As new Subschool 1 counselor Danielle Savastano makes her way into the CHS community, she is greeted by many seniors awaiting her help. Savastano counsels all students with last names Bom- Dah but her current focus is on the seniors.

With college admissions dates approaching the senior class of 2025 college application season begins. Since many of the 714 seniors are planning their post-graduate lives, Savastano prepares with a step-by-step approach to handle her own 75 seniors. She has received every senior’s counselor packet and is currently reviewing them. 

“Although there are many packets to get through, I feel I can handle going through every single one,” Savastano said.

A counselor packet has information about a student, including college interests, an activity list and personal hobbies. This process assists the counselor in writing letters of recommendation for students.

“I think that getting to know all of my seniors will help me write the best possible recommendation letter that I could possibly make,” Savastano said.

The next step for Savastano is the Common Application, a process that takes many months and consists of all the colleges students may be applying to. The Common App essays and transcripts and two of the other main things that Savastano has to review. Students can bring their drafted essays to their counselors in order for them to be reviewed.

She has individual meetings with seniors and parents, as part of the college application process, to discuss future goals and the specific process needed to achieve them.

“The meetings can be as long as the senior wants, just as long as the senior leaves the meeting feeling comfortable and confident,” Savastano said. 

Additionally, Savastano’s experience has been helpful to her current job. She attended James Madison University and earned her master’s degree in K-12 counseling. While being a full-time student-athlete, Savastano received the opportunity to immerse herself in the professional teaching field. 

“During my time at JMU, I earned an internship working at a local high school, so I’m not totally clueless,” Savastano said. 

Subschool 1 seniors are encouraged to introduce themselves and speak about their aspirations, goals and ambitions to Savastano.

“[The] making sure of getting to know the student is what’s most important first,” Savastano said. “Then that will easily guide to the next steps.”