Counseling Corner: Willowbrook Guidance Department offers areas of focus for students during Winter Break

As the first semester of the 2018-19 school year comes to an end, the Willowbrook Guidance Department offers suggestions and recommendations for areas in which students should focus during Winter Break.

Freshmen:

  • Research courses of interest for sophomore year, and complete the four-year-plan worksheet.
  • Complete your course selection worksheet, and be prepared to meet with your counselor and choose classes in January.

Sophomores:

  • Begin researching careers of interest through using Naviance and visiting the Occupational Outlook Handbook at www.bls.gov/ooh.
  • Begin analyzing and determining which courses you need to take junior year based on your college and career plans, as well as graduation requirements you still need to meet.
  • Complete the four-year-plan worksheet.

Juniors:

  • Continue to use Naviance, and add colleges to the list of “Colleges I’m Thinking About.”
  • Complete the Building Colleges List worksheet in your Next Step booklet.
  • Begin researching which courses you need to take senior year based on your college and career plans, as well as graduation requirements you still need to meet, by completing the four-year-plan worksheet.
  • Begin creating a résumé in Naviance.
  • Begin preparing for the SAT by registering for the SAT Prep class or creating an account at www.SATpractice.org for free and customized online practice through Khan Academy. Students also can visit the local library and determine their top four colleges of interest to add to their SAT registration.

Seniors:

  • Start reviewing your college decision letters and updating your Naviance account.
  • Finalize your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and ensure it has been sent to and received by all colleges/universities where you have applied.
  • Search and apply for scholarships. See details on the Willowbrook Guidance Department web page at https://tinyurl.com/WBStudentScholarships.

All students:

  • Continue to explore clubs and activities to get more involved. There are a number of spring athletic opportunities and clubs you can still join. See more information at https://tinyurl.com/WBClubs.
  • Set personal and academic goals for second semester.
  • Rest, and enjoy time with family and friends!

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