College Counseling Program

Maura Brennan, Director of College Counseling


The College Counseling program at Fordham Preparatory School is designed to help students and their families navigate the intricacies of the college search and college application processes. Each student at the Prep is aided in his growth by the caring guidance of his counselor, and the school’s goal is to find a post-secondary opportunity that is an appropriate “match” for each senior. Care of the individual is a hallmark of Jesuit education and is a cornerstone of the College Counseling program.

In the lower years, counselors address what students can be doing to prepare for college. The importance of staying focused and working hard to achieve their academic potential is stressed. Moreover, students are encouraged to join activities and become involved in the life of the school.

By junior year, students are inevitably beginning to focus on their college aspirations, and guidance classes devote a significant amount of class time to the search process. Students are introduced to print and Internet resources to research colleges and are encouraged to explore options throughout the country. In senior year, counselors conduct a thorough review of application policies and procedures as well as work closely with each student to craft a list of appropriate colleges that meets his particular academic and extracurricular needs.

Each fall Fordham Prep welcomes more than 100 admission representatives from colleges and universities across the country to conduct information sessions during the school day. Seniors are encouraged to take advantage of these wonderful opportunities to interact with officers from the various universities. Prep counselors also forge relationships with admission officers in order to best advocate for individual students throughout the application process.

College Counseling Group Guidance Curriculum

• Standardized Testing
   
• Career Awareness and Exploration
   
• Resources for the College Search
   
• The Family Connection (TCCi Naviance)
   
• College Visits and College Fairs
   
• Application Procedures
   
• The Essay
   
• Letters of Recommendation
   
• Mock Admissions Committee
   
• Financial Aid
   
• Transition Issues
   
• Decision Making