Ms. Beth Sasser, 9th-10th Grade Counselor
234-1653 x 203, bsasser@savcps.com
Mrs. Frances Rowland, 11th-12th Grade Counselor
234-1653 x 207, frowland@savcps.com
Mrs. Erin Chadwick, College Counselor
234-1653 x , echadwick@savcps.com
The purpose of the Upper School guidance department is to ensure that all students have the knowledge, attitudes and skills that will allow them to be successful while they are in school and later in their post-secondary endeavors. To accomplish this goal, assistance is offered in the followings areas: educational, career, personal and social counseling. We hope that through the guidance program students acquire good learning skills, learn about the work world, gain workforce skills, learn how to relate to others and develop good mental health practices.
Freshmen are presented the whole picture of being an Upper School student, discussing requirements for graduation, college admissions, standardized test scores and extracurricular activities so that they will understand that everything they do in grades 9 through 12 will be assessed when they apply to college. The counselors visit the classrooms to demonstrate the college application process and encourage 9th grade students to take the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) in October. Although the score on this test does not count until their junior year, it is good practice to take it in the 9th and 10th grades.
Sophomores take the PSAT and PLAN. PLAN is a practice ACT, another standardized test also used by colleges for admissions. It is scored differently than the PSAT and includes a series of questions that help the students look at careers and aid them in choosing colleges that offer programs of interest.
Juniors take the PSAT to qualify for National Merit Scholarships. They use the results of the PSAT to prepare for the SAT I. Juniors are urged to take the SAT I twice. Most colleges will use the highest verbal and the highest math scores for admission purposes; therefore, it is advantageous for students to take the test at least twice. Juniors are encouraged to see the college representatives who visit our school and to attend the PROBE Fair at Oglethorpe Mall in October. Juniors are allowed a college day and are encouraged to take it on a Friday or Monday so that they may visit classes at the college, speak with admissions counselors and have time to talk with the college students.
Seniors are assisted with resumes and college applications. Sources are provided to help with financial aid searches. To meet early admissions and financial aid deadlines, most of the college application process is completed by Thanksgiving for the majority of our seniors.
A variety of resources are available in the media center, computer lab and counselors’ offices to help students in all areas of need. A sample of these resources includes:
- The Georgia Career Information System, a computer program that helps students examines careers, colleges and scholarships. Students may now access this program on line. They must get the user name and password from Mrs. Rowland.
- One-on-One with the SAT, a computer program to help students with their SAT scores.
- An SAT review course taught on our campus by the staff of Moore Learning Center from Statesboro.
- A study skills course that provides assistance on reading rate, reading comprehension, test-taking skills and note taking.
The Upper School faculty, staff and administration understand that life is full of challenges and difficulties. Knowing this, we have developed a Peer Leadership program designed especially for incoming freshmen. Through the Peer Leadership program, freshmen get to know some upper-class leaders, spend time with a small group of fellow freshmen and work through some of the tough issues that might hinder a smooth transition to the Upper School.
We want to help our students develop their fullest potential. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call the Upper School at 234-1653.
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