Blog

As the Academic and College Counselor at Fremont Christian School, my role is more than just helping students apply to college. I guide them through a journey of self-discovery, helping them explore career interests, academic strengths, and personal goals. My job isn’t just about getting students into the most prestigious schools—it’s about helping them find the right college fit, one where they will thrive academically, socially, and personally.

At FCS, I work with students one-on-one from as early as eighth grade, checking in with them every year and offering support whenever they need it. Whether they are exploring possible majors, crafting personal statements, or deciding where to apply, I want them to feel confident in their choices and prepared for life beyond high school.

Why FCS College Counseling is Different

At larger schools, students often have limited access to their counselors—sometimes with a ratio of one counselor per 500 students. At FCS, my ratio is one to 100, which allows me to provide personalized attention to every student.

• I know every student by name and understand their unique strengths and goals. 
• I’m available anytime—whether it’s during lunch, after school, or even over the summer for parents who need extra guidance. 
• I provide individualized meetings, instead of large group presentations where students might feel uncomfortable asking questions.

College applications are not one-size-fits-all, and I want every student to feel supported throughout the process.

A Personalized Approach to College Counseling

Unlike many large schools where students might struggle to meet with their counselor, I work with a small enough student body that I can personally know each student’s story. My goal is to make the process less stressful by providing guidance every step of the way.

I officially start working with students in eighth grade through a class called Applied College and Career Readiness, where they begin thinking about their interests, strengths, and future careers. Throughout high school, I meet with students one-on-one at least once a year for formal check-ins, but I also make sure they know my door is always open.

By junior year, we start building a college list tailored to each student’s interests, academic background, and personal preferences. Between junior and senior years, I help students start their applications, work through essays, and make decisions about standardized testing.

Guiding High-Achieving Students

Some students take a rigorous course load, participate in multiple extracurricular activities, and still wonder, “Am I doing enough?” The reality is that college admissions is more competitive than ever, and students sometimes focus too much on rankings instead of what truly matters: finding a school that fits their needs.

For these students, I emphasize:

• Realistic expectations. Just because a school is competitive doesn’t mean it’s the best choice for them.
• Academic rigor. If they are aiming for top schools, I may recommend college-level coursework to strengthen their application.
• Personalized applications. I help students highlight what makes them unique, not just their grades and test scores.

It’s not just about getting in—it’s about finding a college where they will succeed. 

Helping Students Find the Right Fit

A “dream school” should be more than just a name. I help students consider factors such as:

• Location. Do they want to be in a big city or a smaller town?
• Climate. Do they prefer year-round sunshine or four seasons?
• Campus culture. Would they thrive at a large university or a close-knit college?
• Extracurriculars. Will they have access to the sports, clubs, and activities they love?
• Finances. Is the cost realistic for their family?

I always encourage students to visit campuses when they can, even if it’s just walking around a local university while on vacation to see if that sort of atmosphere (big campus vs. small, inner-city vs. more rural) feels comfortable. Sometimes, stepping foot on a campus—even one you know you won’t attend—can make all the difference in knowing whether a school feels right.

Personal Statements and Essays: Telling Their Story

Writing the personal statement is one of the hardest parts of the application process. Many students struggle to talk about themselves, often writing about their family history rather than their own experiences.

I remind students that colleges want to hear their voice—who they are, what they have learned, and how they will contribute to a college community. To support them, I collaborate with English teachers so they receive structured feedback throughout their junior and senior years. I also review essays myself, helping students refine their narratives without losing their authenticity.

Standardized Testing: What to Know

The role of SAT and ACT scores in college admissions has changed. Many schools are now test-optional, meaning scores are not required, but they can still help boost an application.

At FCS, we offer students the opportunity to take the SAT on campus during a regular school day instead of traveling to a testing center. This makes the process more convenient and less stressful, especially in recent years, when simply finding an available location has proven difficult.

For students who want to prepare, I recommend free resources like Khan Academy, which offers personalized study plans. However, if standardized tests aren’t a student’s strength, I help them focus on other areas—like their coursework, extracurriculars, and essays—to build a strong application.

Preparing for College Interviews

For students invited to college interviews, I provide mock interview practice and help them learn to talk about themselves naturally. I encourage students to focus on their strengths (which they can learn more about through Naviance—more on that in a minute) and answer with confidence, rather than memorizing scripted responses.

In our meetings, I often ask them common interview questions so they can practice articulating their experiences and goals in a comfortable setting.

Encouraging Students to Take Initiative

One of the biggest challenges I see is that some students wait too long to start thinking about college. Even though I meet with them regularly, I encourage them to take advantage of the resources available, such as:

• Naviance, a college and career planning tool where students can set goals and research schools. Every student at FCS has free access.
• Workshops and office hours, where I help with applications, essays, and scholarships.

Parents, too, are always welcome to reach out. Many don’t realize that I’m available to support them as well, whether they need guidance on financial aid, application deadlines, or college visits.

The Role of AI in the Admissions Process

With AI tools becoming more advanced, I always remind students that colleges want authenticity. Using AI to write personal statements won’t help—admissions officers can often tell when an essay lacks personal voice.

However, AI can be useful for:

• Generating interview questions for practice.
• Brainstorming ideas for personal statements.
• Helping organize thoughts (without replacing original writing).

I always advise students to use AI as a tool for guidance, not a replacement for their own work.

My Passion for College Counseling

My own experience shaped my passion for this role. As a first-generation college student, I didn’t have the guidance that many students here do. I had to navigate the process entirely on my own, which is why I’m so committed to making sure FCS students never feel lost in this process.

I love helping students discover their passions, strengths, and future paths. My goal is to make sure every student at FCS feels supported, prepared, and confident as they take their next step.

My advice to students? Start early, ask questions, and take advantage of the resources available. I’m here to help—so don’t be afraid to reach out!