“College is a match to be made, not a prize to be won.”
                                                                                                           Frank Sachs

GOAL

Iona Prep will provide a process whereby students and families will be able to make suitable and appropriate choices for continuing the student’s education.

OBJECTIVES
 

1. Parents and students will become thoroughly familiar with the process of college admissions.

1. The Guidance and Counseling Department, in conjunction with the college advisors, will design a series of experiences to ensure this familiarity and will provide support and encouragement to families in making their college selections.

ACTION PLAN

Over the course of four years at Iona Prep, students and their families will be provided with educational experiences and services directed toward raising awareness regarding the demands of college selection. The college advisement office will provide information and counseling that will assist in making knowledgeable choices during the college selection process.

While the primary emotional task to be accomplished in the first year is to instill a sense of belonging and adjustment to high school life, introducing the value of a college education and its role will be presented through the following activities.

• Students will complete a writing assignment reflecting their college and career goals.

• In Group Guidance classes, the guidance staff will present:

• How to prepare for college as a freshman in high school
• How college can help a student to achieve his goals
• How to excel in school
• How to make the most of the high school experience

• Freshmen will take a battery of educational tests in October.  The results highlight areas of strength and weakness in the basis skills of reading and math and provide an opportunity to assess a student’s placement.

• Presentations will be made to freshmen encouraging them to develop time management and study skills.

• Freshmen will have the opportunity to speak to college reps visiting the campus.

• Freshmen will be interviewed by their counselor regarding possible career interests.

• Freshmen will be encouraged to select activities for enjoyment and enrichment.

• Freshmen will become familiar with the Common Application to understand the elements considered by colleges for admission.

• A panel of seniors involved in the college process will share their experiences with the freshman class i.e. grades, activities and demonstrated values they will need to be successful college candidates.

• Freshmen will be apprised of the appropriate SAT Subjects Tests.

• Freshmen will be encouraged to pursue summer activities that will expand their experiences and enhance their education.

The focus in second year is to develop an awareness of self and careers.  Students need to see that they will engage in some type of work for most of their lives.  High school prepares a student in basic skills and a student’s performance determines the level of education he will be able to pursue.

• Students will utilize the Interest Survey on the “Discover Program.”  The results of this survey will lead the students to explore possible careers and major fields of study at college.

• Students will conduct a career search to determine the kind of training necessary to accomplish their career goals.  They will research college programs that are associated with their goals.

• Students will determine the requirements to attend the school that matches their career interests.

• Students will take the PSAT in October.  Counselors will discuss areas of strength and concern with each student.

• Sophomores will have the opportunity to speak to college reps visiting the campus.

• Sophomores will attend Alumni Career Night, sponsored by the Iona Prep Alumni Office, to help focus their attention on prospective areas of work.

• Counselors will discuss the importance of involvement in activities, keeping abreast of grade requirements and a list of significant colleges of interest.

• The Guidance Staff will present a College Night for Sophomore Parents which will highlight the college process and key areas to work on:  major fields, location, and cost.

• Students will utilize the Internet in a college search and contact specified colleges electronically to determine eligibility requirements.

• Sophomores will be advised as to appropriate SAT Subject Tests.

• Sophomores will be encouraged to pursue their interest with summer activities that expand their educational experience.

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Junior

  Juniors will be engaged in an eighteen-month process which addresses the selection of colleges, matching interests, making the appropriate choices and applying to colleges.
• The Guidance Department will communicate elements of the selection process to students and families emphasizing that it is not a single event but an ongoing enterprise that takes time and thought to accomplish.
• Students will complete survey questions to determine attitudes and interest about college.
• Counselors will introduce college terms for a clearer understanding of the process.
• Juniors will take the PSAT.  The results of this test as well as strategies for improvement will be communicated to students and parents.
• The following categories of the selection process are introduced:
• Major field of study
• Selectivity level of the college
• Location
• Enrollment
• Activities and special needs
• Cost and financial aid
• Students will use the “Discover Program,” to generate a list of colleges for consideration.
• Students will research schools through publications and available data.
• Juniors will have the opportunity to speak to college reps visiting the campus.
• Students will create autobiographies and resumes that highlight their abilities.
• Students will submit activity sheets, which describe extracurricular activities.
• Counselors will profile colleges that fit the student’s criteria.
• Counselors will explain the SAT and its significance in the application process.  SAT preparation information will be available for students to enhance their scores.
• Juniors will take SAT exam either in May or June.
• Juniors and their parents will meet with the College Advisor to outline the initial list of schools and discuss the planning process.
• The Guidance staff will sponsor a College Night for parents and a College Fair for students and parents.
• Juniors will write a draft of their college essay, be encouraged to visit a college campus and to take appropriate SAT Subject Tests.
• Juniors will pursue summer activities with the purpose of exploring career or educational activities.
• The Guidance Department will publish a monthly letter to parents that outlines guidance activities.


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Senior



In senior year students will identify reach, target and safety schools for admission.  Students will apply to their primary choices and make choices that match the student’s and their family’s needs.

• The College Advisors will meet with students and parents to help narrow the choices.
• The College Advisement Office will present a College Night for senior parents.
• Iona Prep will provide opportunities for seniors to visit colleges to meet with representatives.
• Seniors will be instructed in the completion of applications and the various modes of communication available to them i.e. electronic applications, Common Applications or paper filing.
• Seniors will have opportunities to practice for college interviews with the guidance staff and admission representatives.
• Seniors will be exposed to college admissions representatives during the school day.
• Seniors will have the opportunity to work on their college essay with the support of the English Department.
• Seniors and their families will be made aware of scholarship opportunities through our monthly newsletter.
• Seniors and their families will be made aware of the procedures involved in obtaining financial aid.  The Guidance Department will host a Financial Aid Workshop for parents in January.
• The College Advisors will assist the student and his family throughout the decision process to offer information, advice and assistance in meeting procedural tasks.



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