College Counseling

College Counseling at Nichols

The college search is one of the most personal and important transitions in a student’s Nichols experience. Our College Counseling team helps each student and family move through the process with clarity, confidence, and perspective.

At Nichols, college counseling is guided by intentionality. We work closely with students to understand their strengths, define their goals, explore meaningful options, and find the right fit. The goal is not simply to complete applications, but to help students identify a strong match: a college environment where they will be challenged, supported, and able to continue becoming who they want to be.

Families are supported throughout the process with thoughtful guidance, honest conversations, and steady perspective in an ever-changing college admissions landscape. While students and families remain responsible for their final decisions, our team is here to help them ask the right questions, understand their options, and move forward with confidence.

Our Philosophy
In keeping with the mission of Nichols School, we view the college process as an extension of the learning and growth that happens every day on campus. It is a time for reflection, exploration, and decision-making, and an opportunity for students to apply the independence, resilience, communication skills, and self-awareness they have developed at Nichols.

The process can feel complex, but it does not need to be defined by pressure. With the support of our College Counseling team, students are encouraged to approach the search with open-mindedness and purpose, focusing not only on where they will go next, but on the kind of environment where they will continue to grow.

Contact Information

Office: Albright Hall Room 102
Phone: 716-332-5185
Email: lcaywood@nicholsschool.org

College Profile & Outcomes

Additional Resources

Freshman through Senior Year

Forms & Downloads

Summer Opportunities

What Families Say About College Counseling

Meet the College Counseling Team

List of 4 members.

Kelly Jorgensen

Dean of College Counseling & Academic Affairs

Read Bio
Kelly Jorgensen joined Nichols School as the Director of College Counseling in July 2021. Jorgensen brings over 20 years of college and independent school experience to Nichols. In her role, she assists students and families with all aspects of the college process, oversees a team of college counselors, develops new programming to assist families with college planning, and serves as a liaison between Nichols and college representatives.

Most recently, Jorgensen was the Director of College Counseling at Saint Mary’s Hall in San Antonio, Texas for nine years. She oversaw the school’s college counseling program, advised students and families, administered and coordinated PSAT and AP testing, hosted over 120 college representatives each fall, and presented school programming for families and students.

Jorgensen also oversaw the college counseling program at Trinity School of Midland in Texas from 2010 to 2012, and she was a college counselor at Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan from 1998 to 2010. In both roles, she advised students and supported families in the college process, coordinated standardized testing, and collaborated with school leadership in regards to student support and academic advising.

Jorgensen received her Bachelor of Arts in Communication and her Master of Arts in Counseling from Bowling Green State University. She lives in Buffalo with her husband David and son Trevor ’23. Outside of school, Jorgensen enjoys traveling, baking, hiking, attending musical theater performances and following her favorite sports teams.
Kerry Bennett

Associate Director of College Counseling
Emily Olczak

Assistant Director of College Counseling & AP Coordinator
Lisa Caywood

Administrative Assistant to the College Office & PSAT Testing Coordinator