The goal of our college counseling program is to provide
information, support, and guidance for our students as they make the transition
from high school to college. Parents are also encouraged to utilize our college
counseling resources. We strive to provide students with opportunities that
will enable them to find their best match for continuing their education upon
graduation from Rabun Gap.
College counseling begins in the middle school, when the college counselor addresses eighth graders as they register for ninth grade courses. Planning for college is interwoven throughout the high school experience, through our testing program, through class dean and advisor contacts, and through contacts with the college counselor and college representatives. Every effort is made to encourage students to plan for college early and thoughtfully. Features of our program include:
·
Junior and Senior
Seminar Beginning in the spring of the junior year and continuing through
fall of the senior year students meet with the college counselor in small
groups on a weekly basis. Seminar sessions begin with a brief discussion period
focusing upon a specific college admission topic. Afterward, students work on a
wide variety of activities including college and scholarship research,
completing applications, and essay writing.
·
College
Counseling Center Students have access to computers, telephones, and
numerous college resources in our college counseling center. The center
consists of three rooms: a seminar and resource room, a small computer lab, and
the counselor’s office.
·
Senior
Meeting The college counselor meets with the entire senior
class twice each week to update students on college-related events such as test
registration, college representatives visiting campus, scholarship and
financial aid deadlines, and college fairs.
·
College Fairs Trips
to college fairs in GA and NC are sponsored each year for juniors and seniors.
Attending these fairs enables students to make connections with admission
representatives from colleges across the nation.
·
Career Counseling During
the senior year students participate in a career assessment lead by professional
career counselors. Each senior receives a detailed career profile based on his
or her own personal assessment results.
·
College Visits
The college counselor helps students make arrangements for campus visits. Also,
school-sponsored group college visits are conducted as needed.
·
Financial Aid Students and their parents receive
instruction and support for the process of applying for financial aid for
college. On Parents’ Weekend a financial aid expert is available to discuss the
financial aid process with families and to respond to questions. Assistance is
available throughout the process of applying for aid.
Rabun
Gap is a member of the National Association for College Admission Counseling
and supports NACAC’s “Statement of Principles of Good Practice.”