This document discusses promoting collaboration between students, parents, and guidance counselors during the college application process. It notes that the process can be highly stressful for students. At Lovett School, they have implemented several strategies to support students, including book clubs for parents that feature discussions led by guidance counselors. The goal is to provide a framework for honest exchanges of perspectives and reduce worry. Feedback from parents indicated they appreciated the small group setting, hearing different viewpoints, and the presence of counselors to help provide context and vision during this challenging time.

1. Promoting Collaboration:
Supporting the Student Behind the Application
The Lovett School
Kelley Greer, Co-Director of Guidance Counseling
Geoff Richman, Director of The Academic Resource Center
Jessica Sant, Director of College Counseling

2. THE NATIONAL CONTEXT

3. STRESSTRIGGERS
Source: http://journal.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fpsyg.2015.01028/full

4. TO WHOM
DO KIDS GO
FOR SUPPORT?
Source: http://journal.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fpsyg.2015.01028/full

5. Common Priorities

6. -Don't make the process more stressful than it already is by bombarding me with lots of ques;ons--I will tell them everything they
need/want to know without them asking me.
-Give friendly reminders and try to not add more stress than I already have.
-Help me brainstorm ideas for my college essays but not to edit my essay so much that it is no longer my voice.
-Be posi;ve, pa;ent, and just stay by my side!
-I appreciate advice and sugges;ons but at the end of the day it is my choice.
-Listen.
-Make sure I’m on track!
-I’m just fearful of my mother’s wrath.

7. Priority (Percentages)

8. -Kenneth H. Blanchard
None of us is as smart as all of us.

10. –Lovett Parent
“I loved Lovett taking the initiative and leadership
in guiding parents through this process.This should be
an incredibly fun and exciting process but it can
easily get hijacked by worry and rumor. I
appreciated the choice of the book and even more
the discussion with parents centered around the
book.The framework allowed an easy and honest
exchange of thoughts with the guidance team
providing perspective and vision. I applaud Lovett
for this approach and look forward to continued
participation.”

11. -Lovett Parent
“I thought the book club was great. I especially
appreciated the discussion from the counselors
and the parents with older children who have
been through the application process or college
experience already.”

12. –Lovett Parent
I liked it. I liked the small group, I liked hearing
different peoples thoughts and opinions, I liked
being able to sit in a small group setting with a
college counselor, a learning specialist...etc.

14. – Dean Jackson
“Listening is an art that requires attention over talent,
spirit over ego, others over self.”