<p>Situation: My Guidance Counseler retired 2 months ago and a replacement is coming in. The replacement will [Non-negotiable] be writing the college recommendation for me. My worry is that my current guidance counseler knew me extremely well, experienced as a counseler for 20+ years, and would have written a great rec. I'm worried now that the new counseler won't know me good enough to write a 'outstanding' recommendation that I would have had, as she is being hired by the school and will start next month. My former counseler told me that she would talk with the new one a bit about most students to give her an idea. I'm applying early as well, so I have little time to have this new counseler know me.</p>
<p>Once school starts, what should I do? Schedule a meeting with her, etc.???? I want to try to make the recommendation at least slightly notable rather than a impersonal recommendation.</p>
<p>The form for counselors asks for how long he/she has known you and in what context, so that will explain the impersonal recommendation. You can still try to get to know the counselor and figure it all out with her. She'll likely be very busy, though. I wouldn't worry too much about it--colleges will know that she's new.</p>
<p>Thats BS. It can't be non negotiable. SHE DOESN'T KNOW YOU!!! Thats completely messed up. The best rec probably comes from your GC. File a protest, do whatever you can, try something, don't let this stand as this is not good for you... wow.</p>
<p>as dchow said the context will be there. also a lot of large public schools like mine have 1 counselor per 800 people and the only time you get to see the counselor is during the once per year course-scheduling meeting</p>
<p>The guidance counselor rec is just supposed to spit out your qualifications, basically. I don't think them knowing you well is a necessity.</p>
<p>I've only met my GC once, to schedule for jr. year. The only things she knows about me are my GPA and schedule, really. I think you're in good company - the dedicated GCs who know their students are the exception, not the rule.</p>
<p>Why won't the old guidance counselor do one for you? It seems a little odd if she knows you so well, but won't write a recommendation for you. My AP English Language teacher that doesn't even teach anymore has told me multiple times he would be glad to write me a recommendation, despite having gone on to his new job. Your situation sucks.</p>
<p>I think that the OP has the ownership for making sure that s/he does meet withthe counselor ASAP. When you schedule your meeting come prepared. bring your resume, brag sheet and anything else that you can give the counselor to help give hin/her a sense of who you are. If there has been any difficulties, or issues that you may think need further clarification, make sure you take the opportunity to tell them.</p>