COLLEGE COUNSELING 101

Session Number A1July 28, 2020

Welcome to PCACAC’sVirtual 17th AnnualSummer Institute hosted by

FACULTYHeather Baker DeardoffDir of College CounselingThe Potomac School, VA

hdeardorff@potomacschool.org

Joel LangDir of College Advisement and GuidancePadua Academy, DE

jlang@paduaacademy.org

Melloney Johnson, PhDSch Counseling CoorMatoaca High School, VA

Melloney_Johnson@ccpsnet.net

• Develop Effective Academic and College Advising

1• Address the College and Career

Needs of Special Populations2• Communicate the Importance

of Communication3

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

How Does Effective College Counseling Begin?

● Relationships○ ability to listen and get to know the

client/student○ work together with admission officers○ establish rapport with students & families

● Knowledge - of student & their strengths/issues/desires; of college admission

● Trust● Communication

Who Are Our Constituencies?

● Students○ at the core of everything we do

● Parents○ remember that they really just want what is

best for their children● Faculty/Administration● College Admission Officers● Advisors/Coaches

○ fellow advocates for students● School Board/Board of Trustees

Academic Advising

● Guidance in early years of high school; class selection, rigor

● Present opportunities to excel● Developmental approach● Working together with academic deans,

advisors

College Admission Knowledge● Have a good working knowledge of

colleges and universities○ cultivate relationships with admission officers○ knowledge of majors, strengths of schools,

personalities of institutions○ Broad knowledge of financial aid &

scholarships○ well-versed on admission rates/requirements

for admission● Stay informed within the profession

○ be a perpetual learner○ attend conferences, workshops, visit colleges

Individual. Equitable. Accessible.

Addressing the College and Career Needs of

Special Populations“Your Students”

The LAST MethodListen (Listen)Ask Questions (Apologize)Support (Soften)Take Time (Thank)

● Participate in professional development activities in support of safe, inclusive, respectful schools and culturally sensitive counseling practices.

● Focus on equity and access for ALL students● Feedback from stakeholders will help in your

goal to celebrate diversity and support students’ unique needs

Cultural Sensitivity

The LAST MethodListen (Listen)Ask Questions (Apologize)Support (Soften)Take Time (Thank)

When Anxiety Prevents the Ability to Learn, Cope, or Plan

Mental Health Awareness

The LAST MethodListen (Listen)Ask Questions (Apologize)Support (Soften)Take Time (Thank)

❏ Anxiety About Taking Tests -- SATs, ACTs❏ Anxiety About Grades -- GPA and Class

Rank❏ Anxiety About Starting the First Application❏ Anxiety About Paying for College❏ Anxiety About Selecting a College ❏ Anxiety About Talking With Parents About

College Selection❏ Anxiety About Social Distancing❏ Anxiety About Campus Life❏ Anxiety About Anxiety

ANXIETYAnd College/Career Readiness

The LAST MethodListen (Listen)Ask Questions (Apologize)Support (Soften)Take Time (Thank)

Take a Minute

Breathe…….Stretch…...Laugh….Listen…..

The LAST MethodListen (Listen)Ask Questions (Apologize)Support (Soften)Take Time (Thank)

Being a Good School Counselor

Being a Good School Counselor

Meeting Students where they are● Mental Health● Cultural Sensitivity● Respecting the soul of the student● Every student could begin in a different place● Every student moves at their own pace

Being a Good School Counselor

Understanding You● Your own strengths and weaknesses and how

those play into the job you do● Your own way of thinking and how that is

different from your student’s thinking● Constant reevaluation

The Importance of Communication

The Importance of Communication

● Active Listening● Non-verbal Communication● Asking Questions● Being Clear and Succinct● Being Empathetic● Providing Feedback● Developing Trust and Rapport● Being Present

The Importance of Communication

Who are you communicating with?How often are you communicating?What methods are you using?What message are you sending?Why are you communicating?

The Importance of Communication

● Make sure the student’s support system knows what you/your office is doing (parents, teachers, etc.)

● Your Counseling department● Parents/Guardians● College colleagues● Invite feedback

The Importance of Communication

Programming● Have set programs for students and

parents that occur each year● Change/Tweak as needed● These should directly address student

and parent needs

QUESTIONS?

Please complete a session evaluation at www.pcacac.org/summer-institute.

Thank you!

YOUR FEEDBACK MATTERS!