Valedictorian: Lindsey Huguet ’20
“Carondelet has changed my perspective in life… I’m going to challenge myself and reach for things that scare me no matter what.”
Read the full storyCollege counselors guide students through the complexities of the college search and application process, providing expertise and ensuring that students pursue post-secondary options that match their individual goals.
Freshman year is all about establishing study skills, seizing opportunities and becoming the person students are meant to be. The College Counseling and Program Coordinator is the lead for freshmen, helping them as they transition to a new setting and guiding them so they can make the most of their high school experience.
Sophomore year is time to connect strengths with the bigger college picture. College counselors begin talking with students about college criteria, teach them how to research colleges, and help them reflect on their individual needs through personality assessments and career interest exploration. Students will be introduced to Scoir, Carondelet’s college search and planning platform, so they can start putting the pieces together.
In the fall, over 120 admissions officers visit Carondelet, meeting with our students, and our annual out-of-state college fair introduces families to options beyond California. January officially kicks off with Junior Kickstart, a college list building and pre-application workshop that includes building the college list, requesting letters of recommendation, exploring college majors and tips for visiting campuses. Throughout the spring, college counselors support students during individual and group meetings, covering everything from SAT/ACT planning to researching colleges. College counselors help students identify and prioritize the criteria that matter most to them: What type of learning environment would I thrive in? How important is the college’s location and size? Which college has the best learning, research, or internship opportunities that match my career goals? Which colleges offer a great education and need-based and/or merit scholarships? In June, students start their applications and draft their college essays during our week long bootcamp, College Kickstart.
Throughout the year we prioritize meeting with the seniors to ensure they feel confident and prepared to submit college applications or pursue other post secondary plans after graduation. College counselors partner with seniors to help them with each step of applying to college and solidifying their plans for after graduation.
Senior year begins with College Kickstart Parts 2 and 3, when students continue their applications. Our step-by-step application workshops help students complete the Common Application, the University of California and California State University applications, and our live and on-demand financial aid workshops and resources are available to assist families with financial aid applications. We foster a supportive environment and strong sense of camaraderie through events that give students the chance to collaborate and celebrate achievements along the way. Once decisions arrive, counselors support students as they compare financial aid packages, weigh their options, and select the college that’s best for them.
We provide events and learning experiences for not just students, but also for parents and guardians, throughout the year. These opportunities can include events such as college fairs, financial aid workshops, Coffee with Counselors, Road to College night and much more.
“Carondelet has changed my perspective in life… I’m going to challenge myself and reach for things that scare me no matter what.”
Read the full story