College Counseling 2022–23
relationships matter At Charlotte Latin we are proud that our students learn to think creatively, explore interests, and prepare for success in college and beyond.
Our approach Our approach to college counseling is studentcentered, with seminars in Grades 9–12. Formal counseling sessions start mid-year in Grade 11 and continue through Grade 12. Counselors get to know each student through a wide variety of means including one-on-one meetings, group meetings, interactions with their teachers and coaches, grade-level events, and participation in service and affinity groups. Counselors’ extensive knowledge of Latin’s curriculum, colleges and universities, and each student’s individual course of study provide an individualized experience. Latin’s counselors guide students and their families through the steps of the college admission process. We ensure that every student is well-positioned for the process through advising that begins in Grade 9. Upper School students work directly with their college counselors and academic mentors during the course registration process, selecting classes that are appropriate to foster a sound learning progression and a platform for continued success after Latin. In addition, counselors support, educate, and inform students on standardized testing, the formal application process (including how to best present themselves), essay writing, and interview skills. Counselors also write detailed, personal recommendations for their students and advise on students’ additional letters of recommendation, ensuring that each student’s unique talents are highlighted.
Your role as parents Parents play an active role in the college counseling process by encouraging their student to take ownership of the process and are engaged through information sessions, seminars, personal conferences, emails, and the SCOIR website.
the team
Our team of experts includes four full-time counselors, two essay specialists, a registrar, and a full-time assistant. With a strong sense of purpose, the team visits college campuses promoting Charlotte Latin students and nurturing enduring relationships. Counselors attend topical conferences and are active members of professional college counseling associations and groups. They seek out relationships with peer colleagues and jointly host group-sponsored events for Latin parents and other Charlotte-area independent school parents on financial aid, college athletics, fine and performing arts, and a case studies event for Grade 10 parents and students.
Jody Jennings Director of College Counseling
Haley Cripps Associate Director
“We work hard to open up a world of possibilities to each student. College admission is a match to be made, not a race to be won.”
“There is no single formula for success. I love exploring with my students the many paths open to them as they make this decision.”
Work History and Education
Work History and Education
Director of College Counseling, Charlotte Latin School, 2017 to Present Co-Director of College Counseling, Charlotte Latin School, 2012–17 Associate Director of College Counseling, Charlotte Latin School, 2007–11 Assistant Director of Admission, Wofford College, 2001–07
Associate Director of College Counseling, Charlotte Latin School, 2017 to Present Assistant Director, Undergraduate Admissions, Virginia Tech, 2008–09; 2011–17 Senior Admissions Coordinator, Vanderbilt University/Peabody College Graduate Admissions, 2009–11 Admissions Advisor, Virginia Tech, 2007–08
B.A., Finance, Wofford College Member of ACCIS (Association of College Counselors in Independent Schools) Member of and attendee at NACAC and SACAC Conferences 2013 Upper School recipient of the Jane Bratton Spratt Award Furman University Counselor Advisory Board 2015–17 University of Georgia High School Advisory Council 2023–24
M.Ed., Higher Education Administration, Vanderbilt University B.A., International Studies and French, Virginia Tech Member of ACCIS (Association of College Counselors in Independent Schools) Member of and attendee at NACAC and SACAC conferences NACAC College Fair session presenter, March 2019 Member of East Carolina University Counselor Advisory Board 2019–2021
Lucy Smith Associate Director
Virginia Tech Women’s Leadership and Mentoring Program 2014 SACAC Leads Program 2022 SACAC Dry Run Faculty Member 2022
“I strive to really know my students and to understand their hopes for college. Establishing a trusting, open relationship with them is key.” Work History and Education Associate Director of College Counseling, Charlotte Latin School, 2013 to Present; School Counselor, Lake Norman Charter School, 2010–13 School Counselor, Sun Valley High School, 2008–10 School Counselor, Glenelg High School, 2004–08 M.Ed., School Counseling, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill B.A., Psychology and Secondary Education, University of Maryland
Alex Segura Associate Director “Our goal is to educate and support students as they become more self-aware and begin to explore opportunities beyond Charlotte Latin.”
Member of ACCIS (Association of College Counselors in Independent Schools)
Work History and Education
Member of The Ohio State University Counselor Advisory Board, 2017–2021 Co-Facilitator at ACCEPT: Admission Community Cultivating Equity and Peace Today, 2016–2021 College Fair Planning Committee, National Association of College Admission Counseling, 2017 to Present Member of and attendee at NACAC and SACAC conferences SACAC Board of Directors 2022–2025
Associate Director of College Counseling, Charlotte Latin School, 2021 to Present Associate Director of College Counseling, Cannon School, 2006–21 Associate Director of College Counseling, Lake Highland Preparatory, 1999–2006 Director of Undergraduate Business Admission, University of Miami, 1997–99 Senior Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admission, University of Miami, 1994–97 Admission Counselor, Tusculum College, 1992–94 M.S., Counseling and Psychology, Troy University B.A., Human Services, Carson-Newman University Member of ACCIS (Association of College Counselors in Independent Schools)
College Counselors
Member of and attendee at NACAC and SACAC conferences SACAC Board of Directors (June 2004–April 2007 and June 2012–16) Chair, SACAC Admissions Practices Committee (June 2012–April 2016) Council Member, The SCOIR College Network, 2022–2024
college admission Over the past five years (2018–2022), students have earned admission to colleges in 45 states and the District of Columbia, including many of the most selective colleges in the U.S. and abroad.
The following are the schools most attended by our alumni over the last five years. University of North Carolina at Chapel.............. 51 Clemson University...............................................36 Wake Forest University.........................................23
Latin graduates are awarded significant merit awards including the Morehead-Cain and Robertson Scholarships to UNC-Chapel Hill, the B.N. Duke Scholarship to Duke University, the Jefferson Scholarship to the University of Virginia, the Belk and Bryan Scholarships to Davidson College, the Chancellor’s Scholarship to Vanderbilt University, the Danforth Scholarship to Washington University in St. Louis, and the Johnson Scholarship to Washington and Lee University.
Auburn University.................................................. 15
While most graduates attend liberal arts colleges, others attend art schools, music conservatories, and military academies. This wide diversity of paths speaks to Latin’s view that each student is unique and that there are many different roads to success.
North Carolina State University........................... 15
Learn more about College Counseling on our website: www.charlottelatin.org/collegecounseling
University of Georgia............................................ 18 University of South Carolina................................ 18
Elon University....................................................... 15 Virginia Tech........................................................... 15 University of Alabama............................................14
164 colleges visited CLS in 2021–22
C O L L E G E
C O U N S E L I N G 9502 Providence Rd Charlotte, NC 28277 704-815-2434 | CharlotteLatin.org
the future looks bright