The College Counselor is responsible for working with students and families in all aspects of the college counseling program.  The office of college counseling advise students about college choice, prepares recommendations and other materials to support applications, provides scholarship information, arranges visits with college representatives, organizes programs to support the college counseling program, and cultivates relationships with colleges and universities. This position acts as a resource for the entire school community.

College Counseling 

• Provide consistent one-on-one college counseling and advising to students, guiding them through all aspects of the college search and application process.
• Assist students with identifying colleges and universities that are a good fit academically and socially, considering both personal and family needs.
• Guide students to develop and refine their college application materials, including essays, resumes, and personal statements including careful review of finalized materials. Maintain strong channels of communication with families, providing updates on their student’s progress and addressing any concerns or questions they may have.
• Manage and facilitate College Counseling courses.
• Organize and lead group sessions on topics such as college application strategies, essay writing, and standardized testing.
• Integrate the school’s values and traditions into the college counseling process, encouraging students to explore opportunities that align with their identity.

Strategic Leadership

• Building on the school’s comprehensive college counseling program, ensure a structured and organized approach to each student’s journey.
• Work to build relationships with the students, faculty, and staff at Worcester Prep through engagement and participation with the school community.
• Develop, enhance and implement exceptional programming that informs students and families of the college search process.
• Maintain records of admission decisions and statistics.
• Review and update the College Counseling page of the Worcester Prep website and the College Counseling MySchoolApp tile.
• Serve as a resource on matters related to college admissions, preparing students for a successful transition from the Worcester Prep Upper School to higher education.
• Prepare and present data reports as requested by the Head of School and Board of Trustees.
• Maintain a presence at Back to School Night and other Worcester Prep events.
• Provide leadership in creating a supportive environment where students’ individual strengths, goals, and values are emphasized throughout the college process.

College Admissions and Outreach

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with admissions officers and staff at colleges and universities.
• Coordinate visits and informational sessions with college representatives, ensuring students have exposure to a wide range of institutions.
• Organize and manage trips to college fairs regionally.
• Foster timely transmission of transcripts and applications to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.
• Engage in meaningful professional development and establish a presence in professional organizations such as AIMS, PCACAC, ACCIS and NACAC.
• Host panel discussions, and presentations on various aspects of the college process, including financial aid and scholarships.
• Stay informed on the latest trends and changes in the college admissions landscape, including changes to testing requirements, application procedures, and financial aid opportunities.

Academic Advising

• Provide ongoing academic advising to students, helping them determine curricular paths that align with their strengths, interests, and college goals.
• Monitor academic progress, provide feedback, and intervene when necessary to help students meet graduation requirements and achieve academic success.
• Partner with the Head of Upper School on academic advising and course registration and collaborate with faculty to ensure students are placed in appropriate courses.

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university required, Master’s Degree preferred.
• Two years of college counseling experience in an independent school preferred.
• A strong incumbent for this position possesses the following:
  • Critical knowledge of issues and trends in college admission, higher education, and testing.
  • Membership in professional organizations such as PCACAC, ACCIS, and NACAC
  • An ability to meet deadlines and respond to sensitive matters and/or situations with discretion, tact, and confidentiality.
  • Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to prioritize action items, multi-task projects with equal priority, work as a part of a team, and anticipate work.

About Worcester Preparatory School

Located on Maryland’s Eastern Shore in Berlin just fifteen minutes from the Ocean City beaches, Worcester Preparatory School is a co-ed independent day school with an average of 500 students in grades pre-K – 12. The school has comprehensive facilities on a 45-acre campus just a mile from the vibrant town center in Berlin. Governed by an independent board of trustees, WPS was founded in 1970 and enjoyed rapid growth in the decades that followed. It is the premier independent school on the Eastern Shore, drawing students from Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware; some travelling over an hour to reach campus. All graduates matriculate to four-year colleges or universities, many among the most selective in the nation. WPS strives to keep its curriculum relevant to the dynamic world of the 21st Century, while remaining true to its values as a traditional college prep school. WPS is accredited by the Association of Independent Maryland and DC Schools (AIMS) and is a member of NAIS. In the spirit of “bricks & mortar do not a school make”, WPS’s greatest strength is the tremendous passion the educators, students, parents, friends, and trustees have for the school. It is a wonderful s...chool and community in which to work and a great opportunity for new faculty. Worcester Preparatory School is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. Compensation and benefits are competitive with other area private schools and are adjusted based on experience level and credentials. Interested persons should send a letter of interest, employment application, and resume to Heather Parsons, Director of Human Resources, at hparsons@worcesterprep.org.

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Connections working at Worcester Preparatory School