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Pamela Allen AmblerJessica Jaret

Jeff Wong

Talking Heads Leveraging your relevancy when switching from

admission to college counseling

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Talking heads:Pam Ambler, Woodward academy (GA)JESSICA JARET, THE LOVETT school (GA)Jeff Wong, the benjamin School (FL)

Brief introductions

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What will we cover?

Suggestions and tips

RelevancyHS Culture

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Transition

Before, during and after switching to the high school side Before

Declare your intentions - let your network work for you Seek leadership under which you'd like to work Register with Carney, Sandoe & Associates Visit the SACAC listserv (for postings) Include speaking engagements on your resume

During Alert your HS contacts of new college rep (your replacement) Save your contacts

After Seek mentorship (in HS, with ACCIS, at SACAC) Manage your time Adjusting to the culture of your high school

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Culture Shock

College SideFall travelInfo SessionsProgramming / serving

on panelsSuitsLarge professional staff“Counseling” the masses

High School SideCounselor ToursFamily conferencesAssemblies / evening

programmingComfort countsSmaller staffMany hats Strengths finder Nurturer Smaller office Family therapist

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The Balancing Act

What we know What we don’t know Athletics Performing / Visual Arts

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Learn your high school’s culture

To effectively communicate with college reps, you must: Know your high school’s

mission statement Know the college

counseling mission statement

Understand your academic profile

Meet teachers, coaches, individuals in the alumni office, advancement office, cafeteria, etc.

Attend school-sponsored events

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College Counseling: Job Description

“Other duties as assigned”

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Communicating with families

An explanation of your background can counter the assumption that you’re no longer the expert

Add up the number of years of admission experience in your office

Invite guest speakers who will reinforce your message to families

Send a mass email to your families prior to conferences, counselor tours, etc (not just an out-of-office)

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Relevancy: Junior Conferences

Academics (rigor, grades, scores)

Extras / Involvement

Essays

Rec letters

Interest

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Relevancy

Use personal anecdotes to remind families you know what you're talking about!  “When I used to read

essays" " When I reviewed

recommendation letters"

"I've seen students get denied for ...“

Refer to admission reps by name

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Relevancy

Continue to Grow Network Participate in

professional development and continuing education opportunities as they arise

“How Woodward Works”

“Leadership Woodward” Advisory Boards Task Forces

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Additional Challenges

Learning about collegesOrganizing notes from counselor lunches and

high school visitsCollecting accurate data for Naviance

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Our favorites resources

Naviance Rugg’s Recommendations on the CollegesCTCL (Loren Pope)The College Finder (Steven Antonoff)College Admissions Index of Majors and

Sports ACCIS, SACAC, NACAC

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Parting words from the talking heads

“Watch out, you might get what you're after”Pros, cons, etc.

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Thank you!