To 12th Grade Students From a Seminary Principal
From the COLlive inbox: A principal of a Chabad girls seminary, who asked to remain anonymous, writes an open letter to 12th grade students.
by COLlive Editor · COLliveDear 12th Grade Girls,
Each and every one of you is a wonderful, special young woman. You all deserve the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive in a seminary environment.
We know that many of you are feeling anxious as acceptance decisions are being released in the next few days. Please know that we share in that feeling. The process of selecting students is not easy for us, it is deeply challenging. How can we possibly choose between such incredible girls? Each applicant brings her own unique strengths, warmth, and potential.
We take this responsibility very seriously. We speak with principals, carefully read every reference letter, review our interviews, and consider each application thoughtfully. With the help of Hashem and the Brachos of the Rebbe, we do our very best to make the right decisions for the coming year.
At the same time, our hearts feel heavy. We know that we will need to turn away many deserving applicants. We know how difficult it is when a girl has her heart set on one particular seminary and not another, or when a group of friends applies and not everyone is accepted. These situations are painful, and we truly empathize.
To parents, we also want to gently share: this process can be very challenging for your daughters, and we ask that you approach it with both care and practicality. You know your child best. Seminary is a full, structured program with long days of classes and expectations for participation, growth, and responsibility. If a student struggled to engage in high school, whether through frequent absences, lack of participation, or difficulty meeting standards, it may not be the right fit at this time. These factors do play a role in admissions decisions.
It is also important to remember that seminary is not simply a “year away” or an experience in itself. It is, first and foremost, a place of serious learning and development. For a more relaxed or exploratory experience, there are other wonderful options, such as shorter programs or trips. Seminary is meant for students who are ready to commit to its structure and expectations.
We truly wish each of you hatzlacha as you move forward, wherever that may be. Every girl has her own path, and the right place is the one where she will grow the most.
Wishing you a kosher un freilichn Pesach.
A Seminary Principal
PS. If you must contact us, please do not call, send an email instead? Thank you.
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