College and Career Planning
The College and Career Planning Program, under the supervision of Human Development Services, assists students in exploring career options and facilitates their understanding and handling of the college application process. It relies heavily on the Adviser Program and utilizes the four-year testing program and the Junior/Senior Seminar Program.
Testing Program
Testing occurs on all four grade levels and includes achievement and aptitude
tests as well as surveys and indicators. Freshmen and sophomores begin the
career and college planning process through the testing program. Freshmen
take the Differential Aptitude Test (DAT) and sophomores and juniors take
the Preliminary Scholastic Achievement Test (PSAT). The examination of
student scores to discern patterns, strengths and weaknesses assists
each student in preparing for college entrance testing. Each student
is also apprised of the information on her permanent record and its
implications for her future planning.
Junior/Senior Seminar
During second semester of junior year and first semester of senior year,
each student participates in a seminar program that meets in groups of
about 25 students. In addition, each student meets with Ms. Kristy Cummings,
Director of College and Career Planning, to map out career and college
goals.
In Junior and Senior Seminar, students are encouraged to explore possibilities in many career areas and are given information about many aspects of career and college planning. Junior Seminar introduces students to skills necessary for a successful college application experience. Some of these skills include:
- Developing a resume
- Writing Application Essays
- Participating in an Interview
The Career Occupational Preference Systems (COPS) interest inventory helps juniors identify potential career interest areas, and in combination with materials available in the Human Development Resource Center, is used as a tool for exploring concrete possibilities. Seniors take the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) to further assist them in self-understanding and in thinking about career choices. Senior Seminar guides students through their individual college application processes.