In this new episode of The Raider Ramble, Head of School Tom Flemma sits down with Jeff Selingo, New York Times bestselling author and one of the nation’s most trusted voices on higher education, college admissions and the changing job market. For more than 25 years, Selingo’s reporting has helped families, educators and leaders make sense of an ever-shifting landscape — and today’s conversation is no exception.

Together, Tom and Jeff explore the ideas behind Selingo’s latest bestseller, “Dream School: Finding the College That’s Right For You,” a book born from two decades of questions about what college really offers students and how families can approach the admissions journey with more clarity, confidence and agency.

Here are the key takeaways we have for you:

• Families often place too much emphasis on college rankings, when true indicators of quality come from student experience — strong first-year support, faculty mentorship, internships and hands-on learning.
• Students have more agency than they realize; the college search should empower them, not turn high school into a checklist or performance arena.
• “Dream School” was written as a roadmap to help families look beyond selectivity and toward fit, value and long-term outcomes.
• College is a major consumer decision — families should ask questions, compare options and evaluate cost and value just as they would with any significant investment.
• Career outcomes matter: the transition to the workforce is increasingly shaped by what students do in college — research, internships, campus engagement — not just where they attend.
• High school is a time for exploration; reducing it to a series of hoops for admissions undermines student growth and well-being.
• Counselors are essential partners — they understand your student, your school and how to align college choices with academic, social and financial fit.
• Families should feel empowered, informed and curious — approaching the process with questions, flexibility and an open mind.

Links:
Dream School: Finding the College That’s Right for You
https://jeffselingo.com/books/dream-school

NSCD College Counseling
https://www.nscds.org/academics/college-counseling

FAN (Family Action Network)
https://www.familyactionnetwork.net

What makes North Shore, North Shore? In this reflective episode of The Raider Ramble, host and lifelong Raider Mullery Doar ’06 explores the stories, rituals and rhythms that bind generations of students together. From the joy of buddy day to Morning Ex, these traditions form the heartbeat of our community.

We hear from current students about the moments that make them feel like they truly belong, then travel back in time with one of our oldest living alums, Louise Noll ’40, who reminds us why these traditions began in the first place. Finally, we turn to longtime lower school teacher David Green, who reflects on how traditions evolve while keeping our shared values alive.

Tradition isn’t just something we do — it’s something we feel. A connection to the past. A celebration of the present. A promise to the future.

We’re kicking off Season 3 of the Raider Ramble with a very special guest: Patricia Ostrom Kohnen ’60, this year’s Francis R. Stanton ’27 Alumni Recognition award recipient.

A pioneer in STEM at a time when few women pursued such careers, Pat built a remarkable 25-year career with Chevron after early work at Procter & Gamble and in education. Alongside her professional achievements, she has dedicated her life to service — leading in organizations like the American Association of University Women, the League of Women Voters, and her local school board — while continuing to embody North Shore’s motto, “Live and Serve.”

In this conversation with host Dr. Collins, Pat reflects on her North Shore Country Day experience, the changing landscape for women in STEM, and the lessons of resilience, adaptability, and community that have guided her throughout her life.

Join us for an inspiring episode that celebrates Pat’s legacy of curiosity, leadership, and service — qualities that continue to strengthen the North Shore community and beyond.