College Counseling

College Counseling Program

The goal of the college counseling program at RSHS is to support students and families as they plan and prepare for their next steps after graduation. For most of our students, this means conducting a college search; for some students it can include planning a gap year, arranging an apprenticeship or job, pursuing other education or training, or exploring options in the military. Our program is designed to support our students as they engage in self-reflection, develop independence, and explore their place in the wider world.

Components of our college counseling program include:

• College Prep class - a weekly class required for 11th graders in their second semester and 12th graders in their first semester. 
  • Taught by our College Counselor, this class focuses on helping students understand the college application process and providing support through all the steps. 
  • Topics include standardized testing, financial aid/scholarships, developing a college list, gap years, resume development, and crafting and revising an essay. 
  • Time is allotted for 12th graders to work independently on their applications with individual support.
• College Night Information Sessions - a monthly evening program for parents and families. 
  • Topics include understanding the admissions process and how it has changed, the details of financial aid, the role that parents and families play in supporting their student through the ups and downs of the process, and more.
• Family Meetings - beginning in January of the 11th grade year.
  • Allow each student and their parents to get individualized support to develop their post-graduation plans. 
  • The sequence is designed to provide support at key points along the path of discerning and planning for college or other next steps. 
  • Three is a minimum, not maximum, number of meetings - the College Counselor is also available to meet with students and families or provide support by email as needed throughout the process. 
• College Counseling Newsletter - a monthly resource sent out through ParentSquare with relevant articles, updates, and links for students and families.
• College Admissions Rep Visits - hosted here at the school, typically in the fall during lunch hours, provide an opportunity for students to connect with college admissions staff and learn more about what different colleges have to offer.
• Resource Library - books and materials about college selection, gap year planning, career planning, financial aid, standardized testing, and other topics. 
  • Books are available to all students and families, and can be borrowed and returned on the honor system. 
• Logistical support - for essay revisions, application questions, transcript submission, detailed counselor recommendation letter, and other parts of the application process.
• Curricular and structural complements to the program - including our college preparatory academic curriculum, 11th grade internship requirement, opportunities to develop interests and show leadership through clubs and athletics, and close connections with faculty who can write strong recommendations.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions!
College Counselor: Amy Thudium, athudium@steinerschool.org; 734-669-9394
High School Administrative Coordinator: Katie Simon, ksimon@steinerschool.org; 734-669-9394

Colleges Attended by Graduates, 2020-2024 

(Numbers in parentheses indicate number of students attending, if more than one.)

Other Plans    
Au pair in Berlin, Germany    
EMT Certification    
Gap year (4)    
Goetheanum for further Waldorf study    
Return home to Germany to take Abitur