College counseling for High School Students and their families
Are you thinking about college?
For most teens who are – and for their parents, as well – this can be very exciting, but also, unfortunately, very stressful. The stress is understandable, because there are major decisions to be made: the student (usually with the family’s help) decides whether to attend college; the student decides where to apply; the institutions decide whether or not to accept the student; the student then decides which, of the available choices, to follow up on...and throughout the process, and beyond, the parents must decide how best to support the student.
College Advising Services include:
- working with family and student on the
high-school to college transition
- helping determine “best fit” colleges for the student
- clarifying major fields of study
- setting up to-do lists and planning calendar
- giving essay ideas and feedback
- helping plan college visits and interviews
- providing guidance on filling out applications
- working on international study option
- helping respond to university decision letter
- helping with financial aid and scholarship issues
- suggesting additional advisors and resources
Deciding where to apply may prove very confusing. After all, there are about 3000 colleges, universities, and professional-technical schools in the United States, and more abroad, as well. The schools might be two-year or four-year, public or private; they might located in the middle of wheat fields, in a forest, on the beach, in a small town, in a large city, or even online; they might have 500 students or 50,000; they might cost $500 or $50,000. They might be very competitive or not so competitive. They might be traditional or experimental.
Smart decision-making about college therefore involves a multi-dimensional consideration of academics, career goals, physical and social environments, sports and culture, finances, psychological maturity, physical health, family structure, and usually philosophical, religious, and/ or political orientation.
Deciding about college involves the whole family – while the primary focus is on the success and well-being of the student, the decision also greatly affects the finances, emotions, and the lifestyles and activities of parents and siblings, and even of friends and relatives.
Deciding about college involves long-term planning. Some parents make choices to maximize a child’s university options already when they are in preschool. Early in high school, the student will choose courses and may take tests in preparation for their college path. By summer of Sophomore year, many students start visiting colleges and preparing for the SAT or ACT. By the end of Junior year, plans begin to coalesce; Fall senior year, applications are made. And one year later, in most cases, college. The transition from high-school to college is very much an American coming of age ritual – powerful, difficult, liberating. It is a ritual complete with extended family involvement, separation and individuation, competition and challenge, celebration, and the subsequent rights and responsibilities of adulthood.
This whole process is also a creative exercise, as you imagine possibilities, invent strategies, and solve problems. The process can be very time consuming, and it is therefore also an exercise in time management. And, most of all, it is an exercise in maintaining a healthy sense of balance – of planning and acting but not obsessing about the decisions.
Where can you find help? Most high school students can get help from parents, other family members, teachers, friends, school guidance counselors, and college admissions staff. Online, one can find information about many colleges and universities, and there are also some good, general websites with a wide range of helpful information. Sometimes, students attend special classes for test preparation or essay writing. As valuable as these forms of support may be, there are times when some families – yours perhaps -- want additional advising. After all, this is a serious financial and personal commitment, and it’s best to move ahead as wisely as possible. You may need more detailed information about different schools, or financial aid programs, or college essay writing, or the best high school courses and activities to pursue in preparation for college.
This is where an independent college counselor like me steps in. I can help with a number of these details. But far more than any details, I can offer you understanding and vision about the bigger picture. I will work with you to help clarify what it is you want, to show you a wide range of options, and to identify the best possible fit for you.