*The interview responses were generated by Valley’s senior counselors Candala Grim, Shelli Cook and Joseph Neidrick.*
As college applications are wrapping up for seniors, and juniors are narrowing down their list, senior counselors shared how students are prepared for their next steps.
Towards the end of freshman, sophomore and junior year, counselors go into English classes to talk about students’ course options for the following year.
“As early as your 9th grade year, counselors begin homeroom lessons on calculating GPA and creating a course plan that best aligns with your plans after graduation.”
Students are also reminded to do their own research with military recruiters, trade schools and target colleges to see the types of courses and academic record that the colleges like to see in their program.
During the course selection presentations in junior year, information regarding college applications, trade schools, military recruitment and other future paths is discussed in detail.
“During the Junior year course selection presentations, juniors are given a timeline of how they can best prepare for the college application process.”
This is also the time when SchooLinks, an application available for all students in LCPSGO, is first introduced.
“SchooLinks is your one-stop-shop for interest surveys, college search, and college matching, it [SchooLinks] is demonstrated so that students understand how to find colleges that fit into 3 categories: Likely, Target, and Reach, using scattergrams and other features.”
Then, in the beginning of senior year, counselors remind students about the importance of SchooLinks, as well as provide information on CommonApp, a way for students to submit all college applications in one place.
“After those presentations, seniors are instructed to schedule a ‘senior meeting’ with their counselor where individual assistance is provided.”
While starting early on college applications and essays is good to get a jump on things, counselors advise students not to start too early as it could lead to more work down the road.
“It is important to understand that there are certain permissions necessary for transcripts and letters of recommendation to be released, and getting too far ahead prior to the start of school can sometimes lead to more work.”
While this timeline stays pretty consistent year to year, counselors are able to provide more help upon request.
To reach out to your counselor via email, click here to find your counselor and their email. To schedule a senior meeting, click on your counselor’s name below.
Seniors with a last name beginning with A-G; Mrs. Grim, H-O; Mr. Neidrick and P-Z; Mrs. Cook.
