“There is no cookie cutter process when it comes to college admissions. Students have to find the fit that is personally, academically and financially right for them and their family.”
- Michele Davis, Director of College Counseling
Michele Davis
Director of College Counseling
Jackie Atchison
Associate Director of College Counseling
Adelaide Dunn
Associate Director of College Counseling
Rebecca Pierce
College and Academic Support Specialist/ Middle and Upper School Testing Coordinator
Walker’s unique College Counseling Program implements an individualized approach to assist students in finding the college or university that is the best fit for them. We help students and families manage the application process, prepare for the transition to college and build a solid foundation for a successful college experience.
WHAT MAKES OUR COLLEGE COUNSELING PROGRAM UNIQUE?
| Freedom and Flexibility |
|---|
| The Walker College Counseling Team has the flexibility to offer specialized programming for both students and parents to provide guidance through every phase of the college application process. |
| Dedicated Counselors |
| Our team of college counselors is devoted to counseling. Our counselors are not asked to teach other subjects, which gives them more time and availability to work one-on-one with students and families. |
| Early Start |
| Traditionally, even among independent schools, the college counseling process begins during a student’s junior year. At Walker, we begin sharing college application information, resources and access to programming from the beginning of a student’s Upper School journey. |
| Testing Coordination |
| In addition to three full-time college counselors, Walker has a dedicated College Counseling Coordinator on staff to coordinate testing for all Upper School students. |
| Individualized Approach |
| Ours is not a “one size fits all” assembly-line approach to college counseling. We are devoted to finding the best fit for each student, and our College Counseling Program is tailored to fit each student’s individual needs. |
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All Upper School students have the opportunity to take several different types of standardized exams for exposure and practice. Exams are given in October, and scores are not sent to colleges.
- Freshman Year: PSAT
- Sophomore Year: Pre-ACT
- Junior Year: PSAT/NMSQT (These tests offer a chance to qualify for scholarships and also serve as practice for the SAT.)
Typically, students take the ACT/SAT exams during their junior year.
COLLEGE REPRESENTATIVE VISITS
Students are invited to schedule a time to meet with a college representative when they visit our campus. Visits are scheduled for 30-minute time slots. Schedule visits through SCOIR. Please do not call to schedule visits. If you have questions, contact Rebecca Pierce.
WHAT DOES THE COLLEGE COUNSELING PROCESS LOOK LIKE IN THE UPPER SCHOOL?
| Freshman Year |
|---|
LAYING THE FOUNDATIONEach grade is assigned a Grade-Level Dean who stays with students throughout their time in the Upper School. This dean answers questions about course selection, provides students with resources if they need additional layers of support and acts as a general sounding board. Our College Counseling Team begins conversations with students in the ninth grade to encourage them to build a solid foundation in the Upper School and to share what to expect throughout the college process. Students are also assigned an advisor and advisory group of 10-12 students that stay together all four years of Upper School. Students work with their advisor and grade-level dean to create a schedule of courses that cultivates their individual interests. In the fall, freshmen play The GPA Game, a fun and game-like conversation starter about how academics drive the college process and how choices made in Upper School will ultimately impact the college admissions journey. |
| Sophomore Year |
IDENTIFYING INTERESTS AND EXPLORING OPTIONSIn 10th grade, students continue working with their advisors and the College Counseling Team as the conversation around college builds. Students are introduced to the SCOIR online platform to help manage the overall college process and YouScience, an innovative tool that helps students explore their personal interests and possible career paths. Each year, over 75 colleges and universities visit our campus either in-person or virtually. Students have multiple opportunities in their second year to engage with colleges through individualized college visits at Walker, participation in a mock admissions exercise with the Atlanta Individual Case Studies program and additional special programs hosted by colleges and universities in the metro Atlanta area. |
| Junior Year |
PULLING THE PUZZLE TOGETHERStudents begin the year with a Junior Class College Kick-off in the fall. Students, families and counselors begin meeting to strategically discuss the steps of the admissions process including academics, testing, essays, recommendation letters, interviews and co-curriculars. Campus and virtual visits ramp up, and an emphasis is placed on college fairs, local programs and one-on-one meetings with college representatives. In the spring, students participate in Junior College Conferences and a College Essay Writing Workshop that introduce them to the college essay writing process. Additional work sessions are also offered to students who want a head start on college applications. |
| SENIOR YEAR |
NARROWING DOWN THE LISTDuring the fall of senior year, students work closely with their college counselor to implement their college application strategy. Students participate in several seminars with the College Counseling Team to help them make meaningful progress on their college applications. Counselors meet with students on a regular basis to strategically discuss the logistics around applying to college, including the timeline around application and acceptance, making decisions and applying for scholarships. The goal for students is to have all applications completed by winter break in December of their senior year. |
