<p>The guidance counselors at my public school have a horrible rep. I have heard from grads, parents, and pretty much all of my teachers that they can't really be trusted to send in your forms on time, and I know from experience they give terrible advice. (When I told him I wanted to go to a college where I could learn for the sake of learning, my counselor gave me a 20 minute lecture on how fun it is if you let loose and party in the dorms.) They're also hardly ever around for meetings during classes and totally race out of the building when the bell rings. I'm a rising senior. I'm taking a full course load this first semester, seven classes with no study breaks, and I'm nervous I won't be able to get my counselor's attention. The man has to write me a recommendation, and I've tried to establish a personal relationship with him but I don't think that's really gonna happen. Any advice for this? What do I need to make SURE he sends in for me? I barely know how to do my job applying to colleges and I definitely don't know how to do his!</p>
<p>If it’s any consolation, colleges know that some HSs can have quality issues so they “tap tap tap” them in order to get the requisite documents if deadlines slip. you won’t be penalized.</p>
<p>It may not be fair, but you have no choice other than to take this on as your responsibility. It’s your future, and if your counselor is irresponsible, you need to make sure the letters get completed. It’s unfortunate, but there’s nothing else you can do.</p>
<p>My advice would be to tell them to send the docs in well before the deadline. And constantly remind them. Some people need that to be done</p>