Our college counseling program begins in ninth grade with an introduction to preparing for life beyond high school. Each student will meet with a counselor to discuss goals, a four year plan and their transition to high school. Later in the year, the counseling department leads groups of students through the completion of an interest inventory and then provides the students with additional resources for further career and college exploration.
Information is crucial to this process--not only with students but with
parents, as well. We mail many things throughout the year about this
process as well as resources and invitations to our events. Our web
site is a great place to find additional Internet resources, department
information and upcoming events. Please do not hesitate to contact
your son/daughter’s counselor with any question or concern. We look
forward to traveling with each student as they navigate through high
school into their future.
Sophomore year the emphasis is on the administration of the PLAN Test (a pre-ACT test). This test administration is a great way for students to begin thinking about college entrance tests and gain experience taking a standardized test. The test includes an interest inventory that we ask all students to complete. Once we have the results, students are led through a career exploration exercise in English class where they are asked to compare and contrast two different careers. Students will also be introduced to basic college planning.
During junior year we offer many opportunities and experiences for our students all geared toward finding the right path for each student. We begin with a classroom presentation and then exposure to a national college fair where we encourage them to gather information and speak to college representatives. As the year progresses students are invited to a post-high planning program designed specifically for juniors. The emphasis is on providing many options and helping the students determine what they are looking for and what is the best individual fit. From there we meet individually with all junior students to discuss their specific post-high plans. We finish the year with a classroom unit on applications, resumes, and essays. Finally to assist students even further, we offer our own college fair for additional exploration.
Senior year is focused on student applications and finalizing plans. Students may work with their Counselor in selecting schools to which they will apply, getting letters of recommendation, completing applications for schools and scholarships, and sending official transcripts. Our Counselors are available to assist students and parents in any stage of this process. Throughout the year we ask students to let our office know of schools to which they've been accepted and scholarships they've been offered.