College Counseling

The mission of the EMHS college counseling program is to help each student discern the path that is best suited to them, and to walk beside each as they embark on that path. Our goal is to empower students to take responsibility for their college search and applications.

We strive to meet the unique needs of each student by:

  • building personal relationships
  • partnering with students and their families to determine college “fit”
  • offering continuous support as they make difficult and exciting decisions about the future.

The school’s intimate size allows us to work individually with students as they research college choices, complete applications, and write essays.

Mrs. Hertzler works so hard for each student to be able to pursue their goals, whether that be college, work, or a gap year program. She’ll spend hours working on recommendation letters and scholarship lists for us that include due dates and direct links to apply. -- Student entry on collegexpress.com

Hertzler.Jodi

Jodi Nisly Hertzler

College Counselor, Registrar

hertzlerj@easternmennonite.org

College, career and service planning; application assistance

Member, National Association for College Admission Counseling; certified in College Counseling from UCLA Extension

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EMHS School Profile
EMHS Outcomes

EMHS College Counseling Services, Year by Year

Planning for college can feel daunting, but starting early and breaking the process into workable steps makes it manageable. Each year, we work with students in multiple ways to make sure they’re prepared. We are available at any time for meetings with students and/or parents. Contact us to schedule an appointment email. 

Freshman Year:

  • The College Counselor will visit 9th class meetings in winter to discuss goal setting, course planning, and what colleges are looking for.
  • Students will begin to develop their resumes on Scoir, a platform for college applications.
  • As students plan their schedules with school counselors and registrar, they’ll learn about diploma options and will receive personalized guidance as they plan courses for their sophomore year.

Sophomore Year:

  • Each sophomore will take the PSAT in October.
  • Every year in English 10, students embark in career exploration and research which culminates in a research paper about one particular career option.
  • The College Counselor provides an overview of the college application process and timeline, explain terminology and the variety of options available, and begin researching specific colleges that might be a good fit.
  • Students are encouraged to start visiting colleges.

Junior Year:

  • Juniors will take the PSAT again, this time as the qualifying exam for the National Merit Scholarship Program, as well as the last formal practice before taking the SATs in the spring.
  • College Counselor provides more in-depth workshops on researching specific colleges and the steps of college applications.
  • In February/March, students and families will meet with the College Counselor to discuss their hopes for their college experience and to develop a plan for their college application process (testing dates, college visits, senior year courses, etc.).
  • The College Counselor is available to provide specific college recommendations based on student preferences, academic performance, and standardized test results.
  • Juniors should take the SAT and/or the ACT at least once in the spring/summer of junior year.
  • All juniors will work on their college essays in the class, Personal Narratives.
  • Juniors are invited to meet with college reps that visit the campus.

Senior Year:

  • Seniors complete their standardized testing by the fall of senior year.
  • The College Counselor will meet with each student and their parents in August/September to finalize their college lists, make sure they’re on track, and answer questions.
  • All seniors are strongly encouraged to participate in a two-day Application Kickstart workshop in August before school starts.
  • The College Counselor will visit Government classes the second week of school for a final two-day session, walking students through the steps of completing applications, sending transcripts, and requesting teacher letters of recommendation.
  • Throughout the fall semester, the College Counselor will regularly meet with seniors as they complete applications, polish essays, and gather recommendations and other school forms.
  • Seniors are invited to meet with college reps that visit the campus.