Counseling by Grade
Guidelines
Freshman Year
During the freshman year, special effort should be made to develop disciplined study habits. Reading good literature is the best way to build your vocabulary. Take every opportunity you get to develop your writing skills. All the courses you take from freshman year through senior year are important. All final grades are included in your cumulative academic average. This means that all your grades beginning with freshman year are an important part of your permanent record.
The following areas are explored in Freshman Counseling through a freshman orientation course throughout the first year: Transitional issues for high school (programs, course requirements, etc.); testing (Competency, SAT Subject Test, and NEDT). Individual and group counseling on academic and personal issues; focusing on the development of self-esteem and issues relating to young women in society today.
Sophomore Year
During sophomore year you continue to take required courses for graduation and begin to explore career choices. The Career Decision-Making System is an instrument t help students understand their abilities, interests, aptitudes and values. It also assists in making choices for courses in junior and senior years. Sophomores will take the PSAT in October to familiarize them with the test.
Continued study of personality development and growth; discovering interests, abilities, aptitudes, and work values; aspects of career development. Preparation for standardized testing, PSAT, SAT Subject Test, and others; academic and personal counseling.
Junior Year
During junior year, all students take the PSAT in the fall and the SAT in the spring. It is strongly recommended that all seniors take the SAT again in the fall of senior year. All students are encouraged to take the appropriate SAT Subject tests throughout their years of study. Students should check with teachers and counselors for information on the tests and requirements for college. During junior year students continue with courses in their chosen sequences. It is an important year to discuss goals and future plans concerning career and college options. Each year OLVA sponsors a college fair, and the college admissions process is explained through counseling classes and individual appointments.
Continued study of personality development and growth, including decision making and problem solving; preparation and information given for PSAT/NMSQT, SAT, and SAT Subject Testing programs; considers career development and college selection with the aid of videos, computer programs and the College Handbook. Students are encouraged to meet with admissions personnel from colleges during their free time, and attend local and national college fairs. In the spring, the students have workshops/speakers on the college admissions process. In addition OLVA hosts its own college fair of over 50 colleges from the surrounding five states. All open house listings for colleges are posted year round for students to utilize.
Senior Year
Continued study of personality development and decision making. Specific information is given for college admissions and all aspects of the financial aid process. Admissions personnel from colleges visit the school and the seniors have the opportunity to meet with them in groups and individually. Seniors are also encouraged to attend college fairs and are given time to visit college campuses. The college application process is explained in group sessions and individually. Parents are encouraged to be part of this process and the Senior Counselor is available to them for consultation when requested. Emphasis in the second semester is placed on how to deal with life after graduation, and the emotional transition involved in leaving high school.
