The mission of the Academic and College Counseling Office “The ACC” is to ensure that EC students receive comprehensive academic, college, and career advisement throughout their time in high school. Partnering with parents, faculty, and administration, we strive to provide the best resources for students so that they feel well informed and prepared to pursue the postsecondary path of their choosing.
Meet the Academic & College Counseling Team
Stephanie Lim
Associate Director of Academic & College Counseling
Start Date: 2021
Education: B.A. Psychology, Rutgers University
M.A. School Counseling, Montclair State University
Bio:
Before joining the EC family, Stephanie worked in various public schools in Bergen County, New Jersey. Even from a young age, Stephanie knew she wanted to work with students as she walked alongside them to achieve their God-given potentials–she is so excited to be a part of this community to do exactly that! She recently celebrated her marriage to her husband, Peter. During her downtime, she enjoys baking and convincing Peter to foster a puppy. The Lim family enjoys serving at their church, The Church Gathered & Scattered.
Jesse Struck
Director of Academic & College Counseling
Start Date: 2012
Education: B.A. - Psychology, Duquesne University
M.S. - School Counseling, Gwynedd-Mercy University
Bio:
A proud Philadelphia native and NJ transplant, Jesse has held counseling positions in a variety of schools including The Stony Brook School, Mahwah High School, and a prior term at Eastern Christian (2012-2018). In his current role as Director of Academic and College Counseling, Jesse is excited to expand the resources and support that EC students receive throughout their academic progression and postsecondary transition. He is passionate about forming authentic relationships with students and helping them discern and follow the Lord’s leading in their lives. He is also passionate about Liverpool Football Club, but in a different way. Jesse is married to Lindsey Struck and they have two young children who will soon be attending EC.
Mr. Struck and Mrs. Lim work with students beginning in eight grade to develop academic plans aligned with their interests, abilities, and aspirations. Each spring, we revisit these conversations and help students select appropriate courses for the upcoming school year. As students progress through high school, they interact with our office with increasing frequency. What follows is a brief outline of the resources and support we provide for students during their junior and senior years in effort to guide them through their postsecondary transition.
“College Admissions 101” in January/February: students and parents, especially juniors, are invited to attend this evening program which provides a broad overview of the college admissions process and other postsecondary pathways.
Junior Meetings: Mr. Struck and Mrs. Lim meet with all juniors individually during their spring semester. Parents are strongly encouraged to attend. Meetings are typically held during school hours, but morning, afternoon, and evening meetings may be arranged upon request. Meetings include:
- Discussion about possible career options
- Discussion of related majors and minors and/or training programs
- Recommendations for college research and planning
- Review of high school transcript
- Review of Naviance tools and features
- Overview of college admissions process, components, and timeline
- Overview of financial aid process
- Creation of an individualized standardized testing plan (SAT and/or ACT)
- Discussion of college application strategies (early action, early decision, regular decision, rolling, etc.)
- Development of preliminary college list
- Brainstorm recommendations letters
- Discussion of senior schedule
- Academic and College Counseling Office procedures (required forms, transcript requests, timeline, etc.)
“College Application Night” in Sept/Oct: students and parents will have the opportunity to learn about the college application process from the perspective of a college admissions office.
“Financial Planning Workshop” in Oct: We invite a financial aid specialist to this event to assist students and parents through the financial aid process. This event is not reserved for juniors and seniors, ALL EC students and parents are invited and encouraged to attend.
Senior Meetings: Mr. Struck and Mrs. Lim meet with all seniors individually during their fall semester. Parents are strongly encouraged to attend. Meetings are typically held during school hours, but morning, afternoon, and evening meetings may be arranged upon request. Meetings include:
- Review of items discussed during junior meetings
- Review final list of colleges
- Application progress, completion, and questions
- Revisit application strategies (early action, early decision, regular decision, rolling)
- Review of test scores and discussion re: test-optional strategies
- Review of high school transcript
- Financial aid and scholarship procedures (FAFSA, CSS Profile, etc.)
- Follow up on overall progress
“Senior Celebration Night” in May/June: parents and seniors are invited to attend this community celebration of the highlights and achievements of the senior class.
