College Counseling Overview
The counseling program at Georgetown Visitation focuses on the specific developmental needs of each grade level. Our counselors work to involve all parts of the school community – students, parents, faculty and administrators – in fostering the well-being of every student. Together the two personal counselors and two college counselors spearhead a comprehensive program which serves the needs of our students through group and individual meetings.
- Gentleness, Respect, and Thoughtful Concern for Others
Salesian Virtues
The Personal Counseling Program operates from a wellness model that addresses intellectual, spiritual, creative, physical, and social components of the whole person. Through education, prevention and intervention, Visitation’s counselors work to foster healthy adolescent development and to assist all Visitation students in becoming well-adjusted, successful young women. We emphasize a collaborative approach with families, and parents of Visitation students should feel free to contact personal counselors at any time, whether regarding day to day matters or more serious concerns.
We provide confidential and continuing support as we strive to create positive relationships with our students through short-term individual counseling, as well as freshman and sophomore counseling groups. Beginning with Freshman Orientation, the personal counselors provide activities to introduce new students to the traditions and expectations of the school. During her first year, each freshman participates in weekly group sessions focusing on social and academic adjustment issues, friendships, peer pressure and making responsible choices. Sophomores meet every 10 days in small groups to build on the skills and knowledge generated in the Freshman Counseling groups and to take on even more developmentally appropriate topics. Juniors and Seniors remain connected to their personal counselor on an individual basis as they continue to get guidance and support with both academic and social matters.
Overall, the personal counselors and college counselors play a complementary role in providing comprehensive efforts to promote student growth and leadership and to facilitate the definition and accomplishment of their educational, personal, and life goals.
Ninth grade:
Beginning with Freshman Orientation, the personal counselors provide activities to introduce new students to the traditions and expectations of the school. Each freshman participates in weekly group sessions focusing on social and academic adjustment, friendships, peer pressures and making responsible choices. Freshmen also complete a unit on learning styles designed to enhance their classroom performance.
Tenth grade:
During their sophomore year students meet every other week in small groups. Topics covered include increased academic expectations, time management, and strategies for taking standardized tests. Students also complete the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, an assessment instrument that provided individual feedback about their interests and preferences, which will in turn be helpful in exploring college majors and career paths. Students begin the process of national testing by taking the PSAT. PSAT results are interpreted in meetings with their class counselor.
Eleventh grade:
In the fall, juniors take the PSAT. Results are mailed home in December, and students are encouraged to schedule an individual meeting with their class counselor to discuss their results. Parents are introduced to the college counseling program in November. In January, Junior College Counseling groups begin, and include such topics as self-assessment, research, college visits and interviews, etc. Topics covered in these groups lay a foundation for the application process (a PDF file of a sample syllabus for these groups is on our web site). Students meet individually with the Mrs. Colligan and Mrs. Maglio to evaluate their profile, develop in a preliminary list of colleges to research and explore, and discuss their individual testing plans in these meetings – ensuring that they take the SAT, ACT, and/or SAT Subject tests at the appropriate time. Students are encouraged to attend college fairs in the Washington area and campus visits are strongly encouraged. Additionally, the Counseling and Alumnae offices host a Career Day, in which students have the opportunity to learn about various careers and industries from Visitation alumnae and to hear from admissions officers about the college process.
Twelfth grade:
Communication with the College counselors and with colleges intensifies as final lists are fine-tuned and the applications are filed. Guidance through the long winter of deliberation and waiting is followed by spring decision-making and May celebrations. Transition issues are discussed.