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The Parish Approach to College Guidance
Today, there are close to 4,000 two- and four-year colleges and universities in the United States; our job at Parish Episcopal School is to help our students find the ones that will provide the best opportunities to achieve personal and career goals. As a college preparatory school, it is vital that our classes and curriculum prepare our students for successful work at leading colleges around the country. We will do our best to assure that each Senior matriculates at the college that is best for him or her, and that the transition from Parish Episcopal School to college is a smooth one. The College Counselor’s role is to ensure that their search and selection of schools is thorough and carefully thought out, and to act as the students advocate to targeted colleges and universities. With this in mind, at the end of their eighth grade year or during 9th grade, all Parish students develop four-year high school plans that focus on graduation requirements, college admissions expectations, possible career interests and aptitudes, athletic eligibility requirements and outside enrichment opportunities. Obviously, this will be a guided task and one that will be revised year to year based on the individual student’s changing goals, academic performance, and passions.
Both research and experience indicate that the most productive college exploration and counseling does not begin until grades 11-12. At that point, the student’s are emotionally and intellectually prepared to take an active role in thinking through what they want, finding schools that meet their criteria, investigating and visiting schools for which they are qualified, and compiling all necessary materials to apply to those colleges. Working closely with Seniors and parents, the College Counselor will provide guidance and reassurance throughout the extended process. Our Parish College Guidance Handbook will serve as a step-by-step blueprint for action and will be made available to parents and students in the Junior year.
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