The Difference a Great Hearts College Counselor Makes

Great Hearts academies are fortunate to have at least one, sometimes two college counselors per academy.   These hard-working individuals get to know each senior and their families on a personal level, with a student-to-counselor ratio that typically ranges around 35:1.

“What makes us unique is our ability to provide individual appointments to students and parents.  Counselors are available to high school students and parents throughout the school year for in-person, virtual, or phone meetings and prioritize seniors before November 1^st each fall semester,” explained Roselyn Fletcher, Director of College Counseling at Scottsdale Preparatory Academy.

High school seniors depend heavily on letters of recommendation for college applications and scholarships.  The letters of recommendation they receive from our college counselors are personal, specific to the student, and highlight special characteristics, attributes, and contributions inside the classroom or throughout the academy community.  “We don’t use form letters, instead we hand-craft one-page letters that strengthens the student’s application and chances of admission,” said Fletcher.

Counseling services are not just limited to seniors.  College Counselors also work hard to provide events that benefit high school juniors and their families who are navigating early college decisions.

The 15^th Annual Great Hearts College Symposium is scheduled for Saturday, April 1^st, 2023.  Juniors and parents from across the Great Hearts network are invited and encouraged to attend. This event features college representatives from 80 colleges and universities across the country. During the event, juniors will be invited to attend a personal statement writing workshop, while parents can attend a financial aid presentation.  College representatives will be placed in classrooms for the opportunity to have more one-on-one conversations with students and parents.  This is a stark contrast to the traditional college fair model of hosting representatives at tables in a loud and crowded gymnasium.

Juniors across Great Hearts will participate in college admissions 101 coursework throughout their junior year, preparing for the college search and selection process. These 55-minute sessions expose juniors to different college related topics including resume writing, personal statements, scholarships, financial aid, college visits, interviewing, the Common Application, Naviance (our college readiness platform), and testing.

Students in their freshman and sophomore years also get to experience the services offered through College Counseling.  Katherine Sarbacker, Assistant Headmaster and Director of College Counseling at Glendale Preparatory Academy stresses that underclassman families should begin preparing themselves for the question – how much are we willing to spend?  Sarbacker explained that counselors go beyond providing potential financial resources.  “We take time to explain the costs and help parents get an idea of what it will likely cost them to send their children to various colleges,” said Sarbacker.  Practical tools like the Net Price Calculator and Cost of Attendance are introduced during family information nights.

College visits are for all high school students. Although policies may vary by academy, most high school students in grades 9-12 are able to participate in college visits hosted at their academy during Lyceum and/or lunch. College representatives will sign-up to visit with our high school students throughout the school year, with most visits taking place in October.

These unsung heroes of our academies truly highlight what makes Great Hearts unique. “As a Great Hearts College Counselor, we have the privilege to be involved in the process with our scholars of helping them discern the life they wish to pursue after graduation,” said Director of Network College Counseling Michelle Fitzgerald.  “The college counselors’ utmost effort is to help scholars find the right fit or path to pursue, whether deciding on a career choice, college, or military service. It is an honor to serve scholars in achieving their personal aspirations as they evolve into great-hearted leaders.”

Do you have a story or know of a story that you would like to see featured at Great Hearts?  Please contact jmoore@greatheartsamerica.org.