Counseling Corner: Willowbrook Guidance Department provides programming to help juniors prepare for post-high school success

The Willowbrook Guidance Department has scheduled several programs and events to help prepare juniors for their next step after high school. These initiatives are provided to assist students with being college, career and culture ready after graduation.

Junior Next-Step Lesson: “The College Search and Planning Process” – Throughout November, counselors will meet with juniors during Warrior Time to discuss the College Search and Planning Process. Topics will include post-high school options, junior-year planning timeline, senior-year course selection, components of the college application and an introduction to the college search process and standardized testing (SAT, SAT subject testing and ACT). Students also will be given an extensive college planning booklet.

Junior Parent Night: “The College Search and Planning Process” – Starting at 6 p.m. on Nov. 9, counselors will present to parents of juniors. Information will include items discussed with juniors during their Next-Step presentations (see event description above), along with other important details.

“Conquering the Challenges of College Costs” – This presentation will begin at 7 p.m. on Nov. 14. It will focus on helping parents and students manage college costs, without excessive debt. It also will provide information about how to find your financial college fit.

Junior Warrior Time Lesson: “Using Naviance to Create a Balanced College List and Introduction to College Board” – In December, counselors will meet with juniors during Warrior Time to show them how to use Naviance to create a résumé, search for colleges and develop a balanced list of colleges that includes safety schools, match schools and reach/dream schools. They also will assist juniors with creating a College Board account. Through that account, students will be able to view their College Board test scores (PSAT, SAT and Advanced Placement (AP)/college-level exams). Counselors will help students create a Khan Academy account as well, which can be linked to their College Board account. Khan Academy provides personalized test preparation based on their College Board test scores.

Finalizing Your Four-Year Plan and Course Selection Lesson – In January, counselors will meet with juniors to help them complete a four-year plan, review their transcript and begin selecting classes for senior year that align with their post-high school plans and graduation requirements.

Junior Interview/Course Selection – In February, counselors will meet individually with juniors to discuss post-high school plans, review credits and grades and select courses for senior year.

College Field Trips – The Guidance Department offers field trips throughout the year to various colleges to allow students to view campuses as they embark on the college search and planning process. Forms for those trips can be found in the Counseling Office.

College and Career Week – Every March, the Guidance Department hosts College and Career Week, which includes a military fair, a career fair and a college fair. Students have the opportunity to take an ASVAB test, participate in a résumé and essay-writing workshop and meet with career and college representatives.

For questions or more information about the above events, contact the Willowbrook Guidance Department at 630-530-3427.