I have really enjoyed getting to work with guidance counselors and students at King College Prep and Kenwood Academy High School. I have been able to help students demystify the college process (including selectivity, financial aid and scholarships, and essay work) and make substantial progress in their knowledge and application of that knowledge when it comes time to apply to colleges. Working with the counselors, I have streamlined college access data systems that track college acceptances, alumni data, and scholarship information. I have also assisted in planning college access-themed events to get students excited about the college application process.
What I wish was different
The main issue I have with Promise is the general lack of Admissions training that interns receive. I have received some, but it has been sparse and would have been helpful in preparing me for further work with the Admissions Office. However, this internship is still helpful in getting student's foot in the Admissions door and it is a great way to work directly with high school students.
Advice
1) You have to be flexible. Depending on the time, the college process will be different and students and guidance counselors will have different needs that might not necessarily align with your #1 most-desired project. That's ok. If you're truly interested in working with high school students in Admissions or another education field, you can find ways to make it work. 2) You have to be open-minded and willing to learn throughout the internship. These students might have different experiences than yours and their college application process might be different as well. Just because you applied to college one way doesn't mean you know the ins and outs of the college application process. It's fine to not know all the answers and you will learn how different situations can affect college access through phone calls with the FAFSA office and with Admissions offices at regional universities and even with informal conversations with your supervising counselor or the student (or their parent).
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One person found this helpful
Admissions Fellow
June 2018 • Chicago, IL
What I liked
The environment of the office is absolutely wonderful! I feel comfortable turning to any staff member with questions. Furthermore, the work that I have been doing has been rather substantive. I feel as if I am making meaningful contributions to the University as we strive to make college more accessible to prospective students.
What I wish was different
Nothing!
Advice
Don't be afraid to ask questions and branch out! If you see a project that you want to get involved with, do not hesitate to reach out to whomever is leading it. Building rapport with the counselors in the office is important and can only aid in bettering your time here!
