Managing Large Caseloads WACAC SLC 2012 Presented by: Kathryn Favaro

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3 A Day in the Life of a Counselor- in California Average 945 students – most in the nation! Los Angeles - highest ratio in the state. Many schools & districts eliminating counselors completely. A range of duties besides college advising – scheduling classes, testing, administrative duties, etc. Time left for meeting with students – not enough!

4 There are solutions!

Ideas to Make Your Life Easier Volunteers Group presentations Workshops NPO’s Interns Online tools Your Ideas! 5

But First…An Important Update Common App Optional Opt-Out For Counselor Recommendation: Counselors who indicate they cannot provide a written evaluation due to caseload demands will be able to submit the School Report without uploading a recommendation. 6

Volunteers 7 WHO: Independent college advisors, parents, retired counselors/teachers WHAT: One-on-one student meetings, filing, organizing, call slips, research, creating flyers, etc. HOW: Ask for help. Build the relationship. Put them to work!

Group Presentations 8 Ever find you are repeating the same information over and over? Who: you, independent advisor, test prep professional, admissions rep, student (?) When: morning announcements, lunch, class time, after school, evening What: focus on key topics for students and parents by year and priority – include flyers

Workshops WHERE: library, computer lab, extra classroom, your office WHAT: special groups, essay writing, CSU application, Family Connection, FAFSA, etc. WHY: Keep students on track for major milestones by getting tasks done together 9

Non-Profit Organizations 10 And many more!!! Help your students who need it the most. NPO’s typically look for low-income, first generation, and underserved student communities.

Interns UCLA Certificate Advisor: Martha Hochstrasser (310) Utilize people who are preparing for careers in school and college counseling. Recent grads looking for experience or current students. UCLA College Counseling Certificate Program – required practicum component – 64 hours USC School Counseling Masters – required internship – 600 hours USC Senior Student Services Advisor: Sheila Sanchez (213)

Online Tools PowerPoints/Handouts/Checkl ists College Discovery Financial Aid Free SAT Prep College Cost Calculators Scholarships And so much more! 12 collegeboard.org, princetonreview.com, cappex.com, finaid.org, collegeprowler.com, simpletuition.com, petersons.com, fastweb.com, assist.org, collegeconfidential.com, collegenavigator.com…and many more!

Let’s Share Success Stories 13

Thank you for your time! Kathryn Favaro Certified College Admissions Advisor (424)