Guidance Overview

The AWHS Guidance Department endeavors to foster the personal, social, academic, and spiritual growth of each student throughout his/her high school career. As a college preparatory school, part of our mission is to prepare students for the next stage in their academic journey; entrance to higher education.

Counselors interact with students both individually and in group settings during all four years. Among the subjects addressed in these meetings are the academic progress of each student as well as interpersonal relationships, and personal issues, which may require a level of confidentiality. Confidentiality is an imperative and an integral part of establishing trust between the student and his/her counselor. All legal ramifications of confidentiality are observed by this office.

The following bullet format briefly outlines some of the topics addressed with students at each level.

Freshmen

• Initial introduction and orientation to high school
• Study skills methodology and use of the agenda notebook
• Academic review and counseling
• Explore test preparation and review
• Career and occupational review

Sophomores

• Academic review and counseling
• Introduction to the Naviance Guidance Program
• Test preparation and review
• College admissions preview
• Career exploration
• Presentation of pertinent social issues

Juniors

• Academic review and counseling
• Course selection and counseling
• Creating an individual list of colleges for each junior to consider for potential college visits
• Implementation of the Junior Guidance Program which includes:
  • College admissions checklist
  • Transcripts and GPA’s
  • Standardized test preparation
  • SAT registration
  • The college application; common application
  • Collegeboard.com
  • Naviance
  • Financial Aid for college, FAFSA, Profile

Seniors

• College selection and application counseling
• Naviance
• Academic counseling
• Senior overview which includes:
  • Senior timeline
  • Transcript Request forms
  • Early Action/Early Decision candidates
  • SAT/ACT registrations
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Financial Aid
  • Scholarship information