Meet Adam Eisdorfer ’25, who is thrilled to be matriculating to Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he will continue his academic and athletic career. Adam intends to major in “Course 6-14” (Economics, Computer Science and Data Science) and “Course 15-3” (Finance) and compete on the MIT track and field team.

Adam chose MIT for many reasons, including the school’s emphasis on STEM related courses that will fuel his love of math and science. An athlete who has won indoor and outdoor state titles on the track, Adam is also excited about the opportunity to compete at the college level. He’s ready to make an impact in many areas.

“At MIT, there are endless opportunities and resources to help you get involved in ways that matter in the world,” Adam said. “For example, I talked to a recent graduate of MIT, and they were telling me about their non-profit helping build and distribute sustainable ambulances to remote parts of Africa, which they started during their time as an undergraduate at MIT. The opportunities at the school seem endless to me, and I am excited to get involved in the many projects, sports and research opportunities that await.”

Adam feels well prepared for the challenges at MIT after building a strong base of knowledge at W+H. In the past four years, he has learned and thrived in classes ranging from AP science courses like AP Biology all the way to AP Microeconomics and AP Latin.

“Similarly, at W+H, I’ve been able to try every extracurricular interest I have had, from being on student council to playing soccer and running track,” said Adam, a multi-sport captain and this year’s Student Council President. “Because it’s a small school, I have found it very easy to not only get involved but also participate in a large capacity in anything I’m interested in.”

Meet Vinay Karthik ’25, a Wardlaw+Hartridge lifer who is excited to be matriculating to Princeton University, where he plans to major in Computer Science with a minor in Climate Science. Growing up in New Jersey, Vinay has always considered Princeton one of his dream schools due to its strong emphasis on undergraduate education and research. 

“Princeton's commitment to service and civic engagement also deeply resonates with the values I was raised with,” Vinay said. “As a lifer at W+H, Princeton's small class sizes and close mentorship from faculty and peers fit my description of a second home.” 

Vinay is grateful for the many W+H teachers who have sparked his love for learning. He’s benefitted from their passion and the many creative projects and constructive discussions he’s enjoyed during his 14 years at the school. 

“W+H has empowered me to develop and apply my public speaking skills through numerous class presentations, leadership opportunities, and speech requirements, enabling me to share my voice with a wider community,” he said. “W+H has also instilled in me a growth mindset and the ability to empathize with people of diverse perspectives, all of which will be essential for my life at Princeton and beyond.” 

Vinay’s many favorite W+H moments include acting in a Lower School Earth Day play, organizing the Race and Climate Symposium in Middle School, and serving as Editor-in-Chief of the Beacon student newspaper in Upper School. He credits the school with fostering his interest in research and global engagement through the Eighth Grade Capstone project, Global Scholars Program and Senior Capstone course. 

“Wardlaw+Hartridge has provided me with countless opportunities that have shaped me into the person I am today,” Vinay said. “Despite its small size, the wide range of courses, extracurriculars and leadership opportunities offered at the school have enabled me to explore my interests, deepen my skills and customize my education. At Princeton, I am excited to explore the intersection of environmental science and technology and develop solutions for climate-resilient communities.” 

Meet Harry Li ’25, a W+H lifer who is thrilled to be enrolling at UCLA, where he will major in Physiological Science on a Pre-Med track. When Harry learned of his acceptance to UCLA, he immediately arrived in the W+H College Counseling Office with a huge smile on his face.

“I chose UCLA because of its highly esteemed academic reputation, especially with its title as the No. 1 ranked public university,” he said. “Among all of the universities that offer the major of Physiological Science, UCLA also stands out as the highest-ranked one, which definitely made my decision easier. Beyond its reputation as an academic powerhouse, UCLA also drew me in with its perfect balance between educational and social life. Being able to have “fun in the sun” while simultaneously studying at one of the most prestigious institutions in the country is the ideal mix for me, which is why I am beyond excited to go to UCLA for my college experience.”

Harry has spent most of his life at W+H and truly values its small class sizes. He’s created many meaningful connections with teachers and is comfortable approaching any one of them for help. Asking for support and building relationships with faculty are skills Harry knows will help him succeed in the future.

