When most students think of college counseling, they picture it as something that only matters during senior year, when application deadlines and essays start to pile up. To the Gibbons’ college counselors, that’s often one of the biggest misconceptions students have.
“Grades matter from freshman year on,” said Mrs. Jeanette Hadsell, Director of College Counseling. “It’s really hard in your junior year to change your GPA a lot, because it’s been building since freshman year.”
While many students only visit their counselor when it’s time to apply to college, the College Counseling department actually supports students in far more ways. Counselors help students choose appropriate classes, balance workloads, and manage stress when responsibilities outside of school start to interfere.
“We can support students in a lot of different ways, not just navigating college,” said college counselor Mrs. Amanda Olsen. “If a student is out for an extended time, we’ll work with teachers to help organize makeup work and create a plan so they don’t fall behind.”
Still, for upperclassmen, college planning is a big part of what the department does. In the fall, the focus is on seniors, helping them edit essays, review applications, and double-check that everything matches between Common App and SCOIR. In the spring, attention shifts to juniors, preparing them for SAT and/or ACT testing, researching schools, and building balanced college lists.
Hadsell explained that one of her main goals for seniors is to have options for college.
“We want them to have multiple options when it comes time to decide, not just one,” Hadsell said.
Counselors also notice common patterns in what stresses students out the most. Essays tend to make the top of the list.
“Writing about yourself is hard,” Hadsell said. “Students think something big has to have happened to them, but it can be something small—like an interest or a hobby that’s meaningful.”
Olsen agreed, adding that the best essays reveal growth or personality, not just a dramatic event.
“The topic itself doesn’t matter as much as what we learn about you through it,” Olsen said.
Both counselors also discussed how college admissions trends have shifted. After years of test-optional policies during COVID, some schools are starting to require test scores again. Others are focusing more on “demonstrated interest,” which is students showing genuine enthusiasm for a school through campus visits, online info sessions, or email engagement.
But despite all the changes and stress that come with college applications, the counselors’ biggest advice remains simple: start early, and use the support that’s already available.
For underclassmen, that means focusing on grades and taking classes that feel challenging but are still manageable.
“If you’re not doing well in your current classes, taking harder ones won’t help your GPA,” Hadsell explained. “Colleges want to see you’re challenging yourself appropriately.”
And while sophomores and freshmen may not see their college counselors often, it’s never too early to stop by and say hello.
“It’s nice when the first time I see someone isn’t in their junior meeting,” Hadsell said.
Ultimately, both counselors agree that visiting college counseling isn’t only about preparing for college; it’s also about finding the right balance and direction throughout high school.
“We hope we can make the process a little less stressful and a little less scary. What might feel overwhelming to you is something we help students with every day,” Olsen said.
