Use them, but also be realistic. Depending on the size and type of your school, your counselor might be responsible for a handful of students or several hundred. Don't expect your counselor to micromanage you during the college admissions process-that's your job. And don't wait until the minute you absolutely need to know something to make your appointment. Count on the fact that he or she is as busy as you are, and give your counselor advance notice.
What to Bring
Walk into the counseling office prepared. Chances are you will have a limited amount of time, so know what information you want to walk away with beforehand. Here is a list of what you should bring with you:
- Questions. A basic list follows, but be sure to review and add your own questions as well
- Something to write with
- Something to write on (Yes this sounds simple, but you've got a lot on your mind right now!)
- Your preliminary college list, preferably divided into Reach, Match, and Safety schools
- Your testing plan (which SAT/ACT tests you've taken already and which tests you plan to take in the Fall)
- A copy of your transcript and test scores (PSAT, SAT I, and SAT II) if you have them (if not, your counselor should be able to access these easily)
Questions to Ask
- Am I on track to graduate?
- How competitive is my academic record? Do I have a class rank? What's my G.P.A. on a 4.0 scale?
- What is the reputation of our high school compared to others?
- Can we review my transcript together to identify any strengths or weaknesses so I can address them in my application essays?
- If there are weaknesses, is there any way I can minimize them before applying?
- Are there any admissions tests (SAT I, SAT II, or ACT) I need to take (or re-take) other than what I've taken already or plan to take this Fall (refer to your testing plan)?
- What college planning and career resources are available in the counseling office?
- Is there a College Night scheduled at school? Are there any other college fairs nearby I can attend?
- What do I need to do to request my transcripts and a counselor recommendation for my applications? Are there any forms I need to fill out?
- Is there anything I can do to help you get to know me better before you write my counselor recommendation?
- Are there any scholarships or awards available that you know for which I might qualify?
- Do I have the grades to get into the colleges I'm considering (here's where your preliminary list of schools comes in handy)?
- Do you think there are any schools on this list that shouldn't be?
- What schools do you think seem the most appropriate based on your experience? (Put notes next to each.)
- Has this school sent any graduates to the schools I'm considering in recent years? Would it be possible to talk with them?
- Are there other schools you'd recommend I'd look at? (Add them to the list.)
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