Whitman - College App Guidance (or Lack Thereof)

[Anonymous]

I have a senior at Whitman. I'm starting to think we either missed something, or that there is just an astonishing lack of guidance being provided students (and parents) regarding the college application processes (using Naviance, getting transcripts, LORs, etc.). We did attend the parent zoom last Spring, but as of now, it seems to be a matter of relying on previous years' checklists, etc. to try to piece the process together. Is anyone else feeling this? This is our first time going through this, and we did/do not have the $ to pay for a private college counselor. I am hearing of kids already submitting apps, and I can't figure out how they know how to handle all the moving parts. Are these the kids with private counselors?

[Anonymous]

Welcome to MCPS. Everything is pretty much self-serve. I think if YOU approach the college and career counselor than they might help you, but they aren't going to do so proactively.

[Anonymous]

At WJ they had a group meeting last spring where they covered this stuff, and they are having another one next week called a "Senior Class meeting." They explained the process pretty clearly, but there are a lot of parts to track.

[Anonymous]

We have a kid at Whitman as well and two who graduated a few years ago. There is not a lot of guidance, but I do seem to recall the Spring meeting covering the basics. If you have friends who have gone through the process the last year or two, your best bet is to ask their advice. Most people who have gone through the process are very happy to do some hand-holding.

Otherwise, head over to the College Forum on DCUM. Most posters are very helpful about answering straightforward questions about navigating the application process.

[Anonymous]

RM had counselors meet with kids in their English classes once junior and one senior year. They also had a session for parents (though it was during the day so not terribly easy for parents to attend)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:RM had counselors meet with kids in their English classes once junior and one senior year. They also had a session for parents (though it was during the day so not terribly easy for parents to attend)

Yup. That seems to be the model across MCPS High Schools.

[Anonymous]

Have you called your DC's counselor to make an appointment?

[Anonymous]

There is helpful information on Whitman’s website. Actually much more than many MCPS high schools. Review that info and good luck.

[Anonymous]

Whitman is a shitshow. How did you not figure this one out in 9th?

[Anonymous]

There is a new college counselor at Whitman and none of the material has been updated for 24-25. I assume it’s the same process as last year, although many of the links are not functioning to confirm. One college counselor for nearly 600 kids is crazy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There is a new college counselor at Whitman and none of the material has been updated for 24-25. I assume it’s the same process as last year, although many of the links are not functioning to confirm. One college counselor for nearly 600 kids is crazy.

Yes, that means they are often in fire fighting mode. Getting the kid who has a drug problem sorted out before talking nicely to the parent of a straight A student.