“W+H has helped me become a well-rounded person by giving me the chance to explore so many interests, especially because of how welcoming and helpful the faculty are,” he said. “Just recently, I rediscovered my interest in piano, and both W+H’s concert pianist and band teacher were immediately and genuinely eager to help me. W+H’s community is so deeply interconnected, and their staff are not only willing but also enthusiastic about supporting students in any pursuit. This kind of environment has helped me gain confidence and curiosity, which has definitely been one of the most important parts of my development at W+H.”

As much as he loves W+H and has thrived in its close-knit environment, Harry is ready for Los Angeles. 

“I am incredibly excited to be attending UCLA, and I am so grateful for the opportunities that lie ahead of me,” Harry said. “I truly believe that UCLA will give me the foundation, both academically and personally, to ultimately fulfill my goal of going to medical school and becoming a doctor. I can’t wait to take advantage of everything the school has to offer in order for me to turn that dream into a reality.”

Meet Amelie Leu ’25, who is living her dream after a recent early decision acceptance to the University of Pennsylvania. She’s coveted UPenn as a college destination throughout her Upper School years and is thrilled that it became a reality.

“What made me realize that UPenn was my dream school was seeing all of the past W+H alumni that matriculated there. Watching them through social media and even reaching out to them with questions I had only further proved that it was the university for me,” Amelie said.

Amelie’s love for UPenn increased when she visited the campus, as it felt like its own community while still very connected to the city. She’s also interested in studying Cognitive Science, a fairly new major that not all schools offer.

“What I love most about my university is its reputation as a social Ivy,” Amelie said. “I not only want to succeed academically but I also want to join clubs and find student life on campus that supports the person I want to become and the career I want to pursue.”

Amelie has spent her entire academic life at W+H and truly values the close-knit community and support of her teachers.

“The W+H community has blessed me in many different ways,” she said. “One way it has blessed me is in giving me the ability to understand how to interact with my teachers and reach out when I need help. I have formed close bonds with teachers that I will forever be grateful for. All the teachers here, from Lower School all the way to Upper School, have been nothing but supportive.”

She’s also grateful for the many opportunities W+H has provided for her to make an impact on the world. Among her favorites are the TEEEM (The Empathy, Equality, and Entrepreneurship Mission) initiatives, which include tutoring programs and an especially memorable trip.

“The highlight of this program for me has been the trip to the Oglala Lakota Nation in South Dakota that we took over the summer. Interacting with the youth on the reservation was an experience that I will never be able to forget,” said Amelie, who also participated in several tutoring programs at W+H.  “I learned how to be empathetic and a person for others rather than myself. The experiences and lessons I have learned through these programs will stay with me throughout the rest of my life and have left an irreversible impression on the person I am today,” Amelie said. 

Amelie will graduate from W+H as a confident young woman ready to shape her future and the world: “The programs at W+H have heavily prepared me for my career goals. I want to pursue work as a child psychiatrist. Many programs allowed me to form connections and interact with young children, whether it be helping them with a math problem or sharing cultural traditions. I have not only learned how to interact with youth but have also been able to pursue my passion for mental health through our school’s Active Minds chapter and Mental Health Symposium. With Wardlaw+Hartridge’s help, I feel prepared to step into college and professional life with the skills I need to succeed.”

Meet Kate Clemetson ’25, who is excited to continue her education at the University of Pennsylvania, where she plans to major in Philosophy, Politics & Economics (PPE) on a pre-law track.

Kate chose Penn because it immediately struck her as a place bustling with opportunity in every aspect of academic and extracurricular life. She loves school’s city location in Philadelphia and also appreciates the defined campus, which instills a strong sense of community.

“While the pre-professional culture will prepare me well for law school, I also appreciate Penn’s vibrant arts scene, from the Arts Integration and Music Business clubs to the possibility of joining an a cappella group,” said Kate, a talented performer who has excelled in the W+H musicals and concerts during her two years in Upper School. “Based on my experience of meeting ambitious yet genuinely kind students on Quaker Day, I already love the social atmosphere and I look forward to surrounding myself with high-caliber students who will inspire me to become better every day.”

Kate is grateful for how she was welcomed into the W+H community by students and faculty as a transfer student in her junior year. The school’s diverse student backgrounds have exposed her to new perspectives and helped cultivate her own.

