Not just a GPA:
College counseling
programs for the whole student at Sonoma Academy
When most students begin thinking about college, they may have ideas about what schools they are interested in… while not really knowing much about those schools at all. While much of our culture is focused on admission to “brand name” schools as markers of success, the truth is that the most prestigious schools aren’t always a great fit for everyone…even for highly motivated and accomplished students. There is much to consider when choosing a college: majors and programs, size, “vibe” and political energy, athletics and co-curricular options, social life, location, and, of course, price.
By StoryStudio on August 16, 2022 3:38 PM
Students and their counselors begin meeting one-on-one in the junior year, so they are known as people (not just as transcripts). At many schools, college counselors have a caseload numbering in the hundreds; at Sonoma Academy, the counselors each work with around 40 seniors, allowing them to truly know them and match them with schools that are appropriate matches. Each Sonoma Academy student receives up to 50 hours of in-class counseling and up to 20 hours of one-on-one counseling.
Finding the Right Match
Not Just A GPA
2500 Farmers Lane, Santa Rosa, CA 95404
Phone: (707) 545-1770 Email: inbox@sonomaacademy.org
Each Sonoma Academy student receives up to 50 hours of in-class counseling and up to 20 hours of one-on-one counseling.
There is much to consider when choosing a college: majors and programs, size, “vibe” and political energy, athletics and co-curricular options, social life, location, and, of course, price.
There is much to consider when choosing a college: majors and programs, size, “vibe” and political energy, athletics and co-curricular options, social life, location, and, of course, price.
Skilled college counselors can help students build a list of colleges that suit their unique needs as learners, community members, and individuals. Sometimes that means introducing students to lesser-known schools that are well suited to their career goals and individual interests. There may be colleges that aren’t on a student’s radar that provide outstanding opportunities in their chosen field of study.
Looking at a high school’s list of college matriculations can provide insight into the way their counseling team approaches the admissions process. A list with a variety of schools (large research universities and small liberal arts colleges, technical schools and art schools, geographic diversity) is a clue that counselors are helping their students to look beyond household names to find right-match programs.
For example, glancing through Sonoma Academy’s list of recent matriculations, you’ll see every kind of school: Ivy League universities and community colleges; state schools known for agriculture and colleges dedicated to the arts; campus settings ranging from Manhattan to rural Ohio to Europe. This list provides a view into the way that Sonoma Academy’s College Counselors work to match students with colleges that suit their unique needs. Instead of focusing solely on “brand name” schools, Sonoma Academy counselors seek to connect students with colleges and universities that align with their interests, personalities, and strengths.
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In order for students to choose a good college match, they must first develop a firm understanding of who they are. Throughout its curriculum, Sonoma Academy strives to create a learning environment where students are given opportunities to take constructive risks, try new things, delve deeply into their passions, and share their knowledge with their peers. In a school community where students are seen as individuals and encouraged to explore, they develop a strong sense of identity and a broader view of themselves as learners and community members.
Possessing this self-knowledge equips students with the confidence and understanding they need to find a college that suits them well…and helps them to be successful once they arrive on campus. Skills like self-advocacy and healthy risk-taking are crucial in getting the most out of college, so the college counseling program truly starts from the time students begin at Sonoma Academy.
Know Yourself
Finding a great college starts with finding a great high school…and that means more than a broad slate of advanced courses, a high average SAT score, and a college list packed with “big name” universities.
A school environment where students receive personalized attention and develop close relationships with their teachers and counselors builds a strong foundation before the college admissions process begins in earnest. And when teens are supported in maximizing their strengths, recognizing and managing their challenges, and expressing themselves as individuals, they are well-positioned to grow and thrive both personally and academically, in high school and beyond.
After all, the college admissions process is only the beginning of the college journey. The right high school community will prepare students not just for applying to college, but for succeeding in college.
High School Matters
Skilled college counselors can help students build a list of colleges that suit their unique needs as learners, community members, and individuals. Sometimes that means introducing students to lesser-known schools that are well suited to their career goals and individual interests. There may be colleges that aren’t on a student’s radar that provide outstanding opportunities in their chosen field of study.
Before the intensive college counseling program begins in junior year, the College Counselors meet with students each year to help them plan their course selections for the next year. They also offer information nights for families to help families begin to think about the college process. The intensive program begins in the junior year when students take a College Counseling course. During that time, they start to think about what they want their college experience to look like…beyond brand names. They build lists based on their academic interests, career goals, atmosphere, and the likelihood of acceptance. They also discuss important factors such as standardized tests, financial aid and merit scholarships, and interview strategies.
