<p>So, I hear that counselors call colleges to advocate for their students and try to convince admissions to take students. Is this true? I've never heard this in the context of my school but I have friends who have counselors who do this (largely private schools). Does this happen often in public schools and can such phone call make a large difference?</p>
<p>The reason it is largely private schools that make these calls is because, generally, (good) private schools have more connected guidance counselors. </p>
<p>However, my (less than connected) GC did make a call to Amherst for a student who was deferred ED. He was told his main weakness was his ACT score. He couldn’t get it up and was ultimately rejected.</p>
<p>…If a top school such as Harvard or UCLA has denied a student admission, a guidance counselor’s call will have no impact whatsoever if it’s merely a pity call. If the GC states that there was an error on the transcript or misinformation anywhere in the application, I suppose the applicant might be reevaluated. But to answer your question: I highly doubt a call from a GC to a top college expressing how ‘wonderful’ a student is would cause an admissions decision to change.</p>
<p>My guidance counselor says that the counselors at my school will spend quite a bit of time calling schools that students here are applying to and explain the average grades and scores of students here. He said that they do this in place of reporting rank.</p>
<p>Some counselors develop relationships with admissions officers over time. They don’t call and say “please accept Johnny”, but they will often call to elaborate on the candidates they are sending that year.</p>
<p>If you feel your counselor can explain some things not clear in your app and school report, you can ask her to make some calls.</p>