“My time at W+H has shaped me into a more resilient and open-minded person, and it has given me a desire to make others feel seen, just as I did when I first found my place in this community,” she said.

Kate has become so involved in W+H school activities that it feels as if she’s been on campus for much longer than two years. In addition to making a name for herself on the stage, Kate earned starting positions on varsity soccer and basketball and initiated the school’s Mock Trial program.

“Having the flexibility to spearhead a Mock Trial team has also made me a more adaptable leader. I aimed to provide a space where students of all experience

levels could attain confidence in their convictions, as I, too, was finding my voice in an unfamiliar environment, and I look forward to new mentorship opportunities in college and beyond,” Kate said.

Kate added that she’s immensely grateful for Ms. Sarah Honan, Director of College Counseling, for her unwavering belief in her even during moments when she didn’t believe in herself: “Ms. Honan told me what I needed to hear and offered honest advice that helped me craft applications reflecting my most authentic self.”

Meet Rajwans Sindhar ’25, who is thrilled to be matriculating to the University of Virginia, where she plans to major in mechanical engineering. Raj chose UVA because she was looking for a college experience that offered prestige, a vibrant social life and a place where she could learn about herself, build relationships and find a routine away from home.

“UVA was ultimately the one school that checked all these boxes as it provides a prestigious engineering program, a beautiful and historic campus and a community that thrives from collaboration and excellence,” said Raj, who overcame some initial anxiety about her decision by doing extensive research into her options. She soon realized that UVA was the best choice.

“What I love most about UVA is its deep-rooted traditions and the unmatched pride UVA students and alumni have,” she said. “When I first committed to UVA, I did not expect the support from all incoming UVA students. I noticed that everyone was so willing to learn about others and hear their stories, a trait that is very similar to Wardlaw+Hartridge. Despite UVA’s size difference in comparison to W+H, there is a very strong sense of community that makes the size seem smaller. Ultimately, it makes UVA feel just like home.”

Raj is among the most active students in the W+H community. She’s a scholar, athlete, and leader in extracurricular activities. She values the school’s small, close-knit community and her involvement as a co-leader of the South Asian Student Alliance (SASA).

“Being part of SASA, and eventually taking on a co-leader role, taught me the importance of stepping up for others and leading with confidence,” said Raj, who helped organize events and lead group discussions. “These experiences gave me confidence to take initiative, which will come in handy through college clubs, group projects and applying for internship and research positions.”

Raj is grateful for her experiences in the Global Scholars Program, which broadened her worldview and deepened her understanding of global issues. Joining TEEEM enabled her to learn more about the needs of others and support worthy causes. She also believes W+H’s small size enabled her  to build close relationships with her teachers and peers.

“I learned to advocate for myself by asking questions, engaging in class discussions, and seeking mentorship,” Raj said. “These skills will prove to be valuable in college when going to office hours and forming connections in the larger academic community. Wardlaw+Hartridge taught me how to be proactive and how building relationships can open doors and I plan to bring those lessons to UVA.”

Meet Cian Nicholls ’25, a W+H lifer who’s excited to continue his educational journey at Siena College, where he plans to major in business.

Cian selected Siena for many reasons, including its strong alumni network, beautiful and well-maintained campus and strong presence in the business world.

Siena ensures that students graduate with a job, which Cian said was his No. 1 concern during his college search. He’s also looking forward to continuing his studies in a close-knit environment.

“The thing I love most has to be the small school size,” Cian said. “Siena is a small school numbers wise, which reminds me of W+H. The professors and students know each other well and small class sizes allow you to be a person rather than a number.”  

Cian has loved growing up at W+H, experiencing many cultures and developing a strong sense of identity in a supportive environment. He’s confident expressing himself and his opinions and believes this skill will serve him well in college and beyond. Cian has made the most of his opportunities to become a vibrant presence in school life.

“I have been able to dip my feet in every part of the school. Participating in athletics, band, film, musical theatre, and peer leadership, I have been able to gain important lessons and skills from each, which I may not have been given in any other school,” he said. “By trying new things and given these opportunities, I have been able to obtain new skills, traits, and connect with different people providing me with important connections and lessons which I can use down the road.”

