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Academic Counselor Job Description

The Academic Counselor supports students and families in academic planning, college admissions, and career exploration. This role provides individualized guidance, facilitates college readiness programs, serves as a liaison between students, parents, and higher education institutions, and oversees standardized testing as the Campus Test Coordinator. The Academic Counselor reports to the Upper School Principal and works collaboratively with faculty and staff to promote student success beyond high school.

Classification: This is a full-time exempt position; roughly 40 hours per week.

Essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

College and Career Counseling

+ Provide individualized and group counseling to assist students in developing post-secondary education, career, and personal goals.

+ Offer students and parents access to resources and tools for college admissions, scholarships, financial aid, and career exploration.

+ Organize and host college-focused events including Academic Preview Night, Countdown to College, college fairs, and luncheons for college representatives.

+ Coordinate guest speaker opportunities with college admissions representatives and community professionals.

+ Maintain and distribute a current list of scholarship opportunities and other college planning resources.

+ Remain current on college admissions practices through attendance at professional conferences, college campus visits, and admissions updates.

+ Plan and lead annual college trips for various grade levels.

College Application Support

+ Guide students and families through the college application process, including essay review, scholarship applications, financial aid (FAFSA/TASFA), and institutional requirements.

+ Provide timely and personalized letters of recommendation and support documentation for applications.

+ Update and manage forms related to transcript and letter of recommendation requests.

+ Serve as the campus liaison for visiting college representatives and support their recruitment efforts.

+ Inform students of dual credit and early admissions program requirements, coordinate enrollment with partner colleges.

+ Maintain accurate and confidential student records through Scoir and ensure appropriate use of student data.

Academic Advising & Scheduling

+ Meet with students and families for academic planning, course selection, and schedule changes.

+ Assist with class balancing and troubleshoot scheduling conflicts in collaboration with academic leadership.

+ Evaluate transcripts for new and transferring students and ensure appropriate course placement.

+ Support student-athletes with NCAA eligibility requirements and assist with NCAA registration.

Assessment and Testing

+ Act as the campus test coordinator in administering school-based exams, AP testing, and placement assessments.

+ Attend annual SAT and ACT training updates to remain current on standardized testing policies.

+ Interpret and communicate results from standardized assessments and interest inventories to guide academic and career planning.

Student and Parent Engagement

+ Provide counseling support for students and serve as a resource for parents regarding academic, social, and emotional development.

+ Conduct individual and group meetings, including Junior/Senior Seminar and parent information nights, to support student transitions and planning.

+ Coordinate with staff to support students participating in external programs such as the Tyler Chamber of Commerce C4 Career Connections and Texas Bank and Trust Student Board of Directors.

+ Help organize special events such as Academic Awards, Senior Awards, and Graduation

Collaboration and Administration

+ Develop and maintain positive working relationships with students, parents, faculty, and staff.

+ Work collaboratively with community organizations, outside agencies, and higher education institutions to expand student opportunities.

+ Maintain confidentiality in accordance with school policy and professional standards.

+ Assist with commencement planning and related graduation responsibilities as assigned.