Academics

College Counseling

College Counseling Philosophy

The College Counseling staff believes that the college search and selection process is an educational process and the natural culmination of a student's years at Newman. Each student’s path in this process will be unique and that the student will lead in this time of self-exploration. We are here as allies and advocates, to offer appropriate support throughout. We believe that students, with guidance and encouragement from the counselors, get themselves into college. This is an important period of self-reflection and self-direction. While we are here to advise throughout, success in the process is a function of the student's investment and choices.

List of 3 events.

  • Mar
    18

    Bishop's University Presentation

    Shane McFarlane, Admissions Officer at Bishop's University, will visit Newman to meet with interested students.
    Jefferson - College Counseling Office - 108
  • Mar
    19

    Centenary College of Louisiana Presentation

    Kierston McPherson, Admissions Counselor at Centenary College of Louisiana, will visit Newman to meet with interested students.
    Jefferson - College Counseling Office - 108
  • Mar
    19

    Centre College Presentation

    Lainy Castañeda, Admission Counselor at Centre College, will visit Newman to meet with interested students.
    Jefferson - College Counseling Office - 108

College Counseling Staff

List of 4 members.

  • Photo of Stephen Soud

    Steve Soud 

    Director of College Counseling
    504-896-6313
    Bio
  • Photo of Alexandra Gonzalez

    Alex Gonzalez 

    Associate Director of College Counseling
    504-896-6333
    Bio
  • Photo of Raynette Lumas

    Raynette Lumas 

    Assistant Director of College Counseling and Testing Accommodations Coordinator
    504-896-6404
    Bio
  • Photo of Anita Hedgepeth

    Anita Hedgepeth 

    Registrar/College Counseling Assistant/AP Coordinator
    504-896-6324
    Bio

Common Questions

List of 4 frequently asked questions.

  • When does college counseling start at Newman?

    Parent programs begin in the 9th grade year, orienting families to our philosophy and approach. However, Newman students begin the college search and selection process in earnest during the spring semester of the junior year. College Counseling 301: A Panel of Admissions Deans is held in January for both students and parents, and then each student and family meets with a college counselor to begin the process.   
  • Where do Newman graduates go to college?

    Newman graduates matriculate to a wide variety of colleges and universities across the country – large and small, public and private.  See the Profile of Isidore Newman School for more information. 
  • How does Newman prepare students for the ACT and SAT? 

    The best preparation for the ACT and SAT is a college preparatory course of study such as that provided at Newman. As a supplement to regular coursework, students find that the focused review and test-taking strategies presented in test prep courses can be helpful. For this reason, Newman has partnered with Alex Gershanik of Power Courses to provide SAT and ACT test preparation classes during the junior year. 
  • What opportunities do colleges have to get to know Newman students?  

    Each year the college counseling office welcomes 75 to 100 colleges and universities from across the country and around the world to campus to meet our students. While these meetings are advantageous for our students, giving them the chance to meet with admission personnel in a small, intimate setting, it also gives admission counselors the chance to learn about the depth and breadth of Newman’s rigorous curriculum and the many opportunities available to students for engagement in our student body. 
     
    Additionally, through programs like College Counseling 301: A Panel of Admissions Deans, admission professionals join our campus community in dynamic conversations around issues relevant to the college application process and higher education landscape.  
     
    Opportunities like these ensure that colleges and universities are familiar with the academic reputation of Newman and the distinct talent of its students. 
1903 Jefferson Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70115
Phone: 504.899.5641
Fax: 504.896.8597
Open 7:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Monday through Friday
An independent,
co-educational,
non-denominational day
school in New Orleans for
early childhood through 12th grade