As he prepares to graduate, Cian is filled with gratitude and credited Ms. Alayne Birnhak, his college counselor, with providing incredible support during the application process to help him find his perfect fit.

“I’m very thankful for all the support I have received over the past 13 years of my Wardlaw+Hartridge experience and wouldn’t have been in this situation without it,” Cian said. “I would like to especially thank the small tight knit community which I have been able to call my family and grow so close with, allowing me to know the environment and feeling I wanted to replicate in my college life.”

Meet Al-Hammed Bell ’25, who is looking forward to enrolling at Rowan University, where he plans to major in Sports Communications and Media Studies.

Al chose Rowan University because it offers a combination of strong academics, a welcoming community and opportunities for growth, both personally and professionally. After visiting the campus and speaking with students and staff, he felt that Rowan offered the kind of environment he was seeking in his college home.

“What I love most about Rowan is the sense of belonging and wide range of programs and activities they offer,” Al said.

Al believes W+H has prepared him for college “in so many ways.” He cited the school’s academic programs for helping him develop strong time management and study skills and the small class sizes and close relationships with teachers for helping him advocate for himself and ask for help when needed. He also values his years on the basketball team for teaching him leadership, perseverance and how to balance academics with extracurricular skills, which he knows will be crucial in college. 

“W+H encouraged me to explore different interests, from athletics to community drives to public speaking,” Al said. “I was able to try new things and meet people from all walks of life, and push myself outside of my comfort zone. That experience helped me become more confident, empathetic and adaptable.”

Al is grateful for the support of the W+H College Counseling Program, which understood his interests, personality and goals to help find his best fit. Thanks to this support, he felt confident and informed throughout the entire process, which made the decision to choose Rowan even more meaningful. 

“I’m excited to start this next chapter at Rowan and take advantage of everything it has to offer,” Al said. “I’m ready to work hard, stay focused and make the most of the opportunities ahead.”

Meet Julia Machado ’25, who is excited to continue her education at Rutgers University, where she plans to major in Public Health on a Pre-Health track. Julia chose Rutgers because of its endless opportunities. 

“Rutgers opens so many doors to valuable networking and hands-on-experiences,” she said. “I have always seen myself at a big school where I can take advantage of the diverse community where I have the chance to interact with all types of people. I was also drawn to the lively campus life. It felt like the perfect place to grow both personally and professionally.” 

Julia has enjoyed her years at W+H, where she’s excelled on the stage as a performer in plays and musicals. She’s grateful for the opportunity to explore and take advantage of many extracurricular opportunities and interests. 

“W+H has played a key role in preparing me for college by teaching me how to advocate for myself and take ownership of my education,” Julia said. “I learned the importance of asking questions, seeking help when needed, and standing up for my goals. I gained the confidence to take charge, skills that I know will be essential in college and beyond.” 

Julia credited the W+H College Counseling Program for being “truly lifesaving.”  She went into the process feeling lost with no idea what steps to take, but with the endless help of Ms. Sarah Honan, Director of College Counseling, she was able to have a smooth and successful college search experience that ended with admission to a place she’s looking forward to calling home. 

“I am very optimistic for my future at Rutgers and am grateful to W+H for the eight years that have led me here,” Julia said. “At W+H I found a true passion for community and will continue to explore that.”

Meet Adish Vimal ’25, who is excited to continue his academic career at George Washington University. Adish plans to study business and major in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. 

Adish chose GW because of the depth of its business school and academic programs. He’s interested in entrepreneurship and believes the business school’s connections with several financial institutions and corporations in the D.C. area and abroad will provide potential internship opportunities that will allow him to learn and grow. 

“Washington, D.C. is one of my favorite cities due to its historical significance, vibrant social life and its blend of urban and suburban areas, which makes it an ideal location for me to spend my college years,” Adish said. 

Adish credits the supportive community at Wardlaw+Hartridge with allowing him to have a stronger focus in class and more detailed discussions with teachers and peers. 
 
“The warm hospitality I received from the community joining my junior year of high school at W+H gave me the opportunity to build meaningful connections with my classmates and teachers that allowed me to thrive socially and academically,” he said. “It made me realize how important it is to have a good support system with friends, teachers, mentors and coaches to gain success in my future endeavors at college.” 

