Counseling Corner: Willowbrook Guidance Department provides programs and events to prepare juniors for post-high school success

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

Throughout the school year, counselors work with juniors individually and in groups regarding the college search and planning process. Below are events the department provides to fulfill that goal.

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, an introduction to the college search process and standardized testing (SAT, SAT subject testing and ACT). Students also will be given access to an extensive college planning booklet, which can be viewed at www.dupage88.net/WBCollegeGuide2018.

Junior Parent Night: “The College Search and Planning Process:” On Nov. 8, counselors presented to parents/guardians of juniors. Information included the items presented to juniors during their Next Step presentations, along with other important details.

“Conquering the Challenges of College Costs” Presentation: This presentation will begin at 6 p.m. on Nov. 14 at Willowbrook. It will focus on helping parents/guardians 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 also will assist students with creating a Khan Academy account that can be linked to their College Board account. Khan Academy provides personalized test preparation based on their College Board test scores. See details at www.dupage88.net/WBCollegeBoardInfo2018.

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 Guidance Office. Students are encouraged to schedule their own college visits or attend open house days to learn what they like and do not like in a college campus.

College and Career Awareness Week: Every March, the Guidance Department hosts a College and Career Awareness Week, which includes a military fair, a career fair and a college fair. Students have the opportunity to take an ASVAB test, sit in a résumé and essay-writing workshop and meet with career and college representatives to assist with their search and planning process.