The process of applying to college is complicated, and students can use all the help that they can get! While many students have the resources and know-how to focus on their GPA, test scores, and extracurriculars, there are other beneficial resources that students often underutilize: their high school guidance counselors.
Based on a conversation with Marks Education’s own Molly Lachut, current college counselor and former Director of College Counseling at Saint. James School, we’ve put together a list of things that your guidance counselor likely wishes that you knew about the college admissions process. While this blog is primarily geared towards independent high schools or well-resourced public schools in terms of counselor availability, we hope that all students can walk away from this blog with a sense of how your guidance counselor can help you submit a successful college application and reduce stress.
Build Authentic Relationships with Adults
One of the most overlooked components that students ignore when it comes to their guidance counselor is the importance of genuine connections with adults who will advocate for them. Most students know that they need teachers (usually two) to write recommendation letters for them, but what about your guidance counselor? Your counselor recommendation carries weight and goes to show that great applications aren’t built overnight.
Your guidance counselor likely wishes you would seek out the kind of connections that can only be developed over time. To make this happen, you need to be engaging beyond classroom discussions, asking questions purely for learning’s sake (not just for participation points), and giving relevant adults things to say when it’s time for them to advocate for you. This means going beyond just who you are on the surface in class or doing more than just submitting homework on time, because these traits, while important, are not necessarily distinguishing factors. You want the adults you ask for recommendations to be able to say glowing things about you personally and with regards to intellectual engagement and character traits, and to achieve that, they need to know you.
Start Early... but Not Too Early
While it’s never too early to start building relationships with your counselors, the appropriate timing for specific guidance counselor-related college planning depends on your school’s resources and your counselor’s responsibilities. At some schools, counselors may welcome freshman and sophomore visitors with college questions, but at others, where counselors might manage large caseloads and more pressing student needs, earlier engagement might focus more on course selection and general academic planning– which is okay!
While meeting with your counselor early might not be in the cards, there are many tasks required for graduation and college applications that your counselor likely recommends you spend the time before meeting with them For example, your required service hours, any standardized test prep you plan to do, or preliminary college research, are all tasks your counselor would recommend be taken off your plate before scheduling time with them–unless you have questions about these specific topics. Crossing the more technical requirements for college and graduation off your list in your freshman and sophomore year will not only remove stress in junior and senior year, but it will also give you content to write about in your essays.
Three Quick Tips
While recommendation letters aren’t written by you, you can and should help shape them, whether they’re being written by a counselor or teacher. When requesting recommenders, here are some things your counselor generally recommends that you do:
- When you go to make your request, provide information about the types of schools and programs to which you’re applying. This gives your recommenders a chance to tailor what they say appropriately and helps them name the most relevant experiences to support your candidacy.
- Ask for your letters far in advance– ideally before you go on summer break after junior year. One of the most surefire ways to receive a great recommendation is to ask far enough in advance to receive one. No teacher likes to be put on the spot at the last minute, and no student either wants to compete with everyone else who waited until the 11th hour. So take some time today to strategically think about your recommenders and what they contribute to your application, then spend some time putting together a “brag sheet,” and finding a respectful way to ask your future recommenders.
- When you ask, it’s important to include specific details about why you chose them to be a recommender. This might be related to lines of inquiry they’ve inspired you to go down, or because a project in their class helped you do your best work, or how you feel in their class: whatever the reason may be, it’s great to express appreciation and provide this specific context to a recommender.
Embrace Honesty
One thing your counselor likely wishes you knew: Guidance counselors are not scary people out there to judge you. In all honesty, they’ve seen it all!
The more transparent you are with your counselor about your situation, challenges, and limitations, the better position they are in to advocate for you. Did your family relocate multiple times during high school? Did financial constraints prevent you from taking an unpaid internship? Did you suffer a hardship during your junior year that impacted how you showed up to your activities and classes? If you mention these things to your counselor, they can do more than just provide support; they can mention it in a relevant way in their recommendations. That’s why, if possible, we recommend scheduling time to have a conversation with your counselor before they write your letter.
Conclusion
Your school counselors are an incredibly valuable resource when it comes to applying to college. While depending on what kind of school you’re applying from, the responsibilities of your counselor may change, and therefore their availability to help you may change. In any case, the adults in your life are great resources for advocacy and academic development –so use them to your advantage!
Looking for experienced counselors to close any educational planning gaps you may have? Learn more about our team or contact us now for a free consultation!