Counseling Corner: Willowbrook Guidance Department helps prepare juniors for post-high school success

District 88’s mission is to work for the continuous improvement of student achievement.

As part of that focus, the Willowbrook Guidance Department shares information about several upcoming programs to help prepare juniors for their next step after high school. These events are provided to 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 will host to fulfill that goal.

Junior Next Step Lesson: “The College/Career Search and Planning Process”: Throughout November, counselors will meet with juniors to discuss the College/Career Search and Planning Process. Topics 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 have been given access to an extensive college planning booklet at www.dupage88.net/CollegePlanning2019-20.

Junior Parent Night: “The College Search and Planning Process”: On Nov. 7, 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. 13 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.

“Using Naviance to Create a Balanced College List and Introduction to College Board”: In December, counselors will meet with juniors 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 assist students with creating a Khan Academy account as well, which can be linked to their College Board account. Khan Academy provides personalized test preparation based on each student’s College Board test scores. See details at www.dupage88.net/CollegeBoard2019-20.

“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 January, 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 also 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 & Career Week: Every March, the Guidance Department hosts College & Career 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 college and career representatives.

For questions or more information about the above programs, contact the Guidance Office at 630-530-3427.