 | As a college preparatory school, FSHA seeks to develop the talents and interests of its students so that they will succeed at their chosen college or university. During freshman and sophomore years, the girls learn about the varying curriculum requirements of colleges and are counseled in their choice of studies by their assigned Academic Advisors. Each student is then assigned to a College Counselor for her junior and senior years who guides her through the entire college application process. The College Counseling staff is dedicated to helping each student realize her individual educational goals, and works closely with her and her family throughout the process.
The process of applying to college can be both fulfilling and exciting for you and your daughter, offering an opportunity to gain greater insight and clarity into her personal values, goals and decision-making style. The College Counseling staff at FSHA believes that the method developed to apply to, contact or visit colleges should be one of organization and creativity, resulting in a sense of true accomplishment.
If you would like more information about how FSHA prepares each student for the college experience that’s right for her, please feel free to contact the College Counseling Deparment at any time (see sidebar).
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FAQ's Regarding FSHA's College Counseling | Q. | What is FSHA's school code?
| | A. | FSHA's CEEB Code is 052-380.
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| Q. | How does the college counseling office help students and families begin the college process?
| | A. | In the second semester of junior year, a meeting is set up with students, parents and a counselor to explain options that are based on a realistic evaluation of the student’s academic record, goals and interests.
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| Q. | With so many choices, how does FSHA help the student begin to narrow her options?
| | A. | The College Counseling Office recommends visiting campuses of various sizes (large state, mid-size private and smaller universities and colleges) as a first step in narrowing down her options. Campus visits can be arranged during vacation periods or by simply visiting local schools when the opportunity arises. Campus tours helps the student decide what “feels right” for her.
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| Q. | How will the student know when to take the ACTs, SAT Is and SAT IIs?
| | A. | Students and parents are notified of testing schedules in the Parent Newsletter and in their conference with their daughter’s counselor. The SAT I and the ACT are equally acceptable at most colleges and universities.
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| Q. | Should families sign up with companies that provide scholarship search services?
| | A. | No. All information regarding both financial aid and scholarships is available free through the colleges and universities to which the student is applying, via the Internet and also at the public library. The College Counseling office will aid your daughter in this research in any way possible.
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| Q. | Does FSHA provide opportunities for students to meet with college and university representatives on the FSHA campus?
| | A. | Yes. Throughout the fall, college and university admission representatives visit the FSHA campus to meet with interested students. These visits are beneficial because most often this representative processes the student application for the college or university he or she represents. FSHA also co-hosts the St. Francis College Fair each year, which provides another opportunity for the students to get to know the schools better.
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| Q. | What course work should a student be taking to be eligible for admission to the University of California (UC) system?
| | A. | Beginning freshman year, FSHA guidance counselors encourage students to take the UC’s A-G requirements. Almost all the classes offered at FSHA are accepted by the UC system.
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| Q. | How does the college counseling office help parents navigate the complicated financial aid process?
| | A. | Parents are notified of important financial aid application and deadline information through the Parent Newsletter. The office also holds a financial aid workshop that takes parents through the financial aid forms step-by-step.
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| | Liza FluetDirector of College Counseling, Registrar 626-685-8308 |
Karen RossCollege Counselor, Academic Advisor 626-685-8312 |
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