The winter season is an important time for our students, not only to focus on their studies but to begin thinking about higher education and possible career paths. This is especially true for the junior class who will begin visiting potential colleges during the upcoming spring and summer months. That’s why the College Counseling Office says “January is for juniors” here at The Storm King School.

Director of College Counseling Martha Kwon stresses that January and February are the best months of the year to encourage juniors and their families to make plans for visiting potential colleges and universities over the spring break and the upcoming summer. To help facilitate this, Mrs. Kwon is kicking off Semester 2 by conducting class-level meetings starting with the junior class.

“During these sessions, students will have the chance to discuss their ideas about colleges and the career world, learn how to use the School’s college search platform called Naviance, and discuss placement testing among other topics. Our objective for the juniors, and for all class levels, is to help students take the first steps in exploring their future aspirations and clarifying their educational and career goals,” explains Mrs. Kwon.

As the second semester progresses, Mrs. Kwon will continue to work individually with the students to help them create a course of action appropriate for their grade level. “Our aim is to encourage the students to have thoughtful discussions with their teachers and advisors, the College Counseling Office, and their parents regarding future plans,” explains Mrs. Kwon. “All of our families are invited to participate and can help their child by being encouraging and supportive.  While the prospect of applying to college may seem daunting, the partnership of student, parent, and school working together alleviates much of any existing anxiety.”

For Storm King’s senior class, the excitement is building with early college acceptances beginning to arrive and many more to come. For the coming months, the school calendar is filling up with college counseling events including the Linden College Fair on March 30, SAT prep courses, college visits, and guest speakers including a representative from Colleges That Change Lives (CTCL). On January 30, SKS will host Maria Furtado, Executive Director of CTCL, for an in-depth conversation on the college search and college admissions.  CTCL is a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement and support of a student-centered college search process.

“Our student-led approach to college placement is key to their success, and it shows in our college acceptance record. Ultimately, as in other areas of their lives, it is the student who drives the process and puts in the work. We are there every step of the way to give them the tools and guidance they need,” explains Mrs. Kwon.

For more information on college counseling at Storm King, contact Mrs. Kwon and visit the SKS School Calendar for upcoming college counseling events.