“I’m not a big necktie guy,” said Bruce Hunter, the new Associate Director of College Counseling at Berkeley Prep, regarding the one thing he wishes he could change about his job. Hunter is highly knowledgeable in his field. He has decades of experience as both a college counselor and admissions officer for colleges such as the University of Richmond and Wooster College. When asked which career he enjoyed more, Hunter said, “There are aspects of both sides I have very much enjoyed.”  Taking into consideration his many past experiences, Hunter stated that Berkeley is different from previous schools where he has worked. He noted the vast amount of resources available here, such as the Writing Center, the science tutors and more. As a newcomer to Berkeley, Hunter’s favorite part about our school so far is the community.

CATCH YOU ON THE FLIP SIDE: Counselor Bruce Hunter has experienced both sides of the college process as a college counselor and former admissions officer.

Hunter is new to Tampa Bay as well. Originally from Cape Cod, Massachusetts, he moved back to the East Coast to be closer to his parents in Sarasota, where he owns a home. Hunter appreciates the opportunity to explore the Tampa Bay area as well as its closeness to his home in Sarasota. He enjoys watching on-campus volleyball matches, a sport he coached for many years. He has also been to several Berkeley football games. Besides sports activities at Berkeley, Hunter likes running and watching the Tampa Bay Rays.

Being in the college counseling office, Hunter has some important advice for students. For juniors, he tells them to slow down and take their time with the college process. Before making a list, he says juniors should ask themselves three things: “Who am I? What am I looking for? And what colleges may I consider?” He wants students to think about these ideas and reflect on who they are and what they are looking for in a campus. Claiming that juniors begin the college process too quickly, he advises students to take time to discover themselves and their interests first. 

Hunter also advises students to get involved, be committed and be great leaders, when it comes to students’ time in high school. He says colleges are looking for students who are leaders of a few clubs, rather than a member of ten. With first-hand experience on the other side of the process, Hunter knows how to put students in an opportunity where they can thrive.