Adish enjoyed playing varsity soccer and participating in the South Asian Student Alliance for the past two years. He recalled a performance at International Family Fun Night as a memorable W+H experience. 

“I am grateful for the soccer team because it challenged me mentally and physically and pushed my internal boundaries, which developed my organizational skills required to maneuver through all the obstacles of high school and life overall,” he said. “I am also grateful for SASA, which gave me an opportunity to delve into my cultural roots and even pushed me to do activities I never thought I would be able to do.”

Meet Kayla Le ’25, who is looking forward to continuing her education at Boston University. Kayla will begin BU undecided in her major field, but she is excited about the university’s study abroad program and city location in what she called “an ideal distance from home.” 

“I couldn’t imagine myself at any other school,” she said. “I chose Boston University for its diversity, seamless integration into the city, and commitment to academic excellence. I admire how BU’s location in Boston provides opportunities for engagement such as internships and access to professional resources. What I love most about Boston University is the endless opportunities for growth, personally and professionally.” 

Kayla has become an active member of the W+H community, rising to leadership positions in athletics and extracurricular programs during her Upper School years. She values these experiences along with a challenging academic workload, and navigating this balance has enhanced her time management skills.

“W+H has provided me with academic rigor, vast leadership opportunities, and the option to study various subjects,” Kayla said. “Taking several AP and honors classes has taught me to manage my time effectively and reinforces discipline. I’m grateful for the leadership roles I’ve had, such as being a cheer captain for three years, peer leadership, and co-leading the AAPI (Asian American Pacific Islander) affinity group.”

Kayla is also grateful for the support of the W+H College Counseling program, which offered opportunities to speak with many college admission representatives. Meeting the Boston University representative helped Kayla gain deeper insight into the school at the beginning of her senior year. 

“My experience at W+H has provided me with skills that I can apply to my classes, extracurriculars, and the new challenges I will face,” she said. “Serving in several leadership roles and being a part of a tight-knit community has taught me values like teamwork, communication and accountability.” 

Meet Sammy Faust ’25, who is excited about continuing his academic journey at Northeastern University, where he plans to major in computer science. Sammy has received wonderful feedback about the school from his older brother and fellow W+H lifer Matthew Faust ’23, who is enjoying a positive experience at Northeastern. 

“I chose Northeastern because of its excellent co-op program, which will allow me to gain hands-on experience in the tech field while pursuing my degree,” Sammy said. “Additionally, I’ve always loved the city of Boston, which made me realize that I wanted to attend a college located in a city with many opportunities. Northeastern’s urban campus in the heart of Boston perfectly combines an education with the great city atmosphere.”

Sammy has grown up at Wardlaw+Hartridge and credits the school with teaching him skills like time management, collaboration and critical thinking. In addition to his academic workload, Sammy manages an active extracurricular calendar that includes leadership in athletics and clubs.

“Balancing academics, extracurriculars, and personal responsibilities at W+H has prepared me to succeed in the college environment of Northeastern,” he said. “W+H has provided a wide range of opportunities that helped me grow into a well-rounded individual. Through participation in cultural events, leadership roles, and language studies like Chinese, I’ve developed adaptability, cultural awareness, and a mindset that I’m eager to take to Northeastern.”

Sammy is grateful to the W+H college counseling program for its help in guiding him through the process. He said their personalized support allowed him to reflect on his goals, research my options, and ultimately choose a school that aligned with his academic interests, career, and desire for city life.

“I’m excited to start at Northeastern, where I can combine my passion for computer science with Boston’s opportunities,” Sammy said. “I look forward to using the skills I’ve developed at W+H to thrive in this environment.”
 

Meet Caleb Rothrock Steinfeld ’25, who is looking forward to enrolling at Boston University, where he intends to pursue a major within the School of Arts & Sciences. BU landed on Caleb’s radar when he was looking at schools in the Boston area and made its way to top of his list after he visited the campus, which turned out to be a pleasant surprise.

“I didn't think there would be a school out there that had a solid campus ground in the middle of the city, but that's what BU felt like to me,” Caleb said. “I would have all the advantages of being a student in a large city without needing to sacrifice that classic college campus feeling. I know it's super cliche, but when I stepped on the BU campus, it just felt right for me. It also helped that BU has a super flexible curriculum that will allow me to explore all my interests before deciding on a major, or maybe even creating my own!”

