College Counseling
Developing, nurturing and guiding our students
Helping students to attain their highest potential begins as soon as they enter their first class at HSMSE. Our faculty which is comprised of professional engineers, scientists, corporate executives, college professors, and other dynamic educators is uniquely qualified and dedicated to prepare students for an outstanding college experience. Furthermore, the breadth and rigor of our curriculum has produced students who are highly successful in college.
College counseling starts early
HSMSE students begin to take advanced and college-level courses that enable them to foster the intellectual capabilities necessary to gain admission to the top colleges in the world. Students, through meetings with guidance counselors, faculty mentors, and grade advisors will begin to nurture their aptitudes and interests. Ninth grade students are also encouraged to become involved in extra-curricular, academic, community service, and athletic activities to enhance their high school experience and to foster their own development. HSMSE also provides many opportunities to participate in after-school and summer academic and research experiences to expand their knowledge of a particular area while working under the tutelage of leaders in their respective fields. During sophomore year, students will further their learning of their personal and academic strengths.
Comprehensive college application process
During the fall semester, all juniors are encouraged to participate in senior-level programs including lunch-time workshops and visits from college representatives. The first week of the juniors’ spring semester initiates the beginning of a comprehensive, multi-tiered approach to examine their individual interests, aptitudes, and needs; explore the various colleges, college majors, and academic programs; and to learn how to successfully complete all aspects of the college application process. Juniors and their families begin their focused approach by participating in many activities and events designed to inform them of particular strategies and techniques to applying and getting admitted to the colleges of their choice. These activities and events which will continue throughout their senior year include:
- Individual family and student meetings
- Small-Group college counseling sessions
- College Trips
- Opportunities to meet with college representatives at HSMSE
- College Preparatory Handbook
- Calendar to assist students stay on task
- HSMSE-sponsored SAT and ACT prep
- Financial aid presentations, handbook and worksheets
- Newsletters informing the HSMSE community of college-related events, programs, and information
In addition, juniors attend interactive workshops that touch on various aspects of the college application process including:
- Examining your individual interests and aptitudes
- Using your Brag Sheet to craft your college essay & resume
- Writing excellent and effective essays
- Using the Common Application to apply to colleges
- Analyzing case studies & compare colleges
- Making the most of your college campus visit
- Imperative interview preparation and other techniques to enable admissions representatives to know and love you!
- What I wish I had known. Presented by members of the senior class
At HSMSE, these events are coordinated by School Counselor Gabriella Barnewold to assist our families in choosing the college that best fits their children’s academic, personal, familial, and financial needs.
HSMSE College Office:
Gabriella Barnewold, School Counselor – 11th & 12th Grades
[email protected]
Candie Patterson, School Counselor – 9th & 10th Grades
[email protected]
Ms. Ivette Ortiz, Counseling Dept. Assistant
[email protected]