<p>hi, im just wondering: what are the chances/circumstances that a guidance counselor will write a bad rec for you? in other words, how likely is it for a counselor to write negative things about you?</p>
<p>Sure it’s possible. But that’s on the student for not choosing correctly and on the teacher for not bowing out saying that they can’t endorse the kid honestly.</p>
<p>^ The OP is concerned with the GC LOR, not teachers, so no control over who that is. </p>
<p>With most GC LORs, the worry is them not knowing the student well rather than writing negatives. If you think there’s a potential problem, you should probably make an appointment and have a discussion before they write the LOR.</p>
<p>Hey, guess what, counselors are people. </p>
<p>From what I can see, counselors in rigorous independent schools put their reputation on the line when writing these SSRs, do diligent research on students (teachers & advisors) as well as know them personally and do their best to anecdotal and to be both honest and enthusiastic as possible.</p>
<p>Public school guidance counselors usually have heavier loads and their letters are generally shorter, less personal, and usually contain the accomplishments at the school in large part. Entomom is giving good guidance here.</p>
<p>Listen to me. It is never, never a good idea to be arrogant or snitty with a college counselor. They control two important reports and in many cases the content of these reports is confidential to them alone. Any of us are smart enough to write a competent letter that damns with faint praise. Colleges can read that kind of letter like a billboard. I’ve had some personal experience with this. You don’t want a blatantly tepid SSR, or MYR (midyear report) if you are in the regular decision round.</p>