Mount Carmel Academy’s Student and Parent Outreach Efforts

Kerri Caruso, Mount Carmel Academy, New Orleans

In order to reach a larger audience and hone in on specific topics related to college admissions, Mount Carmel Academy started both a coffee talk and podcast series last school year to help parents and students. The “Coffee, College and Conversations” series takes place in the morning and in the afternoon to help accommodate working parents. The topics include the Mount Carmel transcript, standardized tests, value of extracurricular activities, college costs, and planning a college tour/the value of touring.

College admissions officers are also interviewed for the podcasts. Topics related to admissions include demonstrated interest, the value of touring, the role of extracurricular activities, test optional/test flexible, admission by major/college program, and exploring self-reported grades and test scores. Other topics include how to best navigate a large, public institution and the role of smaller regional state colleges. The coffee talks and any resources given are recorded and posted on the school’s website. The podcasts are sent monthly to families and posted on the school’s website.

Two years ago, we also began a college visits and profiles Google site for students and parents. The site contains a Google slide of pictures she took while visiting the colleges/universities, a video tour of the campus and facts about the schools, including their location, history, academic and extracurricular facts, process for admissions and financial aid.

While not all counselors have the same resources, we hope that these ideas can help others to help their students in the college search process!