The best path to prepare for success at a college or university isn’t the same for every student. One of the most important messages that high school students and their parents should hear is that scholarly development and college admissions are not “one size fits all.”
That’s a message that Bret Vallun, associate dean of college counseling at the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts, shares with his students. He previously served as a Student Success Coordinator at the school. In his new position, which he started during the summer of 2021, he assists the students through the college application process.
“The notion is, ‘If I make high test scores and make all A’s, or if I go to ASMSA, I will get into X college or university.’ It is more complicated than that,” Vallun said. “I often see and hear students — some parents — glamorizing the top colleges featured on U.S. News (annual “Best Colleges” list), when the real emphasis should be placed on taking advantage of the high school experience.
“In high school, students should be more focused on cultivating their skills and exploring their personality to help define the best version of themselves instead of letting all of their successes be determined by where they gained acceptance. Find out who you are, what you like, and what you’re good at, and pursue it to the fullest.”
Vallun said that students shouldn’t compete with or compare themselves to their peers. Instead they should compete with and compare “yourself to yesterday’s self.” By committing to becoming the best version of themselves while making the most of the great education provided to them through ASMSA they will be better equipped to find and get into the right college.
As associate dean of college counseling, Vallun is strictly focused on helping students with the college application process. It entails every component that you can think of regarding the college conversation, including narrative building, essay writing, scholarly development and financial aid. He helps them strengthen their academic profile through exposure to colleges, test prep, mock interviews, summer opportunities, competitions, recognitions and awards, and internships to better position themselves for selective colleges and competitive scholarship opportunities.
Having a dedicated staff member who focuses on serving as a liaison between students and institutions of higher education is a unique advantage for ASMSA students. Most often, school counselors must split their attention college admissions, academic advising, mental health concerns and more. He is able to put more focus on each individual student’s college plans while also building a rapport with higher education institutions.
“I think it helps us streamline the process,” Vallun said. “If this is my main focus, then I have the opportunity to advocate for our school and its students in face-to-face conversations with the ones responsible for determining admission and scholarship opportunities. It also allows me to build a relationship with them and understand their mission and goals so that I can help find the perfect student that aligns with their campus.”
In order to help students work toward their best selves, Vallun does his best to get to know each student personally. One of the key ways to do that is to make himself accessible.
“I think being present is a key factor. I keep an open-door policy. I host information sessions. I am even present at their events. By sustaining a presence, especially around the important college topics, I feel that I help our students and parents gain awareness of my responsibilities and commitments to them,” Vallun said.
Staying informed on the latest college topics and trends is even more vital during the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of the pandemic, many institutions have increased their virtual recruiting efforts. This benefits some students and parents who may not have stepped onto a college campus in the past or have the means to make many visits in person.
“Not all students can visit a campus, but many can join a Zoom (session). I think it is important for students and parents to explore these options. And I am not just talking about a virtual tour. There are many opportunities. It never hurts to reach out to colleges to inquire about their virtual opportunities for high school students. Exposure is key,” Vallun said.
Vallun joined the ASMSA staff as a Student Success Coordinator in July 2017. His served as residence hall director and then as an admissions counselor from 2013 to 2015 at Henderson State University. He was pursuing a master’s degree in clinical mental health until he began working as an education advisor for Henderson’s TRIO Educational Talent Search program. That experience led him to change his focus to school counseling in 2015. He completed his master’s in counselor education/school counseling and guidance services in 2016.
“I quickly discovered a passion for helping students reach their postsecondary goals, so I made it my mission to consume as much information and knowledge as I could. I owed it to them to be knowledgeable so I read articles, books and attended information sessions hosted by admissions counselors and financial aid advisors. Since then, I have been exposed to so much more, and it has only made me want to learn more,” Vallun said.
Which leads back to Vallun’s current position at ASMSA. Part of his mission in helping the students find the right college opportunities for them is his hope that they will continue to be passionate about their chosen fields in the future.
“That is what I want for all students: to become lifelong learners!” he said.