Juniors and their parents gathered in the Lasker Auditorium for a presentation from North’s guidance office surrounding future planning, Wednesday, Jan. 8.

Eight of North’s counselors discussed resources available to students in regard to future planning, the main resource being the counselor department itself. The main points of the discussions were the five sections of college applications – a high school transcript, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, and a personal statement – the importance of GPA, and essay topics. 

According to guidance department head Beth Swederskas, “The counseling department here at Newton North High School, with staff, goes through this every year, and we feel confident that even though things change, we got you.” 

The counseling department has many resources for students including an 100-page college planning guide, which, according to Principal HenryTurner, contains the answers to any questions a student or parent may have. 

“A lot of information we know can be overwhelming, but take it step by step and know the information is there to answer your questions before you even ask them,” said Swederskas.

School counselor Brendan Amedio discussed how the counseling department is straightforward in helping students prepare for their college applications. 

“Having feedback from a school or college counselor can be unbiased since we know what colleges are looking for,” said Amedio.

School counselor Patrick Manning discussed the different ways of going about the college admissions process, such as standardized testing and applications for test-optional schools.

School Counselor, Brian Rivero discussed the various options of standardized testing and test-optional schools saying, “There are many options for different tests students will take to gain college admission.”

School counselor Christine Potter discussed letters of recommendation from teachers, and the specific time window for that process. 

“It’s best to think about this before the window starts so you’re not trying to figure it out during that window of time,” said Potter.

Other counselors focused on the importance of finding balance while going through this process, for both students and parents. 

For students, the importance of being mindful when selecting classes for senior year was emphasized since the college application process and future planning can feel like an additional class according to the counseling department.

According to school counselor Nancy Decoteau, fall is a very stressful time for seniors, as early admission college applications are due on Nov. 1. 

 “I always tell students that senior year is a choose your own adventure grade,” said Decoteau, adding “We want students to have balance and not be burnt out by November 1.”

For parents, the main focus was how to support students in navigating a difficult part of life while remaining calm and mindful of what their child wants, not just their own goals.

“We know that it’s an important decision, we know it’s an important transition; when you call it a transition we’re reminded that we’ve been through this before and lived,” said school counselor, Matthew Ford.

The night ended with a panel of three college administration representatives from Colby College, UMass Amherst, and Syracuse University, hosted by counselors from the college and career center. 

The representatives discussed different parts of the college application process from the point of view of those reading and reviewing applications.

According to Turner, the future looks bright for North students, as 84 percent of last year’s graduating class accepted to one of their top three schools.