Christa Monroe serves as a high school counselor at J.H. Rose High School. During this time of year, she and her colleagues are deep into the registration process for next year, and also helping Juniors begin thinking about what lies ahead for them in their Senior year. We talked to Mrs. Monroe and got her perspective on what might be helpful for some high school students this time of year. Current parents of high school students will benefit from ther advice, as well parents who are looking ahead to high school in the future. See below to learn more.
PPS-PC: What is your top advice for high school Juniors as we head towards the end of the school year?
Mrs. Monroe: Make sure you finish strong. This last semester of your junior year is the last semester colleges will use to base their admissions decisions on. Start researching scholarships and be sure you have taken any required college admissions tests.
PPS-PC: What resources would you recommend high school Juniors begin reviewing or utilizing during this time of their high school career?
Mrs. Monroe: College Board and CFNC (College Foundation of North Carolina). Both of these are excellent resources to plan for college applications and find scholarship opportunities. And of course, make sure you are utilizing the expertise of your school counselor!
PPS-PC: What topics might a high school junior consider discussing in a meeting with their school counselor?
Mrs. Monroe: College admissions criteria, how to narrow down colleges to which to apply, and military opportunities.
PPS-PC: How can students, families, and school counselors have the best ongoing relationship with one another to leave everyone prepared for senior year?
Mrs. Monroe: The lines of communication should always be open. Do not sit back and wait for your counselor to call you; go to them and advocate for what you want and need. Make sure the counselors know not just your name, but who you are as a whole. Make sure they know your aspirations and what extracurricular activities you are involved in at school and within the community. We need to know who we are writing about.
