Counselor will not allow my desired schedule an

Pre-College Issues High School Life
1

I’m looking for some advice as to what I can do with my situation. First off a little background. I’m an A student taking all honors/Ap with an occasional B. UW cumulative GPA stays between 3.85 and 3.95. This is merely here to point out that I think I’m able to handle the course load I’m requesting.

My counselor also barely knows me. I go to a very large public school (2k+ students) where a majority go to college. Priority for appointments is given to seniors applying to college so I don’t get to see her often. When I do see her, she assumes that I want to go to an in-state school or a school of a fairly low caliber. She has told me to stop taking difficult classes and to just have fun. She’s also recommended my dropping of ECs and various other things that seem backwards.

Currently my counselor will not allow me to take the classes that I want to take because they in her eyes are too difficult. This is for my junior year and I don’t know how to proceed. I don’t want to harm my relationship with her because she’s the one that’s writing my recommedations for college, and ultimately the person I have to rely on for help for the next 2 years. At the same time, what she is forcing me to do is unacceptable to me and my parents. I thought about my schedule carefully and don’t like what she has changed.

My schedule for next year that I want :
APUSH
Honors Chem
AP Lit
Honors pre-cal
Honors Creative writing
Honors Language level 4
Introduction to medicine (honors)

My counselor despite my wishes has signed me up for the following (* are changes)

APUSH
Honors chem
AP Lit
Honors pre-cal
Honors language level 4
Intro to finance *
Intro to medicine (regular (it’s one semester)*
Study hall * (was creative writing. )

I’m outlining why I have problems with her changes below:

I have been in creative writing since freshman year. This class has allowed me to publish my work. Dropping it also creates a major issue. In order to be a part of a honors society I have been in since freshman year and in which I have a leadership position I have to take the class.

I see no reason for me to take a regular intro to med class, when my best subject is the sciences and this is ultimately what I want to major in.

The finance class is required for graduation. I can take it over the summer though or test out so I don’t to waste my time. Creative writing and intro to med are not offered in summer school.

Am I wrong to feel this way? Is there a way I should proceed? I feel like what she is making me do is detrimental to but I don’t want to outright say it to her because once again I need to try to keep a good relationship with her.

2

You should go talk to the counselor and tell her that you would like to take the finance class over the summer in order to continue doing creative writing during the school year and give her your reasons for wanting to take the honors medicine class. You can assure her that you will drop a class or go down a level if you feel like you are in over your head, but what you are asking for is not unreasonable. I don’t know what it’s like in public schools in your area, but around here they don’t restrict what you can take.

3

I think you need to get your parents involved. As the student, you should make the ultimate decision in your classes.

4

I think you should absolutely take the classes YOU think are best. Have your parents make an appointment with the counselor or the principal or the school board if necessary. What she is doing is wrong. It’s your choice. Find teachers to write recommendations instead if you have to. You are on the right track in life by standing up for yourself.

5

Bring your literal A-game (show dem grades), tell her plain why you’re motivated to take this particular schedule, and assure her that you’re well prepared for it.

6

It’s her job to make sure you graduate from high school and your proposed schedule was lacking the required finance class. It’s not clear what or how you have communicated with her, but I can understand why she wouldn’t want you to put that off until the last possible chance. Take your desired schedule back to her and explain you intend to take finance this summer. Also remind her of your grades–with so many students to keep track of perhaps she is unaware that you are doing well. If she won’t approve it, find out why and bring your parents in to meet with her and discuss whatever issues she has with your plan.