Academic Futures

Kate Henderson Joins Academic Futures College Consulting Practice

mrzuccolol — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 23:18:36 +0000

Auburn University recruiter Kate Henderson has joined the Academic Futures team at The Summit Counseling Center in Alpharetta, announced Leigh Anne Spraetz, LPC, NCC, president of the group.

Academic Futures, Inc. specializes in college and career counseling for high school students and young adults. Founded by Spraetz, the 15-year-old practice serves students from many North Fulton public and private high schools, as well as college students who are still trying to decide on their major.

During her seven-year career in college admissions, Henderson has worked with both small and large institutions. A graduate of Auburn University with a B.A. in communications and a master’s degree in higher education administration, Henderson most recently served Auburn as a regional recruiter. In that position, she assisted Atlanta area students and their families with each part of the college selection process, including admission, scholarships, and financial aid.

“I am so excited to have Kate join my practice,” said Spraetz. “I have worked closely with her for many years. My students have always commented on the professionalism and warmth she offers in her interactions. I know she will provide the same for my clients through her knowledge of college admissions from her experience at Auburn University as well as in working with numerous admissions representatives and recruiters from other colleges. I regret taking such a valuable resource away from my Alma Mater and know she will be sorely missed, but I am thrilled to have her join Academic Futures.”

Henderson also has been a mentor for new regional recruiters and is active in a variety of professional organizations on the local, regional, and national levels. She will begin transitioning her duties at Auburn University and will start working with students at Academic Futures on June 1.

Academic Futures added another new staff member earlier this year: Sonja Maxwell, M.A., a licensed clinician, who assists Spraetz with the six hours of career testing and exploration which helps students gain a strong sense of self-awareness.

Academic Futures works with high school students from freshmen to seniors. “We help students develop a vision for their future academic plans, understand their strengths and how to demonstrate this knowledge in their high school experiences, extracurricular activities, and applications” said Spraetz.

Spraetz typically tours 40 to 60 colleges across the country each year. She develops an individualized college list for each student and then coaches the college-bound students through the application process, including advice on writing their application essays. “We help them develop ideas,” she said. “But they write their own essays; then we review them for clarity. We provide an action plan to keep them focused, encouraged, and moving forward.”

Top Ten Strengths and Experiences Colleges look for in High School Students

davidsmith — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 19:10:27 +0000

A rigorous high school curriculum that challenges the student and may include AP or IB classes.
Grades that represent strong effort and an upward trend. However, slightly lower grades in a rigorous program are preferred to all As in less challenging coursework.
Solid scores on standardized tests (SAT, ACT). These should be consistent with high school performance.
Passionate involvement in a few activities, demonstrating leadership and initiative. Depth, not breadth, of experience is most important.
Letters of recommendation from teachers and guidance counselor that give evidence of integrity, special skills, positive character traits, and an interest in learning.
A well-written essay that provides insight into the student’s unique personality, values, and goals. The application essay should be thoughtful and highly personal. It should demonstrate careful and well-constructed writing.
Special talents or experiences that will contribute to an interesting and well-rounded student body.
Demonstrated leadership in activities. Colleges want people who will arrive prepared and willing to take leadership of student activities and events.
Demonstrated intellectual curiosity through reading, school, leisure pursuits, and more.
Demonstrated enthusiasm to attend, often exhibited by campus visits and an interview, showing an interest toward attending the college.

Based on a Survey of IECA member consultants

Download the PDF: IECA CollegeTopTenList

My First Blog Post This Year

davidsmith — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 17:00:19 +0000

Hello. This is my first blog post.

IECA Press Release

davidsmith — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 17:01:28 +0000

New Survey Shows Essays, Letters of Recommendation Gain Importance With College Admissions

IECA-2007 What Colleges Want (PDF)

Essays & Letters of Recommendation Gain Importance With College Admissions

davidsmith — Mon, 01 Jan 2007 17:14:36 +0000

Academic Futures – Spraetz 011107 (PDF)