College Counseling
College admission is a complex process that takes time and commitment. It requires close communication of all involved-- the student, parents, college admissions and financial aid representatives, the college counselor, the student's advisor, and, sometimes, classroom teachers This communication involves the student, parents, college admissions and financial aid representatives, the college counselor, the student's advisor, and, sometimes, classroom teachers. Where a student makes application is ultimately the choice of the student and parent(s). The role of the college counselor is to provide information and assistance in the decision-making process.
The College Counseling Program aims to assist each student in finding educational choices that will foster the personal, educational and social development of the individual student. Student responsibilities include:
- registering for and taking appropriate standardized tests
- arranging for Bayside (010841) to receive an official copy of all standardized test results
- completing additional test score report forms as needed
- preparing for and planning college visitations (see handbook for details)
- obtaining, preparing and submitting college applications in a timely fashion
- requesting transcripts in writing
- asking teachers for recommendations in timely fashion (at least two weeks in advance)
- arranging interviews
- making a copy of the completed application(s) to keep on file at home
- completing and submitting all relevant housing/financial aid forms/other information as requested by the schools programs of choice
- submitting college health forms as requested
The College Counselor:
- hosts college admissions officers on campus
- informs students about college visitation procedures
- coordinates the official Bayside school recommendation
- conducts grade level group and individual sessions
- moderates BCNN (Bayside College News Network) sessions for parents
- helps coordinate the five-school fall college fair
- works with the alumni office to sponsor Career Day
- assists in arranging special programs
- sends monthly newsletters to parents (August-May)
- visits colleges
- represents Bayside at professional meetings
Parents are urged to attend all parent information sessions. In addition, students and parents are encouraged to participate in any and all college fair programs made available to them.
Parents are encouraged, as needed,to contact the college counselor for an individual appointment-call 251-338-6427 or 251-621-8255 The counselor may be reached by e-mail at mawillis@baysideacademy.org.
Resource materials are available in the Guidance Office for both student and parent use. Most of these materials must be used in the Guidance Office.
Additional information about college counseling maybe found in the Bayside handbook.
As a member of the NACAC, Bayside, in adhering to the NACAC "Statement of Principles of Good Practice" will notify, when appropriate, colleges of any significant changes in the student's academic or personal status between the submission of the college application and graduation. This includes, but is not limited to, a significant drop in grades, honor violations, probation, suspension or expulsion.