High school guidance counselors are responsible for providing a range of essential academic support services to their students. Most schools employ several counselors so that they are able to best serve a specific number of students. Typically, they provide a number of different ways to help the student succeed in his/her endeavors. Through these functions, guidance counselors work to help students succeed in school and beyond. Let’s discover how school counselors prep you for college.
Help With Your College Search
High school guidance counselors are invaluable resources for students who are searching for the right college fit. They offer objective advice and insight into different colleges, walking through the pros and cons of each option with the student. By getting to know your counselor, he/she will get to know you. Once a relationship is established, you can then work with your counselor to find out how to best narrow your college search based on your academic achievement, area of concentration, and coursework that should be completed.
Writing a Letter of Recommendation
Many colleges require a letter of recommendation for acceptance. If you’ve done an adequate job building a relationship with your guidance counselor, consider asking him/her for a letter of recommendation. It can be a great way to have the counselor focus on the key areas in how the student has exceled. It can also allow the student to have a feel for what colleges are looking for. The CollegeBoard provides a great resource for tips to write a killer recommendation letter.
Assist in Completing Necessary Applications
If you’re unfamiliar with the college application process, you’ll find there are numerous applications to complete. Nearly every school requires the FAFSA. Some will require the CSS Profile. There’s also the CommonApp. Your guidance counselor can help you with each of these.
The CollegeDude can also help you complete the FAFSA and other necessary forms too. Much like school counselors prep you for college, the CollegeDude can too. Just sayin’.
Sending Your Transcripts
All that work you’ve done in school? All those long hours you’ve studied, the focus and attention in class. The pop quizzes, group projects and presentations. They’ve all been graded and our found on your transcript. Your guidance counselor will help you send these transcripts to the colleges you’re applying to, so they can see your academic achievement.
They are Connectors
In one of the most important ways that school counselors prep you for college, they have connections. Many times, students and parents have questions throughout the college acceptance and financial aid award process. Who better to help guide them than guidance counselors who have the connections and know where to lead parents & students. When you need the right information, it’s easiest to have that answer quickly. Lastly, it’s also important to be aware of deadlines that are government and school specific. Guidance counselors can provide those answers.
Conclusion
It’s pretty simple – guidance counselors are there to help! There’s no reason any sane person should try to do this himself. It takes work, organization, expertise, and some *pun intended* guidance. By establishing a relationship and reaching out frequently, school counselors prep you for college in a way many others cannot.
