Following the departure of Eddie Pickett in December, Samantha Schreiber joins Poly this year as an 11/12th grade dean and college counselor.
Schreiber brings a variety of experience in the college admissions process. Before becoming a college counselor, Schreiber worked in the admissions offices at USC and Pomona College.
During her time as an admissions officer, Schreiber found that she valued her relationships with applicants and wanted to build on those relationships by working with students throughout the entire college process.
“I really wanted to be a part of the students’ journeys instead of just the end result,” Schreiber said.
For the past five years, Schreiber has worked as a college counselor at the Milken Community School in Los Angeles. Schreiber believes that working on both sides of the college process has given her a unique perspective that she looks forward to bringing to Poly.
“From a practical standpoint, I know the mechanics of what happens on the other end,” Schreiber shared, “but from an emotional standpoint, it’s really different to see how the process actually plays out for the kids when you’re seeing them through the whole thing.”
Schreiber said she felt drawn to Poly because of its interdisciplinary education that positions students to succeed in all aspects of life.
“Poly is an institution that’s really preparing young people to be successful in the world, not just because they get a degree or they have a fancy title, but because they can really engage with the world around them,” Schreiber noted.
Director of College Counseling and 11/12th Dean Mark Rasic said that the hiring committee sought to find an experienced, collaborative and student-oriented leader. After interviewing 20 applicants, the committee identified Schreiber as the most qualified candidate.
Rasic explained, “She has a very nice range of experience. She’s really smart, organized, calm and nice. People were really impressed by her authenticity — her really clear, real answers. All of those things made it clear that Ms. Schreiber was the best option.”
Schreiber begins working at Poly on Feb. 22.
