— Jen Curtis, College Counselor & Program Coordinator
As Watershed's college counselor for the past 11 years, I've witnessed significant changes in college admissions. Today's process extends beyond traditional metrics of grades, test scores, and lists of extracurricular activities. Colleges seek distinctive individuals who will contribute positively to their community while also excelling academically. With online applications driving increased submission rates, students must find authentic ways to stand out among applicants.
Our students and their academic experiences stand out on college applications. Our Portrait of a Graduate skills and habits, part of everything we do at Watershed and at the center of what colleges are looking for, are communicated to admissions offices through our school profile, transcripts, and narrative assessments. Our honors level Expedition courses communicate the high level of academic challenge that is part of each of our students’ experience. The reflective thinking and writing built into the fabric of our program lead to authentic and meaningful personal essays. Deep working relationships with educators and community partners in the classroom, during after-school activities, and through local and global travel lead to compelling college essay topics and a strong sense of self and community. This special combination of academics and community engagement also helps our students stand out as college applicants better prepared for the academic and social demands of college.
Watershed’s project-based curriculum is built around exploration of the world’s great challenges and gets our students grappling with complex issues while building an understanding of themselves and how they can contribute to their human and ecological communities. Our courses provide real-world context and our assessments are based on the competencies in the rubrics developed by the American Association of Colleges and Universities for use with first-year college students. Our students are prepared to excel in college because they know what will be expected of them.
Our college counseling program is built into a student’s experience at Watershed. Starting in 8th grade, we get students thinking about and preparing for their transition to high school. In 9th and 10th grade, we offer guidance to identify and pursue interests and prepare for college entrance exams. In 11th and 12th grade, our students begin our College Seminar course; a yearlong process guiding students through the dreaming, researching, preparing, applying, and deciding process for their next academic journey. Unlike public schools where families often hire private college counselors, Watershed’s personalized college counseling is included as part of the Watershed educational experience. I help students and families at all points throughout the college search and application journey, starting in the 9th grade and really ramping up in the 11th and 12th grade years. Our college counseling program supports our students to be both reflective and task-oriented and to plan for, apply, and actualize their next steps in life. Each year, 100% of our seniors apply to and gain acceptance to college. Our students’ college acceptances and strong merit scholarship awards reflect the strength of our program.
The college process can be overwhelming and confusing - maybe even more so now due to the vast amount of information of varying quality available online. While students and families have different needs, I’ve found that everyone benefits from help with this process. I’m here for that. In addition to my small group work with students, I am available for one-on-one time with students and families at any time, notably during their 11th and 12th-grade years.
Students today face unique challenges, from managing media influences and navigating heightened competition in college admissions and the job market to keeping up with our rapidly changing world. At Watershed, we recognize these pressures and adjust to the changing world to help students develop the character and skills needed for their futures. It is a privilege for me to be able to work in my role, helping them build confidence in their path forward.
“At Pitzer, which is a member of Claremont Colleges, we have a specific take on the types of students we’re looking for. Watershed is pretty much an exact translation of what that student looks like in high school.”
