As if navigating through high school isn’t already hard enough, when underclassmen begin approaching their junior year, they are welcomed to the world of college.
Fortunately, at Gonzaga, college and guidance counselors are ready to light the way, offering essential support and advice for navigating the initial stages of the college search.
Counselors look to aid students in whatever school needs they have whether it is high school or maybe college. If students are struggling in classes and need extra support, counselors are there to help. If students are unsure about their future plans, they can discuss their concerns with a counselor.
Throughout the school year, guidance counselors will ask students to meet with them to discuss their interests and issues, and they will address any school-related questions they may have. They also provide students with important information like specific classes students can sign up for to best match their interests. Guidance counselor Mr. Mac Kimmitt ‘04 notes some important deadlines that students, specifically underclassmen, may want to take notice of.
“March 4 marks the last day of the quarter, so students should be aware of the fast-approaching end. They should also know that course selections for next year’s classes are due March 15, ” Mr. Kimmitt explained.
Course selections are a way for underclassmen and juniors to get ahead of the pack in their search for college. College and guidance counselors both meet with students to discuss what interests they have and if they want to continue these interests in college.
The counselors then use the information to help students pick the best classes and electives to take during their time at Gonzaga to help develop their interests before college. If they haven’t already, students should choose what classes they would like to take next year and meet with their counselors to confirm them.
“It’s also a good reminder that you can save your classes before meeting with your counselor to see if you want to lock in a spot in your classes. You can put in a choice and have it as a placeholder until you meet with your counselor,” Mr. Kimmitt finished.
Another way for students to get ahead on their college journey is to discuss with their college counselors and parents to discover and plan trips for visiting colleges.
Assistant Director of College Counseling Mrs. Angela Davies recommends that students throughout the school year during breaks to get a feel of student life.
“It’s nice to see campuses when students are in session as you can talk to them, as well. […] There’s a difference in going to campus when it’s the summertime and students aren’t there. You get a different feel for campus when it’s vibrant. You see students walking to class and you can see what the day-to-day would be like,” Mrs. Davies said. “Even if it’s just a school like going up to the University of Maryland or American University or Georgetown or something around here, it’s important to get a feel of the type of campus that is the best fit for students. Spring break is a great time to go visit schools.”
Mrs. Davies also advised that students should look for dates to take the ACT and SAT.
“As spring is right around the corner, students should start looking at future SAT and ACT dates. This gives them more time to study and prepare for the tests if they want to submit test scores during college applications,” Mrs. Davies said.
The counseling department looks to help students make high school and the search for the right college as easy as possible for students, so they ask that students accept their help and come meet with them.