times.
S. Martin
Tufts University
Our daughter’s counselor worked with her incredibly well. Together they created a balanced list of schools that matched her interests and then, in an organized but low-key way, went on to complete all of the applications way ahead of deadlines. In the end, our daughter got into her top choice. The whole process was 100% healthy and educational.
Eric Summers, Parent of E. Summers
American University
It was really great to have someone there to break up the crazy process of applying to college into manageable chunks. I’m so grateful for Collegewise!
Isabelle Smith
UCLA
Our counselor was a dream! I don’t know how we would’ve managed the college search, applications, and decisions without her. She had valuable information about all of the colleges she recommended. I highly recommend this service for anyone with a college-bound child. She kept our daughter engaged and helped manage her stress levels. An absolute godsend!
A. Maschmedt, Parent of I. Maschmedt
University of South Florida
Our daughter’s counselor related well to our daughter, kept us informed of the process and tailored her services to what we needed. Even though our daughter already had a focus on what she wanted to study, her counselor helped her explore schools she might not otherwise have considered.
E. Couch, Parent of C. Couch
University of Arizona
My counselor had an amazing ability to convince me to work hard and stay on top of my work while also being incredibly kind, thoughtful, and accessible. I felt comfortable talking to her about any anxieties or insecurities that I had throughout the process. She helped me find a school that I am very excited about, and I am certain it is the perfect school for me!