NOSCA: National Office for
School Counselor Advocacy

Eight Components

This comprehensive systemic approach helps school counselors inspire and prepare students for college success and opportunity — especially students from underrepresented populations. The Eight Components build aspirations and social capital, offer enriching activities, foster rigorous academic preparation, encourage early college planning, and guide students and families through the college admission and financial aid processes.

Download the Eight Components of College and Career Readiness Counseling. (.pdf/1.28MB)

• 1. College Aspirations

  Build a college-going culture by nurturing student confidence to aspire to college and the resilience to overcome challenges along the way.

• 2. Academic Planning for College and Career Readiness

  Advance students’ planning, preparation, participation and performance in a rigorous academic program that connects to college and career goals.

• 3. Enrichment and Extracurricular Engagement

  Ensure equitable exposure to a wide range of extracurricular and enrichment opportunities.

• 4. College and Career Exploration and Selection Processes

  Provide early and ongoing exposure to experiences and information necessary to make informed college and career decisions.

• 5. College and Career Assessments

  Promote preparation, participation and performance in college and career assessments by all students.

• 6. College Affordability Planning

  Provide students and families with comprehensive information about college costs, payment options, and financial aid and scholarship processes.

• 7. College and Career Admission Processes

  Ensure that students and families have an understanding of the college and career application and admission processes.

• 8. Transition from High School Graduation to College Enrollment

  Connect students to school and community resources to overcome barriers and ensure the successful transition from high school to college.