In senior year, students and counselors meet to refine lists, review essays and scholarship applications, discuss visits and interviews, and check in on early deadlines. They are given time to work on applications and to connect with college reps (either virtually or in person). After college decisions come back, counselors work with students to evaluate financial aid packages and help them handle wait lists or deferrals.
Skills like self-advocacy and healthy risk-taking are crucial in getting the most out of college, so the college counseling program truly starts from the time students begin at Sonoma Academy.
For many teens and their families, the words “college admissions” can stir up emotions ranging from excitement and hope to anxiety and stress. The college admissions landscape has changed significantly since parents were applying, and there is so much to consider that it can feel overwhelming. But with the right guidance, the application process can be a journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
The College Counseling team at your teen’s high school plays an important role in the search and application process. A school’s philosophy and approach can often make the difference between a stressful college application process and a meaningful (maybe even enjoyable!) one.
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Not Just A GPA
Students and their counselors begin meeting one-on-one in the junior year, so they are known as people (not just as transcripts). At many schools, college counselors have a caseload numbering in the hundreds; at Sonoma Academy, the counselors each work with around 40 seniors, allowing them to truly know them and match them with schools that are appropriate matches. Each Sonoma Academy student receives up to 50 hours of in-class counseling and up to 20 hours of one-on-one counseling.
Before the intensive college counseling program begins in junior year, the College Counselors meet with students each year to help them plan their course selections for the next year. They also offer information nights for families to help families begin to think about the college process. The intensive program begins in the junior year when students take a College Counseling course. During that time, they start to think about what they want their college experience to look like…beyond brand names. They build lists based on their academic interests, career goals, atmosphere, and the likelihood of acceptance. They also discuss important factors such as standardized tests, financial aid and merit scholarships, and interview strategies.
In senior year, students and counselors meet to refine lists, review essays and scholarship applications, discuss visits and interviews, and check in on early deadlines. They are given time to work on applications and to connect with college reps (either virtually or in person). After college decisions come back, counselors work with students to evaluate financial aid packages and help them handle wait lists or deferrals.
Know Yourself
In order for students to choose a good college match, they must first develop a firm understanding of who they are. Throughout its curriculum, Sonoma Academy strives to create a learning environment where students are given opportunities to take constructive risks, try new things, delve deeply into their passions, and share their knowledge with their peers. In a school community where students are seen as individuals and encouraged to explore, they develop a strong sense of identity and a broader view of themselves as learners and community members.
Possessing this self-knowledge equips students with the confidence and understanding they need to find a college that suits them well…and helps them to be successful once they arrive on campus. Skills like self-advocacy and healthy risk-taking are crucial in getting the most out of college, so the college counseling program truly starts from the time students begin at Sonoma Academy.
For many teens and their families, the words “college admissions” can stir up emotions ranging from excitement and hope to anxiety and stress. The college admissions landscape has changed significantly since parents were applying, and there is so much to consider that it can feel overwhelming. But with the right guidance, the application process can be a journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
The College Counseling team at your teen’s high school plays an important role in the search and application process. A school’s philosophy and approach can often make the difference between a stressful college application process and a meaningful (maybe even enjoyable!) one.
Skills like self advocacy and healthy risk taking are crucial in getting the most out of college, so the college counseling program truly starts from the time students begin at Sonoma Academy.
High School Matters
Finding a great college starts with finding a great high school…and that means more than a broad slate of advanced courses, a high average SAT score, and a college list packed with “big name” universities.
A school environment where students receive personalized attention and develop close relationships with their teachers and counselors builds a strong foundation before the college admissions process begins in earnest. And when teens are supported in maximizing their strengths, recognizing and managing their challenges, and expressing themselves as individuals, they are well-positioned to grow and thrive both personally and academically, in high school and beyond.
After all, the college admissions process is only the beginning of the college journey. The right high school community will prepare students not just for applying to college, but for succeeding in college.
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Looking at a high school’s list of college matriculations can provide insight into the way their counseling team approaches the admissions process. A list with a variety of schools (large research universities and small liberal arts colleges, technical schools and art schools, geographic diversity) is a clue that counselors are helping their students to look beyond household names to find right-match programs.
For example, glancing through Sonoma Academy’s list of recent matriculations, you’ll see every kind of school: Ivy League universities and community colleges; state schools known for agriculture and colleges dedicated to the arts; campus settings ranging from Manhattan to rural Ohio to Europe. This list provides a view into the way that Sonoma Academy’s College Counselors work to match students with colleges that suit their unique needs. Instead of focusing solely on “brand name” schools, Sonoma Academy counselors seek to connect students with colleges and universities that align with their interests, personalities, and strengths.
Upcoming Open House dates at Sonoma Academy are September 21 and October 20. Click here to reserve your place.