College & Career Counseling

In 1994, SouthLake Christian Academy (SLCA) opened its doors to 23 students in grades K through 4. One of the last things on the minds of those involved was college and career counseling. Even when the school began expanding, the daily challenges and future planning did not traditionally focus on high school graduation and subsequent college admissions. It was the 1999-2000 school year, when that year’s 8^th grade class became the first to move to 9^th grade at the Academy, that consideration was given to what an Upper School would require. As a grade level was added each year following, so began the SouthLake Christian Upper School, and the Class of 2003, 10 students, became the first to graduate from SouthLake Christian. This past year, the Class of 2022 was the nineteenth graduating class. It had 68 seniors. Upon completion of graduation this June, the total number of SouthLake Christian graduates will total more than 1000.

All Upper School Grade Levels

In Naviance, the counseling communications portal, there is grade-specific college counseling information. This information is updated with things like which campuses are holding open houses, which college reps are visiting SouthLake Christian Academy, and numerous summer academic opportunities. Additionally, there are links to many web sites that provide information on everything from how to write a personal statement to financial aid.

During the middle of the first semester, we have Parent/Teacher Conferences. Families who wish to schedule a conference with Mrs. Woodruff, the college counselor, or would like her to sit in with teachers holding a conference, may schedule at that time. Mrs. Woodruff also meets with parents and students anytime, preferably by appointment.

Pathways Program Progression

Grade 8

While this class is still in the Middle School, Mrs. Woodruff begins to get to know them through their teachers and administrators and by visits to their classrooms as an observer.

There is a close working relationship between Mrs. Woodruff and personnel from the Academic Development Center (ADC). Students who may require additional help to be successful at the high school level and may require more specialized college or post-graduate counseling are individually reviewed. Early information is available to families.

A Freshman Fair is held for this class as they rise into the high school. The informational fair is held in the second semester of 8^th grade and includes introducing high school curriculum and freshman scheduling. An individualized recommended schedule is prepared for each student with an eye toward graduation requirements. It is then used as a basis for his/her schedule requests. Following that, families have an opportunity to move about and visit with teachers, view textbooks and syllabi, and ask questions.

During the summer, Mrs. Woodruff meets with families about scheduling requests and changes.

Grade 9

A special grade level orientation is held prior to the beginning of freshman year for students and their parents. A folder of information called “So…You’re Going to Be an SLCA Freshman” is created by the CCCO with information for both parents and students about transitioning to high school. “A Game of Fours” is given to the freshmen, allowing Mrs. Woodruff to better get to know them. She leads a discussion about high school and preparation for college with a Q&A following. Finally the students are encouraged to visit the CCCO for a tour.

During the first semester, freshman will register an account with Naviance Family Connection. Once registered, students are given a hands-on tour of the site and are able to explore the many support services Naviance can provide during high school and the post-graduate search.

The PSAT8/9 is administered to this grade level to begin building a college admissions “testing resume” for each student that will be used later as a junior and can be used throughout a student’s tenure by the CCCO and the ADC to help identify strengths and weaknesses prior to collegiate testing.

During the second semester, a scheduling meeting is held for this now- rising 10^th grade class. An individualized recommended schedule is prepared for each student with an eye toward graduation requirements. It is then used as a basis for his/her schedule requests.

During the summer, Mrs. Woodruff meets with families about scheduling requests and changes.

Grade 10

Mrs. Woodruff continues to advise this group with specific plans as they relate to college admissions, building on the 9^th grade year. A grade specific meeting is generally held in the fall semester to review the post-graduate timeline and opportunities at this grade level. The meeting closes with Q & A.

Students are invited to special presentations given by college and program representatives throughout the year.

Administration of the PSAT/NMSQT is made to this grade level, continuing to build the testing resume.

In the spring, a scheduling meeting is held for this now-rising 11^th grade class. An individualized recommended schedule is prepared for each student with an eye toward graduation requirements and college admissions. It is then used as a basis for his/her schedule requests.

