Young Alumni Recall the Role College Counseling Played in Helping Them Achieve Their Dreams
T
he college-search process is stressful for everyone.
Counseling partnered with Regis Jesuit’s English Department
Students feel vulnerable as they explore options and
to coach students through the essay-writing process.
wait for admission and aid decisions. Parents worry
while walking the fine line between helping and hounding. Teachers pore over recommendations and field questions about
For most students, the search begins during the junior year. By that time, according to Hall, most already have a solid
majors and fit.
understanding of who they are because of the self-exploration
But at Regis Jesuit, there’s good news. Since the 2014–15 school
dig a little deeper to
year, the College Counseling Office—led by Laura Hall, Director
help connect students’
of College Counseling—has had a team of five professional
values, interests, hopes
counselors wholly dedicated to lightening the psychological
and dreams to college
and logistical load and helping every student find his or her
campuses that will
path forward.
continue to support
“The pressure is intense, from society and culture, from parents and from the students themselves,” said Hall, who believes confidence is key for students. “Just being able to say ‘I’m working on it’ can create a sense of ease. Our programming helps every student stay on top of all of the pieces and parts of college applications, and if they are applying early action or early decision to their top choices, they’re ready.” Hall and her team all have worked in college admission departments from the east to the west coasts, and at public, private, religious and secular institutions. The office hosts in-person and virtual visits with college admission representatives, and helps students and families interpret data they find in online tools identifying students’ strengths, needs and possible options. In a program new this year, College
they’ve been doing throughout high school. “We are able to
their growth as Men and Women with and for Others. We also make sure students understand the logistical requirements
“The pressure is intense, from society and culture, from parents and from the students themselves." LAURA HALL, DIRECTOR OF COLLEGE COUNSELING
and take ownership of the process.” Most counseling takes place one-on-one, says Hall. “We take a very individualized approach to help students see that comparisons and rankings don’t determine worth. When the heat is on, we remind our kids that they are ‘enough’ just as they are, because if they’ve been discerning in their final choice, as we encourage them to be, it will be the right one. Then we celebrate the heck out of every decision.” T H E R A I D E R | SUMMER 2021
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