Caleb is grateful for the diverse and supportive W+H community, which has helped him develop his interpersonal skills through exposure to people from different backgrounds in various settings. He cited Mrs. Sharon Byrne and Ms. Jinni Durham as teachers who have been extremely supportive of his endeavors.

“W+H has made me step out of my comfort zone on multiple occasions and I think it has really made me a better person. I'm not a great public speaker; in fact, it makes me incredibly nervous to talk in front of people. But through the many presentations I have had to do and by performing through W+H's robust and welcoming Performing Arts Department, I have really improved that ability,” he said.

Caleb added that he’s truly thankful for the guidance of Ms. Alayne Birnhak, Associate Director of College Counseling, who helped him find his academic destination for the next four years.

Meet Mason Clemetson ’25, who is thrilled to be enrolling at the University of Virginia after his recent early decision acceptance. While Mason is not yet certain about his major field of study, he is sure he’s found an amazing place to continue his education.

“I chose UVA because it encapsulates everything that I want from my college experience,” said Mason, who’s considering business and history as possible majors. “At UVA, I will have access to world-class professors who can broaden my understanding of the world, and I believe that the resources the school will provide me both inside and outside of the classroom will help further my growth as a person.”

When visiting the Grounds, Mason fell in love with UVA’s rich history and traditions, Thomas Jefferson’s ideals of integrity and collaboration, and the atmosphere and camaraderie of the school. A talented All-GMC basketball player, he’s also looking forward to being immersed in the robust Atlantic Coast Conference sports culture.

Mason has quickly gained the respect of his W+H teachers and coaches as a dependable student and leader. He’s grateful for the opportunities and experiences the school has provided and feels well prepared for college.

“I believe that Wardlaw+Hartridge has taught me the necessary study habits, along with the skill of balancing multiple sports and extracurriculars, that will help me succeed in college,” he said. “Also, as someone who transferred to W+H my junior year, I appreciate the welcoming nature of the W+H community and that it truly uplifts and cares for its students. I believe that the confidence that this school has given me as a student and as a person will help me succeed at UVA.”

While he takes pride in his role as the basketball team’s point guard, Mason also values the leadership opportunity he’s enjoyed as a peer leader. Mason said this experience has taught him a lot about himself and made him realize that true leadership is about connection, understanding, and helping others develop into leaders of their own.

“I’m incredibly grateful for all of the people I’ve met at W+H and all of the friends I have made since I came here last year,” Mason said. “I’m glad that I was able to spend my last two years of high school at Wardlaw+Hartridge, and I look forward to the next chapter of my life at UVA.”  

Meet Kate Wolff ’25, who is thrilled to be enrolling at the University of Richmond after her recent early admission acceptance. Kate plans to major in psychology or organizational behavior studies. 

Kate chose the University of Richmond because of how much they prioritize their students' success, both in and out of the classroom. She wanted to be close to a city with a traditional campus feel, and Richmond’s beautiful campus surrounding a lake with a nearby city atmosphere checked those boxes.

She’s made the most of her four years at Wardlaw+Hartridge and is grateful for the many opportunities that have shaped her.

“At W+H, I learned how to advocate for myself and communicate effectively with my teachers and peers,” Kate said. “I’ve been able to practice balancing my social life and classes, which I know will be useful in college. By trying new sports and taking leadership positions, I’ve broadened my interests and skill set while stepping outside of my comfort zone.”

Kate also reflected on some W+H opportunities she wouldn’t have experienced elsewhere: “I was lucky enough to be on the South Dakota trip this past summer, where I learned the importance of community, compassion, and adaptability. I’ve used these qualities in the W+H community and am excited to use them again at my new community in Richmond.”

She added that she’s forever grateful to Ms. Sarah Honan, Director of College Counseling, for introducing her to the University of Richmond and for her endless help and support in the application process: “She helped me be confident in myself and my application and realize that University of Richmond is where I want to be in these next four years.”

Kate is excited for the next chapter of her life at Richmond and is extremely grateful to the W+H community for the past four years!