An Inside Look into College Counseling at Laurel Springs School

Get an inside look into the virtual counseling experience at Laurel Springs School. All full-time students at Laurel Springs have access to expert counselors who provide academic, social-emotional, and college-career support and guidance at all stages of their experience as scholars at Laurel Springs. When students move into upper school, there is a strong emphasis on supporting students in the college admissions process and in developing thoughtful, intentional plans for high school, college, and beyond.

Virtual college counseling at Laurel Springs School

Laurel Springs’ credentialed college counselors hold a membership with the National Association of College Admissions Counseling (NACAC) and play an instrumental role in the growth and goal setting of our students.

Our college counselors provide support in the areas of time management, pacing, and academic goal setting, and also offer guidance in the college admissions process for students, including NCAA eligibility.

They help students cultivate a thoughtful plan that fits their academic and college-career goals, values, needs, and strengths. Working in close partnership with students and families, counselors help students to identify their best-fit colleges and to thoughtfully plan for the college admission process, from application to matriculation.

What to expect from college counselors

Students and their families partner closely with their counselors to approach the admissions process with a comprehensive understanding of their values, goals, and needs, and counselors convey a sense of balance, trust, and care with students at every stage. Counselors serve as advocates from application to matriculation and provide exceptional service in all areas of the process, including refining the college list and timing of applications, standardized testing, essays, letters of recommendation, and financial aid and scholarships.

Counselors also teach a seminar course to all upper school students in which they focus on academic goal setting, understanding the student’s values, goals, and aptitudes as they relate to college and career opportunities, and utilizing Naviance, our online college and career planning tool.

“Seminar is an excellent source of information for our students to learn about what they should be doing at their grade level to help prepare them for the next school year and ultimately their post high school plans.  It is also a great way for us as counselors to learn more about our student's interests and goals.  Counselors are able to provide students feedback and guidance through the course's assignment grading.” - College Counselor John Drucis

Our counselors are instrumental in creating a thoughtful and powerful four-year academic plan that connects each student with our unique curricular opportunities and students’ specific post-secondary plans and goals.

If you’re not sure where to go or what to do, connect with your counselor. They can help you get started creating a path that works for you.

“Helping students feel the most prepared for life after high school is one of my main goals as a college counselor. Our Seminar courses do a fantastic job at providing students with the necessary information and resources to start planning for their futures as early as freshman year. One of those great resources is Naviance. Naviance delivers a wealth of information, whether it be college or career related, through different assessments, surveys, searches, etc. The tools offered help our students to feel like the driver on the road to navigating post-secondary life!” - College Counselor Lauren Kissinger

Tips for engaging with your college counselor

Here’s a quick overview of how students can engage with their counselors at Laurel Springs and what they can expect from our college counselors.

Tip 1. Lookout for a welcome email

Our counselors at Laurel Springs make initial contact with new students through a welcome email with first-person introductions and information to set up an appointment to meet virtually. Make sure you respond to meet and greet your counselor—you’ll be working with them  throughout your time at Laurel Springs.

Tip 2. Meet with your counselor

Your counselor will guide you through self-pacing and how to stay on track with your assignments. This is also a chance for your counselor to get to know you, your goals, your schedule, and your future plans. If you’re not quite sure what your college or career goals are yet, don’t worry, that’s what they’re here for! All you have to do is be open and ready to chat.

Tip 3. Check in with your counselor

Your counselor will help you look and plan ahead. You can expect them to check in to see how you’re doing, review your grades, offer more resources, provide encouragement, or remind you that Laurel Springs’ mastery-based approach allows you to redo assignments.

Tip 4. Raise your hand

Your counselor will offer lots of opportunities to engage with you. However, if you have pressing questions or need to contact your counselor, don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help. You can also find helpful resources in the monthly Counseling Newsletter.

College counseling is available to all students enrolled in The Academy at Laurel Springs as well as our full-time Upper School students. Contact your enrollment coordinator if you’re a part-time student interested in full-time enrollment.