Walnut Hills High School Guidance & College Counseling Programs

Walnut Hills High School
Guidance & College Counseling Programs
The Guidance Department and College Information Center host a series of informative programs for parents and
students. These programs are designed to support each student’s individual goals. Academic planning and
standardized test preparation are integral parts of each year’s programming. Beginning in 7th grade, all students are
trained to use Naviance, the online counseling software, to support post-secondary planning.
The goal of Walnut Hills High School’s college counseling program is to help every student matriculate to a college
where he or she will grow and succeed. Although students do not actually complete college applications until the
fall of senior year, they should challenge themselves in courses and commit to activities of interest as early as possible.
This effort will result in increased options when it comes to the college admissions process.
7th & 8th grade 9th grade
Getting Acclimated to WHHS
College Planning I
This program familiarizes new parents with Walnut’s policies and
procedures. Counselors offer strategies for academic success and
describe the academic support systems.
Counselors review the top factors in college admission and
discuss the importance of making an impact inside and outside the
classroom and of committing to activities students really enjoy.
Preparing for Exams
The Redesigned PSAT and SAT
Counselors offer tips on studying for exams. Teachers from each
discipline give an overview of their departmental exams and offer
study guidelines.
College Information Center staff will preview the redesigned SAT
administered for the first time January 2016 and the redesigned
PSAT that Walnut 9th, 10th, and 11th graders will take October
2015. Emphasis will be on content, format, and preparation
strategies.
for parents of all 7th graders AND parents of new 8th graders
September 9, 2014: 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. | Auditorium
for parents of all 7th and 8th graders
November 11, 2014: 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. | Auditorium
Transition to High School
for 8th grade parents ONLY
January 7, 2015: 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. | Auditorium
Counselors discuss the four year academic plan and the importance
of selecting a course load appropriate for college aspirations and
interests. The importance of the high school transcript is discussed.
Reality Check: Preparation for High School
for students and parents
April 22, 2015: 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. | Auditorium
The College Information Center and the Black Culture Club
co-sponsor a program highlighting the key elements of high school
success from a variety of perspectives.
for students and parents
January 28, 2015: 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. | Auditorium
for 9th and 10th grade students and parents
April 14, 2015: 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. | Auditorium
AP Fair
for students
January 13, 2015: 4th bell | Cafeteria
The AP Fair is an opportunity for students to talk to other students
about the benefits and requirements of the AP courses offered at
Walnut Hills.
10th grade
11th grade
College Planning II
College Planning III
A local College Admissions Officer will share what colleges are
looking for in the holistic application review, and the Counseling
Team will describe the components of a successful application.
The Junior Parent Meeting is a “must-attend” overview of the
entire college process. Parents will learn about resources available
at Walnut to help navigate the application process including
specific steps students should take to stay on schedule.
for students and parents
November 12, 2014: 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. | Auditorium
College Symposium
for students and parents
November 5, 2014: 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. | Auditorium
for students and parents
November 22, 2014: 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. | selected locations
Lunchtime College Admission Officer Visits
Students and parents are invited to attend various break-out
sessions: Naviance 101, Financial Aid Primer, Selective College
Admissions, NCAA and Athletic Recruiting, Performing Arts
Application Process.
During the fall months, Walnut Hills sponsors college admissions
office visits. Students can meet school representatives and learn
about academic programs. Over 200 public and private universities
participate.
AP Fair
College Symposium
for students
January 13, 2015: 4th bell | Cafeteria
for students and parents
November 22, 2014: 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. | selected locations
The AP Fair is an opportunity for students to talk to other students
about the benefits and requirements of the AP courses offered at
Walnut Hills.
Students and parents are invited to attend various break-out
sessions: Naviance 101, Financial Aid Primer, Selective College
Admissions, NCAA and Athletic Recruiting, Performing Arts
Application Process.
The Redesigned PSAT and SAT
for 9th and 10th grade students and parents
April 14, 2015: 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. | Auditorium
College Information Center staff will preview the redesigned SAT
administered for the first time January 2016 and the redesigned
PSAT that Walnut 9th, 10th, and 11th graders will take October
2015. Emphasis will be on content, format, and preparation
strategies.
for students
AP Fair
for students
January 13, 2015: 4th bell | Cafeteria
The AP Fair is an opportunity for students to talk to other students
about the benefits and requirements of the AP courses offered at
Walnut Hills.
Been There, Done That
2 programs — one for parents, one for students
March 18, 2015: 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. | Recital Hall/
Room 2840
Parents will hear other Walnut parents relate lessons learned as
their students navigated the college-bound process. Students will
hear Walnut seniors share their college search experiences.
12th grade
Common Application Boot Camp
for students
August 13, August 19, or August 20, 2014: 10:30 – noon
or 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. | Room 3701
Seniors can get a jump on the college application process by
attending one of the Common Application Boot Camps before
the start of the school year. The Common Application is an
on-line document accepted by over 500 member colleges and
universities. The Boot Camp will be held in a computer lab so that
each student can create a login and password and begin filling out
the application with guidance from members of the Counseling
Team. Most of the non-essay portion will be completed by the end
of the session!
College Essay Workshops
for students
September 23 or October 7, 2014: 2:45 – 3:30 pm. | CIC
The CIC sponsors after-school sessions for individualized
brainstorming and essay feedback. Students are encouraged to
sign up for one-on-one meetings.
Interviewing Skills Workshop
for students
October 2, 2014: 2:45 – 3:30 p.m. | Conference Room
The Director of an Ivy League Alumni Interview Program visits
Walnut to talk to interested students about the alumni interview.
Tips about the do’s and don’ts of interviewing apply to all
evaluative interviews conducted by selective schools.
Application Nuts and Bolts
for parents
September 10, 2014: 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. | Auditorium
The Counseling Team will review all aspects of the college
process so that parents can assist their seniors. Topics will include
application management through Naviance, the importance of the
senior packet, and upcoming deadlines.
Senior College Forum
for students
September 10, 2013: 8:25 – 10:15 a.m. | Auditorium
For all seniors, an opening program that focuses on the college
application process. Information will be provided about managing
the application process with Naviance, writing college essays, and
securing teacher recommendations.
Lunchtime College Admission Officer Visits
for students
During the fall months, Walnut Hills sponsors college admissions
office visits. Students can meet school representatives and learn
about academic programs. Over 200 public and private universities
participate.
Senior Financial Aid Night
for parents
September 17, 2014: 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. | Auditorium
A Financial Aid Officer from Miami University presents the
fundamentals of financial aid — grants, loans, scholarships — as well
as information on the net price calculator.
2014-2015 Guidance Team
Ms. Tanya Ficklin, Guidance Department Chairperson
Grades 7-9
Mr. Rashaan Williams
Mrs. Patty Morgan
[email protected]
[email protected]
513-363-8493
513-363-8488
Grades 10-12
Mr. Adrian Cabrera
Ms. Tanya Ficklin
Mrs. Linda Sawan
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
513-363-8450
513-363-8463
513-363-8409
College Information Center
Mrs. Martha Geller [email protected]
Director
513-363-8455
Mrs. Kathy Restle Assistant Director
[email protected]
513-363-8609
Mrs. Julie Lerner College Consultant
[email protected]
513-363-8666
Walnut Hills High School
3250 Victory Pkwy, Cincinnati, OH 45207
(513) 363-8400