During the summer, Mrs. Woodruff meets with families about scheduling requests and changes.

Grade 11

Grade-specific information for juniors and their parents is given right after school starts. It outlines steps they can take to ensure a solid year and to begin the college and career process in earnest in January.

Students are invited to special presentations given by college and program representatives throughout the year.

Administration of the PSAT/NMSQT is made to this grade level.

In January of the junior year, a meeting is held with all the junior students and at least one parent. Families receive a specially- prepared post-graduate handbook, “What’s Your Path?” Some of the information includes researching schools, financial aid and scholarships, admissions testing, how to attend a college fair, how to make a college visit, military service academies, ROTC, NCAA Eligibility, special admissions for Fine Arts majors, community colleges, gap years, the application process, college admission essays, and much more. During the meeting several of the general issues surrounding the process are discussed and then individualized paperwork is distributed.

Following the meeting, each student and his/her parents/guardians have specific surveys on Naviance’s Family Connection and other paperwork to complete for Mrs. Woodruff. These are questionnaires that help her determine what everyone is thinking about the post-graduate process, particularly expectations and potential choices. Once those surveys and paperwork are completed and submitted to the CCCO, Mrs. Woodruff begins prayerful review for each family, and a meeting between student, parents, and she is scheduled. This allows each family to ask questions specific to their own process. It is also a time for families to review what is required between January and August to best prepare the student to begin processing college applications soon after school begins for the senior year. Summer plans, admissions testing, senior scheduling and specific colleges or programs that match their criteria for location, size, academics, and more are discussed. Mrs. Woodruff prays with each family about the upcoming season upon which each student and family is about to embark. This is by no means the only time Mrs. Woodruff meets individually with these families, as that happens often throughout the senior year, but it is a great beginning.

In the spring, a scheduling meeting is held for this now-rising 12^th grade class. An individualized recommended schedule is prepared for each student with an eye toward graduation requirements and college admissions. It is then used as a basis for his/her schedule requests.

During the summer, Mrs. Woodruff meets with families and students about scheduling, May AP testing results, June admissions testing results and plans for fall testing, college visit impressions, and more.

A couple of weeks before school starts, the rising seniors receive notification from the CCCO to complete an update survey helping to focus both them and Mrs. Woodruff as to where their search stands after the summer months. It is also a reminder of the beginning of the year meeting for all seniors and at least one parent where the details of applying and the special events surrounding senior year are discussed.

Grade 12

Each senior’s transcript is given a final review to make sure each student has or is meeting all graduation requirements and the transcript is ready for presentation to colleges and universities.

The above-mentioned beginning of the senior year meeting on how to apply is held. Discussions include how to request a transcript from SLC, what to do if you have attended another high school, how to request letters of recommendation, whether to apply early or regular, and many other questions. This meeting is followed by Senior Application Boot Camps.

College Counseling personnel meet repeatedly with seniors regarding application questions, reviewing their timelines, editing essays, keeping them on task and on deadline.

Students are invited to special presentations given by college and program representatives throughout the year.

Mrs. Woodruff talks with students and prays with them through the wait on admissions decisions; helping seniors understand institution decisions of accept, deny, defer, and wait-list; and what to do about each one.

Between March 1 and May 1, seniors are taught how to accept an offer of admissions and how to say thank you, but no.

Final preparations are made with the seniors for graduation – photos, program notes, video, speeches, all the unique things that make an SouthLake Christian graduation so special and a capstone for our seniors and their families.

Preparations for life beyond the doors of SouthLake Christian Academy are an ongoing process in all facets of a student’s tenure at the Academy. Our goal in the College and Career Counseling Office is to provide our students and their families with prayerful counsel, encouragement, and extensive resources that allow each student to discern and fulfill the purpose and plans God has for his or her life, discovering not only who they are, but Whose they are.