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Spotlight On: Linda Schulz, Director of College Counseling
Christ Church Episcopal School experiences have prepared graduating seniors for whatever comes next and to make a positive difference in the world. Each week beginning after Spring Break, we will put the spotlight on a graduating senior from the Class of 2019. But first, we’d like you to get to know the people behind these incredible students and their college journeys, our CCES College Counselors.
Mrs. Schulz has been in college admissions and college counseling for over 30 years. She attended Newberry College, graduating with a double major in English and Sociology (with Honors) with a concentration in drama. She worked at Newberry for several years as Assistant Director of Admission, then Acting Director of Admission. Mrs. Schulz then went on to work for Oglethorpe University in Atlanta as Associate Director of Admission, before leaving higher education to work at the Galloway School in Atlanta as Director of College Counseling. Prior to coming to CCES as the Director of College Counseling, she worked at Choate Rosemary Hall— one of the country’s most renowned boarding schools— as Associate Director of College Counseling. Mrs. Schulz currently sits on 2 university advisory boards and is a member of the Greenville County College Fair planning committee.
Q: Why did you choose this as a career path?
A: As a liberal arts major, I was focusing on a career in communications. However, I was approached by the admissions director at Newberry College and he asked if I would be interested in working for him as an admission counselor. I interviewed and was offered the job - I loved it! I enjoyed the travel, the interaction with young adults and helping students find their college fit with my alma mater. After 14 years in college admissions at Newberry and Oglethorpe, I was offered for a second time the position as director of admissions for a college. I did A LOT of soul searching and realized that I did not want a career that took me away from my work with young adults; I reveled in my daily interaction with high school and college aged young adults and in serving as a guide and mentor to them; thus, I knew I had to turn down the offer to be a director of college admissions. It was at this point that I began my career as a college counselor in a high school. My passion is in guiding students to discover their right “fit” or college home. It is so rewarding to watch a student grow as a person and to realize their unique and wonderful traits and talents that they will bring to a college community!
Q: What unique role do you think CCES college counselors play in supporting students’ college readiness?
A: We guide students to be their own advocates. From the 9th grade through to 12th, we are able to follow their high school careers and encourage (and inspire!) them to engage in their community and build their own unique stories. Then, we have the honor of guiding them in telling their stories to colleges. It is so rewarding!
Q: How do you go about establishing partnerships with colleges and universities, and how do these partnerships affect our students?
A: Partnerships with college admissions professionals is such a critical part of our job as college counselors. It is important that we network with our admission colleagues through professional associations and conferences, advisory boards, college tours and representative visits to CCES, so that colleges have a keen understanding of CCES, our curriculum, our school ethos, and the depth and breadth of our students’ engagement in activities outside of the classroom. It is also important for the college counseling team to stay current in regard to the admissions landscape so we can share our knowledge with our students and parents and make them savvy in their admission process! The more connected we are to our college and university colleagues, the more effectively we can counsel our students.
Q: For the student that has trouble making decisions and narrowing down where to apply, do you have any specific advice?
A: You have to do honest research. I tell all my students that the college search is the biggest research project they will do in high school— and they need to approach it as such! What is it that you most value when you think of your college career? What are those college traits and characteristics that are important to you when you choose your new college home? This is YOUR search, not your parents’ or your best friend’s. Remember though, there is no utopia, just a great fit! And, think not just about what the school will provide for you, but how will YOU be able to engage and contribute to your college community?
JUST FOR FUN!
What is one of your hidden talents? I can harmonize to any song!
What would students be surprised to find out about you? I have been around horses all my life, but I can’t ride well at all! I have been volunteering with Therapeutic Equine Therapy for over 30 years. Love my time with horses and children!
How do you spend your summer breaks? Traveling, visiting family and cleaning out clutter in my house.
What accomplishment fills you with pride so far this year? It has been very gratifying to see the work that I did with the College Preparatory Task Force several summers ago serve as part of the foundation for the CCES Strategic Plan.
What can you cook to perfection? My famous garlic sour cream chicken!
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Linda Schulz, Director of College Counseling
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Linda celebrated with two of her Class of 2018 students on College Signing Day
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The CCES college counseling team can't be beat!
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Christ Church Episcopal School (“CCES”) admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at CCES. CCES does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin, creed, religion, or sexual orientation in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, financial aid, scholarship or other programs, or athletic or other school-administered programs and activities.