Did your school counselor tell you NOT to apply to a "dream" college?

College Search & Selection
81

<p>^^^Greybeard. Precisely! Guess I should have clarified that better.</p>

82

<p>My college counselor told me I wouldn’t get into any of the schools I applied to, and then denied it when I showed her my acceptance letters to all three. This was 25 years ago, but I still remember my anger at her, and my gratitude that I did not follow her advice.</p>

83

<p>Brian: I’m for sure doing my own research (my GC is also a prolific science teacher and she doesn’t always have the time for a full dedication to each student). And I don’t think they could block it if my parents let me apply, though theoretically they could send a non-recommending recommendation if the REALLY disapproved, but they definitely lean towards certain schools.
However, to be fair, they’re VERY helpful at getting scholarships to those schools that they approve of. All in all, it could be worse.</p>

84

<p>Your teachers should give you a copy of the letter of recs before you send it. You shouldn’t let your school dictate where to go.</p>

85

<p>

</p>

<p>I agree with this (obviously).</p>

<p>If a teacher or GC has something negative to say about a student, she ought to tell the student before writing the letter. What is the reason why the rec must be confidential? If what is written is factually true, then there is no reason to hide behind a waiver. The current practice of secrecy is improper and invites abuse. It is allowed to continue probably only because those who may be harmed have graduated and moved on, and don’t have time to pursue the unfairness of it.</p>

86

<p>As a HS junior, I don’t have any experiences to share, but here are my thoughts on the subject.</p>

<p>While I think that students ought to apply ED or EA to their dream schools, it’s not as simple as just applying to somewhere you love but probably won’t get into. It may be better to use ED or SCEA’s one-time chance to demonstrate that you have a lot of interest in a low-reach school, rather than “wasting” it on that school with virtually impossible admit rates. Thus, you should carefully consider what your counselor says and think about whether applying to that dream school is really advisable.</p>