In the world of college admissions, where high school students often find themselves at the crossroads of worry and uncertainty, a guiding hand can make all the difference. Meet Oratory’s new Director of College Counseling, Mrs. Competelli. She is a dedicated professional with a passion for helping young minds embark on their higher education journey with confidence and clarity.
Mrs. Competelli’s journey to becoming a trusted counselor at Oratory has been marked by an abundance of experiences and a deep commitment to her craft. Her story begins with an academic foundation that laid the groundwork for her career. She graduated from the College of New Jersey with a Bachelor’s degree in psychology, complemented by a minor in religious studies. Her dedication to knowledge also led her to pursue a Master’s degree in counseling, where she specialized in school counseling.
Her career kicked off at a Catholic high school in Pennsylvania, where she took on the roles of a school and college counselor for several years. It was here that she began to hone her skills in guiding students through the complex and often overwhelming college application process. Her dedication and expertise soon became apparent, propelling her career.
With a spirit of adventure, Mrs. Competelli relocated to Los Angeles, where she continued to work with high school students, assisting them not only in navigating the college admissions process but also in addressing personal, social, and academic challenges. At a Catholic all-girls school in the city, she focused on juniors and seniors, a crucial stage in their educational journey. The small school size, with approximately 300 students, allowed her to forge strong connections and provide personalized guidance.
One of the highlights of Mrs. Competelli’s career was her role as an undergraduate admissions reader for a public university, where she reviewed over 1200 undergraduate admissions applications for UC Berkeley. Her favorite part of this experience was the humbling opportunity to delve into the diverse experiences and stories of countless students. She emphasized the holistic nature of the process, where no two applications are alike. Mrs. Competelli found joy in assisting in the formation of the next incoming class and relished her role in the journey of these aspiring scholars.
Although Mrs. Competelli loved Los Angeles, New Jersey had always held a special place in her heart. “I missed my family and friends the most. It was hard not being able to visit during COVID and it wasn’t the most convenient trip since it was a five hour plane ride,” she said. Mrs. Competelli also missed the weather. Fall is her favorite season and according to her, “it doesn’t quite feel like Christmas when it’s 70 degrees and you are having a BBQ.” Mrs Competelli also mentioned that New Jersey pizza is superior to California’s, as she couldn’t find a good pizza place in LA.
Recently, Mrs. Competelli transitioned to The Oratory School in New Jersey, where she has been welcomed into the warm and inclusive Oratory community. Her arrival coincided with the onset of college application season, and she wasted no time in lending her expertise to students and collaborating with the dedicated faculty and staff at OP.
When asked about her most valuable advice for today’s college applicants, Mrs. Competelli offered sage wisdom. She stressed the importance of staying open-minded, organized, and thoughtful throughout the college application process. “It’s all going to be okay!” she exclaimed, standing on her metaphorical soapbox. The college process can be nerve-wracking and demanding, but if you choose schools that are a good fit for you, you’re setting yourself up for success, she said. According to Mrs. Competelli, it is vital to research thoroughly, discern whether you feel at home on campus, and take the pressure off yourself. Work hard, get involved, and the college process will work out for you.
As Mrs. Competelli continues her journey at The Oratory School, her dedication to students and her wealth of experience will serve as invaluable assets in helping young minds find their way to the right college fit. Her passion for guiding students, combined with her warm and approachable demeanor, makes her a cherished member of the Oratory community, and a beacon of hope for those navigating the labyrinthine path to higher education.
