<p>I got an email saying that my application was incomplete because my counselor recommendation needs a narrative? What am I supposed to do about this? My counselor is very busy and he really doesn't know me too well, so I guess he did not write much and probably just checked the boxes. Should I ask him to write a paragraph on the midyear report, or what?</p>
<p>Thanks for any advice.</p>
<p>A counselor friend says you should ask your counselor to write something ASAP. It shouldn't matter that the counselor doesn't know you well - you can give the counselor your resume, some information about yourself, even write an outline for the letter. But you need to have something sent!</p>
<p>Okay, thanks. I gave him a resume, but I know he is busy and I don't want to bother him. Do you think I should try emailing the admissions office to see if the narrative is really that important? All my other schools told me that my application was complete, so there was apparently no problem with my lack of counselor narrative.</p>
<p>Well, I think this is his job, but he may not agree with the requirement. There's no harm in asking Reed (they're helpful and friendly), but I would call instead of emailing.</p>
<p>Okay, thank you.</p>
<p>Vossron is correct: It is your counselor's responsibility to write a letter for you. You should not feel like you are imposing to ask for a letter of recommendation.</p>
<p>Additionally, when a school tells you that it wants something in order to consider your application complete, it is always wise to listen. Colleges don't ask for things just for fun --- they ask for them because they consider them an important part of making their decision.</p>
<p>Counselor recommendation letters are important because they give colleges an idea of where you stand in relation to your peers at your high school. Frankly, any counselor who doesn't understand this is doing his/her students a grave dis-service, and is also damaging the reputation of the high school with college admissions people. Even if the other schools haven't asked for it, you are at a disadvantage because <em>most</em> applicants will have these in their files. The fact that you will not will raise some questions in the minds of admissions committees (i.e., "what's wrong with this kid that the counselor couldn't spend fifteen minutes to write a personal letter?")</p>
<p>So, don't be shy. INSIST that your counselor write a letter and send it ASAP (he can fax it to Reed and the other schools). If he refuses or says he is too busy, remember that actually ANY "school official" including teachers (different from the ones who wrote your teacher rec's) or a principal or assistant principal can write the school report. Keep asking until you find someone willing to help.</p>
<p>As Carolyn said, don't feel like you are imposing. This is what the counselor is supposed to do. I know in some schools you have met your counselor 3 or 4 times max over an entire hs career, but it's the game the colleges play.</p>
<p>Go in with three or four facts for your counselor, if s/he doesn't know you well - i.e. I played soccer, I like physics, I tutored kids. Whatever... and just make sure you mention them. That way s/he has something to say.</p>
<p>If you have a resume, bring it along. </p>
<p>But don't be shy. Ask. Especially if you want to go to Reed.</p>