Welcome to our College Corner
Welcome to the College Counseling Department at New West Charter School. We offer one-on-one college and career counseling for all New West Charter and NWC+ students. You can find everything you need to know about college counseling below.
Mrs. Sloustcher, Mrs. Hurst, Mrs. Favaro, and Ms. M. are thrilled to be working with the students and families of New West Charter School. We are dedicated to making the college preparation and application process enjoyable and accessible for all students. Through thoughtful planning, regular meetings and workshops, and individualized guidance, we work to create a successful path to college for all New West students.
We look forward to working with your family and helping our students on the path to reaching their goals.
Key Contacts
Supporting you through your college application process is our top priority. Whether you’re applying at UCs and Cal States, out-of-state and private colleges, Ivy League schools, community colleges, or anything else, we are here to help.
Senior Support is divided into 2 distinct categories:
- College Applications & Financial Aid | Mrs. Hurst
- College Essay Writing and Editing (1st Semester Only) | Ms. M.
Seniors can schedule one-on-one meetings with our college counseling team and can also drop by the college counseling office Monday through Thursday (no appointment necessary) for open office hours during Lunch.
For College Applications & Financial Aid
All seniors are required to meet with Mrs. Hurst. Schedule your one-on-one, on-campus college meetings with Mrs. Hurst -- signup on the College Center bulletin board next to Mr. Herrera’s office.
Open Office Hours: Monday – Thursdays during Lunch
Drop in, ask questions, work on applications, and get the support of not only Mrs. Hurst but also your fellow students. All students are welcome. No appointment necessary.
For College Essays (1st Semester Only)
Schedule your one-on-one, Zoom meetings with Ms. M. during 1st semester only.
*All seniors who will need letters of recommendation are required to have a meeting with the Head of College Counseling, Ms. Sloustcher, to ensure you have a finalized college list, that you’ve properly requested letters of recommendation, and have a good understanding of your master to-do list. You can sign up for this meeting after your meeting with Mrs. Hurst.
We want to ensure that you are maximizing your junior year. From academics to standardized tests to extracurricular activities, we are here to help you plan out a meaningful year. We will also help you explore college options and build a college list.
Junior support
All Juniors are required to meet with Mrs. Hurst. Schedule your one-on-one, on-campus college meetings with Mrs. Hurst – sign up on the College Center bulletin board next to Mr. Herrera’s office.
Open Office Hours: Monday – Thursday during Lunch
Drop in, ask questions, work on applications, and get the support of not only Mrs. Hurst but also your fellow students. All students are welcome. No appointment necessary.
We are committed to guiding our students from the beginning of high school to the end. We want to help you make the best decisions to keep you on track for your college goals. We also want you to adjust to high school and enjoy the start of the process.
Sophomore support
2nd semester: Meet with Mrs. Favaro on Zoom!
Schedule your one-on-one meetings with Mrs. Favaro by clicking here.
Join your one-on-one meetings with Mrs. Favaro by clicking here.
Meeting ID: 892 6090 3911
Passcode: 421622
Please come to the College Center for the meeting, where you can join from one of the computers in the office.
Open Office Hours: Monday – Thursday during Lunch
Drop in, ask questions, work on applications, and get the support of not only Mrs. Hurst but also your fellow students. All students are welcome. No appointment necessary.
Welcome to high school! Please take this year to adjust, get a strong grasp on high school expectations, and do your best academically and extracurricularly. We do not offer one-on-one meetings for freshmen, but you are welcome to ask questions anytime, attend our group workshops, and stop into open office hours. We look forward to meeting you soon!
Scheduling Meetings with our College Corner Counselors
Seniors: Mrs. Hurst
Sign up on the College Center bulletin board next to Mr. Herrera’s office.
Essay Meetings: Ms. M
Schedule your one-on-one meetings with Ms. M during 1st semester only.
Juniors: Mrs. Hurst
Sign up on the College Center bulletin board next to Mr. Herrera’s office.
Sophomores: Mrs. Favaro
Schedule your one-on-one meetings with Mrs. Favaro by clicking here.
How To Join A Meeting
Mrs. Hurst
Come to the college counseling office
Ms. M.
Available during 1st semester only.
Mrs. Favaro
Click here.
Meeting ID: 892 6090 3911
Passcode: 421622
College Counseling Schedule
Monday – Thursday
Open During Lunch
Seniors | College Application Meetings with Mrs. Hurst
Helping students find colleges that get them excited and then giving them the tools to get there is the driving motivation in all the work I do.
— Mrs. Sloustcher
More About Mrs. Sloustcher
Mrs. Kathryn Sloustcher attended the University of California, Santa Barbara, earning a BA in Communications. She has worked as a professional college admissions advisor for over eight years. She has worked as New West Charter’s Head College Counselor for five years. As a counselor, Mrs. Sloustcher enjoys mentoring, motivating, and focusing her students.
Mrs. Sloustcher has always been passionate about working with young people. In an effort to help others discover their own college path, she completed the UCLA College Counseling Certification Program, receiving a Certificate with Distinction. She is an active member of Western Association for College Admission Counseling (WACAC) and Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA).
