College+Counseling

Cathy Adams, College Counselor

In the junior year—spring: I give a college choice presentation and the students give me a list of 10-12 colleges they are interested in (reach, good chance, safety net). I match them with teacher advisors and possible recommenders. They complete a draft of their resume and turn it in. The seniors and juniors meet together and the seniors give the juniors “tips”. In the senior year—fall: They finish up on the resume and polish it. They begin the college applications and complete them by Dec. 1 I do not work with them on senior essays since that is covered in English class. During the fall semester, I meet with each student individually (6 times) to discuss dreams, goals, family situations, college choices, etc. In the senior year—spring: I teach them how to complete a simple tax return. I teach them how to complete the FAFSA. They are required to complete 2 scholarship applications but encouraged to do more. As they receive their financial aid packages, I sit down and go over each one with them and we analyze the package. I cover various topics for transitioning to college: Cost of attendance for college Budgeting Time management Stress management Thank you notes Finances—banking, credit cards etc. Differences in high school and college How to read a college catalog Class schedules Career plans (if time allows) Other topics briefly covered: College social life Roommates Add/Drop classes Health services Support system Car on campus Tutoring/library Professor’s office hours Unusual behavior Role model for younger siblings

If I had more spring class time, I would spend more time on budgeting, etiquette, scholarships and careers.