College 101

Beginning in their freshman year, Upper Schoolers meet with members of Steward’s College Counseling team in preparation for the college admissions process. Director of College Counseling Heather Jeter, along with the rest of the team (Khadijah Luqman, associate director; Melissa Calkins, associate director; and Braeden Glancy ’15, administrative assistant), assists students each step of the way. Selecting a “best fit” college is a priority for the Office and a vital part of Steward's goal to equip students with the skills they’ll need to help shape the future. It is also essential to the School’s mission to prepare students for college and for life. 

The overnight college tour is an important part of the college-preparation process, as students are exposed to a variety of school types — public and private, small and large, urban and rural — over two days. For many students, it’s the first opportunity to explore college campuses. 

“They are asked to evaluate how they feel about school size, distance from home, setting, and other qualities that make up their ideal type of school,” said Ms. Jeter. This fall, the Class of 2024 visited James Madison University, Roanoke College, Longwood University, and Virginia Tech. Two additional college visits were canceled due to inclement weather. Spartans toured each campus and met with admissions officers and current students. “Our super-special tour guides at Virginia Tech were Elle Blangy ’22, Cassidy Snow ’22, Kennedy Crook ’21, Mike Frank ’21, Will Frank ’21, Jack Morgan ’21, Nicole Odibo ’21, Sam Popp ’19, Tyler Watkins ’19, and Glenn Frank ’17,” added Ms. Jeter enthusiastically. 

The Junior College Tour, which has been an important part of the College Counseling program for many years, was sidelined for two years during the pandemic, and “we noticed the difference in our students’ thought and decision-making processes,” said Ms. Jeter. “We were so glad to bring back the tour this year, and we’re thrilled by the enthusiasm students displayed on the trip.”

Each fall, juniors and seniors also meet with college representatives who visit the Steward campus. In all, representatives from approximately 100 colleges will come to Steward this year. During each meeting, a brief presentation is given about the school and its admissions process. 

Olivia Fudala ’23 said that both the college visits and the college tour have helped her sift through and analyze information as she applies to colleges.

“What I have enjoyed the most about the college visits is being able to ask questions,” she said. “I’ve learned information that wasn’t easy to find on my own, such as what admissions officers look for in an application.” Olivia is thankful for the mentorship and leadership that the College Counseling Office provides. “I know my counselors are always there to help and will do as much as they can to ease my stress,” she said. “ I am so grateful to have such a great team of counselors to help me put my best foot forward to my top list of colleges.”