Mrs. Sloustcher is available to meet with seniors to guide them through the exciting college application process. She advises students on building a college list, filling out college applications, writing admissions essays, finding letters of recommendation, and applying for financial aid and scholarships. During the second semester, she transitions to working with junior students. Mrs. Sloustcher is excited for another successful year!
Keep the process in perspective and never lose sight of the fact that it will all work out.
— Mrs. Hurst
More About Mrs. Hurst
Mrs. Diana Hurst graduated from UCLA with a BA in Psychology and went on to complete her Master’s Degree in Organizational Psychology. After a career as an HR Manager in advertising and public relations, then a stint as a docent for the School Programs at the Getty Villa, she returned to her alma mater to complete the UCLA College Counseling Certificate Program.
Mrs. Hurst has been in college counseling for over eight years. She worked as a College Advisor at Palisades Charter High School and worked in the college center at Malibu High and has assisted hundreds of students with their college plans.
Mrs. Hurst has traveled extensively visiting college campuses across the US and in Europe, the UAE, New Zealand and Australia. She is a member of Western Association for College Admission Counseling (WACAC) and participates in professional development whenever possible. Mrs. Hurst enjoys college counseling because it is such an exciting time for students as they begin the journey to discover their “next step” . She also reminds students to keep the process in perspective and never lose sight of the fact that it will all work out.
Mrs. Hurst is thrilled to be a part of the New West College team and is looking forward to contributing to the school’s ongoing success.
I'm dedicated to making the college admission process enjoyable and accessible for all students. I look forward to working with your family and helping our students on the journey to reach their college and career goals.
— Mrs. Favaro
More About Mrs. Favaro
Mrs. Laurie Favaro has been a college counselor for more than fifteen years, assisting students in all aspects of the college planning and admission process.
She has a Master’s Degree in Counseling with an emphasis in Career/Life Planning and a Certificate in College Admissions and Career Planning from U.C. Berkeley.
Professional memberships include the National Association for College Admission Counseling, the Western Association for College Admission Counseling, and the Higher Education Consultants Association.
More About Ms. M.
Ms. M. is passionate about the writing process and has been working as a professional college essay coach for over 10 years. Her work is focused on helping students build authentic narratives and showcase their unique personalities through their writing. Ms. M. helps students with all types of writing from personal statements to UC essays to school supplements and beyond. She takes a holistic approach to the writing process, working to get to know the individual student and supporting them in bringing out their unique voice.
Fall Semester
- Review courses and grades and discuss educational and career goals.
- Overview the college admissions process and discuss what colleges are seeking in their applicants, whether a student is planning to attend a 4-year college after graduation or as a community college transfer.
- Discuss SAT/ACT, test dates, and test prep.
- Review and advise on high school course selection and extracurricular activities, including community service, summer, and employment.
- Advise on college visits/touring. Discuss strategies for athletes, visual and performing artists, and students with learning differences.
Spring Semester
- Explore the factors that will make the student happy and successful in college.
- Discuss strategies for effectively researching and touring colleges. Review and make recommendations for student’s college list.
- Review career exploration tools.
- Review courses and grades and discuss educational and career goals.
- Overview the college admissions process and discuss what colleges are seeking in their applicants, whether a student is planning to attend a 4-year college after graduation or as a community college transfer.
- Review and advise on high school course selection and extracurricular activities, including community service, summer, and employment.
- Advise on college visits/touring. Discuss strategies for athletes, visual and performing artists, and students with learning differences.
- Review and make recommendations for student’s college list.
- Discuss fall SAT/ACT testing options, if needed.
- Discuss college application process.
- Review process for requesting counselor and teacher letters of recommendation.
- Help brainstorm and critique college essays.
College Representative Visits
If you are a College Admissions Representative, and you are interested in visiting New West Charter, please contact Mrs. Sloustcher or Mrs. Hurst. New West Charter is thrilled to host college admissions representatives throughout the school year. Please let us know if you are coming to the Los Angeles Area!
2021-22 College Admissions Reps Coming VIRTUALLY to New West!
Meet with the representatives from different colleges and universities from across the country. Reps will teach you about their college, answer questions, and help you understand the admissions and application process. Rep visits are open to any New West high school student.
These visits are announced in the morning student announcements.
Transcripts
New West Charter uses Parchment for sending official transcripts. Please contact Mrs. Sloustcher if you need help setting up your Parchment account.
New West Alumni – please use Parchment if you need a copy of your New West transcript.
Naviance
Naviance is a comprehensive K-12 college and career readiness solution that helps districts and schools align student strengths and interests to postsecondary goals, improving student outcomes and connecting learning to life.
Seniors – An essential part of the college application process is completing your Senior Questionnaire and College List in Naviance. In order to request letters of recommendation, it is required that you complete this documents.
NWC CEEB code
New West’s College Entrance Examination Board code, or CEEB code, is 054663.
Parent Workshops
6:00 PM | Beloved New West guest speaker, and former New West parent, Stephanie Hancock, will discuss the complicated financial aid process. Learn about how to complete the FAFSA, CSS Profile, and other aspects of bringing down the cost of college.
Approved Online Courses
New West Charter allows students to take online courses for credit in the following areas: Health and Credit Recovery (D or F). The following is a list of approved institutions for online courses. Before signing up for an online course, we suggest that you double-check that the class is UC approved. To search for UC approved schools and courses, please click here and search for the school and the class.