College Counseling

An Individualized Approach to College Search

“The college counseling program is really helpful, especially during junior year. It kept me on track and helped me find programs that fit my interests.”

Jordan Duncan A’20

Salem’s College Counseling department provides a holistic approach to college search, helping each student identify her right-fit college based on her unique goals, interests, challenges, and strengths. 

From freshman through senior year, students are guided through the search and application process. Integrated with our Pathways wellness program, the College Counseling curriculum takes each student’s total wellbeing into account. In addition to researching academic majors, location, cost, and size of schools, we evaluate the overall environment and the resources offered. The process is individualized for each student, accounting for her study skills, time management skills, and any unique needs.

Overview

Freshman Year

• 9^th graders meet to create a 4-year academic and extracurricular plan.
• They take the PSAT in October.
• They take career and personality assessments in the fall of freshman year, and participate in community service. 

Sophomore Year

• 10th graders explore careers and discuss how to plan for and maximize college visits
• They take the PSAT again in October
• Learn how to utilize SCOIR, a software program that helps families align a student's interests and strengths with academic programs and institutions
• In the spring, they plan for the summer, specifically how to further invest in an interest that will set them apart
• Meet to discuss internship opportunities for Jan Term 

Junior Year

• In late fall, Juniors meet to
  • Attend a family college counseling kick-off event
  • Take the PSAT again
  • Attend a College Fair at the Benton Convention Center
  • Participate in a Junior Seminar, which includes
    • Learning about SCOIR
    • Mock college application review
    • Interpreting PSAT results
    • The Common App & Admissions interviews
    • College application essays lesson
    • Financial Aid and Scholarships lesson
• In the spring, Juniors
  • Attend individualized meetings with the college counselors
  • Participate in an individualized family meeting
  • Plan for summer goals

Senior Year

• The Senior Seminar, which starts in August, focuses on
  • Application Process
  • Deadlines
  • Transcript requests
  • Letter(s) of recommendation
  • Campus visits
  • Scholarship and Financial Aid information
•  In September, seniors and their parents meet for a Q&A with the college counselor at a family evening event
• From August-November, students participate in individualized meetings and submit their college applications

Meet your College Counselor

Dr. Katie N. MacDonald
College Counselor & Student Engagement Coordinator
336.721.5145
katie.macdonald@salem.edu