Making College Application Season More Welcoming: A Counselor’s Guide 

The early fall season is an intensive college application period for high school seniors. Student Leadership Network’s directors of college counseling (DCCs) understand this journey can feel overwhelming, especially for students who may be the first in their families to attend college and who are navigating the complex steps of different applications. Our DCCs have found that creating the right environment can transform this potentially stressful time into one of community and support! Here are some ways they are partnering with two CollegeBound Initiative partner schools to make college application workspaces more inviting and productive for seniors.

Comfort First: Breaking Down Formal Barriers

Who says college applications can’t be completed in pajamas? At the Young Women’s Leadership School (TYWLS) of Queens, seniors had a pajama-themed “Senior Shut-In Day” where they could come to school in their comfiest attire. Imagine wearing the coziest of hoodies and sipping on hot chocolate while figuring out the ins and outs of different college application requirements. The comfortable space helped reduce anxiety and create a more relaxed atmosphere for our students where they’re better able to focus on their applications and ask for help. 

While the day focused on applications to CUNY, SUNY, and private schools, students also had opportunities for self-care and reflection. Neonne Ameer, the DCC at TYWLS Queens, shared, “They had a few moments to relax and reflect by designing bookmarks and writing a letter to themselves that they’ll receive during the last week of school.” This unique environment created a communal space of support and encouragement for the senior class! 

At TYWLS Queens’ pajama-themed Senior Shut-In Day, students worked on and submitted applications for CUNY, SUNY, and Private schools. Several faculty and staff supported students as they worked on applications, designed their bookmarks, and wrote letters to themselves that they’ll receive during the last week of school.

Nourishing Body and Mind

At times, hungry students aren’t their best selves. Successful application workshops include plenty of nourishment. At Frederick Douglass Academy (FDA), DCC John Toribio-Perez arranged for plentiful bagels and cream cheese to kick off their Senior Shut-In Day. At TYWLS Queens, a variety of snacks, food, and hot chocolate kept energy levels steady throughout the day. Sharing food also nourishes the mind, as these become opportunities for seniors to take breaks, share stories, and support each other through the process.

Technical Support: A Trusted Net of Expertise

Having knowledgeable adults readily available is crucial. Schools might create a rotation of staff members – including teachers, counselors, and tech-savvy administrators – who are present during application work sessions. Joseph Rosales, a CBI Associate Director, joined FDA for the day to help sign out laptops and answer individual students’ questions about the applications. Director of College and Career Counseling Jeannine Brown partnered with John Toribio-Perez to manage the flow of questions from students throughout the day. John commented, “We have students focusing on the City University of New York (CUNY) application today, and each person was encouraged to apply to six schools. Having a team of adults here to troubleshoot and explain concepts to the students in a group was a helpful way to get everyone started on the process.” At TYWLS Queens, recent graduates Makula and Nazifa, several teachers, and the DCC from TYWLS Astoria, Alyssa Higgins, came to the school to assist the senior class. Whether it’s troubleshooting address field glitches, looking up graduation dates, or deciphering the list of two-year and four-year colleges on the screen, this support system ensures no student feels lost or alone in the application process. 

Building Community Through Shared Experience

Perhaps the most inspiring aspect of these welcoming spaces is how they foster community. When seniors see their teachers bringing in extra donut munchkins or their classmates celebrating each submitted application, it creates a shared sense of purpose. Seniors all enjoyed a break from their usual class schedule, and the “shut-in” experience isn’t just about individual students applying to college – it’s about the whole school community supporting each other through a significant milestone!