park counseling center

Seminar Series

Navigating the road to college can be exciting, liberating, and frightening. The competition of the college/university culture is often discouraging today. The good news: There is a college for everyone. While college selection is a huge decision made with input from students and their families garnered from many sources, each student has the ability to figure out the process and successfully complete it.

As early as Grade 9, Upper School students have access to the resources necessary to familiarize themselves with the college application process at Park.  Students receive one on one college counseling from our Director of College and Life Counseling. In addition, our College and Life Counseling Center has seminar classes for Grades 9-12.  In seminar classes, students will learn about college admissions, career exploration, mental health awareness and study skills. Starting in Grade 9, students will gain access to their Naviance account, this account will follow students through Upper School and is a great tool for the college search process. 

 

Grade 9 SEMINAR

Students in Grade 9 attend a Freshmen Seminar class, where students are taught about
the importance of upper school to their current and future lives. Students will learn:

  • Steps to academic success in Upper School
  • Study skills development
  • Research colleges and careers
  • Attend presentations from area professionals on college and careers
  • Learn about financial planning and goal setting
  • Gain access to their Naviance account


Grade 10 SEMINAR

In Sophomore Seminar, students will:

  • Discuss PSAT, SAT and ACT exams
  • Create a career plan
  • Participate in mock interviews
  • Create a budget and learn about financial aid
  • Mental health awareness, stress management and meditation techniques
  • Students will also use their Naviance Account to start creating their college resume and search career options
  • Throughout the seminar, mental health, career, and college guest speakers will be invited to present


Grade 11 SEMINAR

During Junior Seminar, students will:

  • Create a post high school plan, including creating a college list
  • Complete their college essay
  • Letter of recommendation evaluation
  • SAT /ACT plan
  • Complete a college resume

*Please note, that all juniors will also meet individually with the college counselor to develop their college list. By the end of this seminar, students will be able to articulate their next steps after high school.


GRADE 12 seminar

During Senior Seminar students will:

  • Complete the Common Application and additional college applications
  • Revise their college essay
  • Update their college resume
  • Continue to research colleges in which they are interested
  • Students will also develop, plan, and implement their senior project through this seminar course

One of the strengths of Park's Seminar Series is that by the student’s senior year, Mrs. Lewis, our Director of College and Life Counseling, has had students in class seminars for four years. This is extremely helpful when it comes to helping students choose the “right fit” college!