<p>At high schools where a high proportion of graduates apply to the same group of selective colleges, the counselors often take an active role in shaping each applicant’s list. Sometimes the role is TOO active in that it crosses the line between being advisory to being manipulative and restrictive. </p>
<p>In my son’s situation, the school set a limit on the number of applications. In others that I’ve heard of, the counselors limited the number of applications to a specific college so that the students wouldn’t compete with each other. </p>
<p>In my opinion, both of these examples are not acceptable. At the end of the day, it’s up to the student and the family to finalize the list, not the counselor or the high school.</p>
<p>Some counselors react badly to disagreement. Because they write an influential recommendation and in some cases actually communicate with the colleges on the applicant’s behalf, the student and the family need to proceed diplomatically; however they shouldn’t be “bullied” into decisions that they don’t agree with.</p>
<p>DragonMagic, From what you’ve told us, it sounds like your counselor is directing you in the wrong direction! Without knowing your whole list it’s difficult to comment, but, for sure, if you think Georgetown belongs on your list, no one should be telling you otherwise. Similarly, if you’re not thrilled by the safety that your counselor suggests, find another one.</p>