Parent Information Guide - Prince George's County Public School ...

COUNSELING SERVICEScounselors prepared for college and/or careers CONTINUED:4. College and Career Exploration and Selection Processes– School Counselors provide early and ongoing exposure toexperiences and information necessary to make informed decisionswhen selecting a college or career that connects to academicpreparation and future aspirations.For example, school counselors:• Organize career fairs at school or organize field trips to introducecareer fields or employment opportunities• Coordinate college tours and field trips to college fairs• Refer students to programs that teach students strategies on howto be prepared for enrolling and completing college like GearUp,Upward Bound and Talent Search• Provide students with handbooks, websites and directories forcollege search5. College and Career Assessments – School counselors promotepreparation, participation and performance in college and careerassessments.For example, school counselors:• Ensure students take college entrance exams such as the PSAT,SAT and ACT tests• Make available to students programs aimed at test prep forcollege entrance exams such as the SAT or ACT• Assist students in completing a career assessment• Expose and provide students access to free Online collegeplanning tools6. College Affordability Planning - School Counselors providestudents and families with comprehensive information about collegecosts, options for paying for college, and the financial aid andscholarship processes and eligibility requirements, so they are ableto plan for and afford a college education.For example, school counselors:• Hold sessions with families to encourage early college savings• Provide information on workshops that will assist families incompleting the free application for federal student aid (FAFSA)• Provide scholarship information to students and encourage theirapplication• Ensure students are aware of college credit given when scoring a3 or better on Advanced Placement (AP) exams7. College and Career Admission Processes – School Counselorsensure that students and families have an early and ongoingunderstanding of the college and career application and admissionprocesses so they can find the postsecondary options that are thebest fit with their aspirations and interests by:For example, school counselors:• Ensure students are familiar with the college admission process• Assist students applying to 2- or 4- year colleges• Coordinate with English staff to help students produceAdmissions Essays• Help students develop electronic portfolio• Notify students of apprentice-ships• Provide academic advisement to students interested in tradecertifications8. Transition from High School Graduation to College Enrollment– School Counselors connect students to school and communityresources to help the students overcome barriers and ensure thesuccessful transition from high school to college.For example, school counselors:• Inform students of all avenues for passing the required HSA• Monitor student academic progress to assist students aregraduating• Assist students in methods towards being accepted into postsecondary• Provide information and assist students in obtaining employmentThese activities are just examples of how counselors work withstudents in introducing them to college and careers, helping themexplore avenues that may be of interest for them and planningtowards meeting those goals. For more information, you maycontact your School Counselor or the Office of School Counselingat 301-567-8669. Additionally, for more information on careers,please see the Career and Technology Education section in thisguide.34