Academic & College Counseling

A key element in the college application process is finding the fit for each individual student. Just being accepted to a college is not the focus: Getting into the right school is. We aim to provide our students with a solid foundation and guide them on their college-selection process so they will be successful in college and beyond.

FCS Academic & College Counseling provides a supportive environment in which students can identify their goals, reflect on their talents and passions, and make confident decisions about higher education. We guide students in the self-reflection, research, and evaluation that is crucial to college selection.

Our Academic & College Counseling Office offers a variety of opportunities for our students:

• One-on-one advising. Beginning formally in 8th grade, a counselor helps students start to envision their post-secondary goals and establish a strong academic record. Counselors manage fewer than 100 students each, allowing them to get to know each student personally and provide tailored guidance to each family.
• Applied College and Career Readiness (ACCR). All eighth-grade students enroll in this preparatory course, which creates a solid foundation for high school and college entry. Students learn to navigate Google Applications, explore college majors and career fit through interest and aptitude assessments, build a resume, and hear first-hand from guest speakers about career pathways. Additionally, students learn elements of critical thinking and debate and are educated in the art of business etiquette to ensure a polished first impression at college and job interviews.
• College application course. Available to all high school students as part of our January Term, this course offers an opportunity for students to dive deeper into career assessments, learn about specific college profiles, and practice drafting college essays and honing interviewing skills.
• Additional preparatory opportunities. Students can also attend on-campus college fairs, meet with visiting college representative, visit local colleges, go on overnight college tours, and attend college application workshops.

The Academic & College Counseling Office is located among the secondary classrooms, making our counselors readily accessible. Our open-door policy allows students to stop in with quick questions and easily schedule longer sit-down appointments. Parents are also welcome to schedule in-person or virtual meetings with their child’s counselor. 

As additional support for college and career exploration, we offer software tools that provide each student with a personalized profile where they can engage in career assessments, access scholarship databases and resume-building tools, and research potential colleges.