Guidance Counselor problem

<p>So, my first guidance counselor randomly QUIT. Seriously, I saw him the day before and then he just disappeared.</p>

<p>Now, my current, replacement guidance counselor retired back in the late 1990s, and I feel like she knows nothing. I want to apply ED to Barnard, so I gave her all the papers I needed for to write my recommendation, but she will not do it. I have everything else in my application ready to go, and I’m just waiting on her to actually START my rec. Urgh</p>

<p>Sorry, I needed to share my guidance woes. What if she doesn’t write it on time? I’ve told her repeatedly that I want to apply ED, and she just will not listen. What should I do to make sure everything gets in on time? :[</p>

<p>why won't she do it? if there's no good reason, go above her head. she's there to help, not hinder you! hopefully you can switch to another counselor. can you report her? this seems pretty bad, unless there's more to it.</p>

<p>There have already been many complaints about her, but the problem is that she's the only one they could find in such short notice. She isn't planning on staying here for long, but that poses a problem for ED applicants.</p>

<p>I've been going to another guidance counselor to get extra (more helpful) advice on everything, but that one cannot write my rec, because she isn't my official one.</p>

<p>Might this be a time for a parent to step in and politely inquire (perhaps of the principal's office or even the Board of Ed, if necessary) what kids are supposed to do if they are applying ED? Maybe that other guidance counselor could get permission to write one for you, and maybe that would be a good suggestion for you (or your parent) to make (politely, of course. Along the lines of "I know it's such a busy time for Ms. So-and-so. Would it be helpful if we got _____ to write the letter for me?).</p>

<p>Or, call Barnard's admissions office and explain that the counselor who knew you left suddenly and the "new" one, obviously, cannot really write a rec since they do not know you. Perhaps you can get one written by someone else in that situation???</p>

<p>My d's HS was a large public HS with MANY students. The GC's were there, mostly, to "put out fires" for those kids who were struggling. They were not a whole lot of help in the college application process because they just did not have the time to devote. My d and I made an appointment with this person early in the school year, though, just to make sure he knew her and to get his advice. I think he had a form that he sent around to all my d's teachers in order to get info. about her so he could write a letter. He obviously could not do it from his own experience with her, since he essentially had none. It was essentially a form, I think. And I am pretty sure the teacher recs are more important. </p>

<p>Just try to think creatively and see if someone else could write this for you. And don't be afraid to get the parents in on it, IMO.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

<p>Edited to add: I am sure you know this and are just frustrated, but please don't use the term "retarded" when you talk to ANYONE about this (or about anything else, for that matter). It's just not a good idea, for many reasons.</p>

<p>Actually, I think professionals can write the GC recommendation. It seems strange to me, but that's what I heard. You could ask Dave Barry. I've found him to be extremely helpful with questions I've fielded his way.</p>

<p>Thanks for the input</p>

<p>I go to a poor public school in Chicago, so it's hard to get things done, but I'll try my best!</p>

<p>(and sorry about the retarded, it was a fit of anger thing. tried to edit my post but that seems to be impossible..)</p>

<p>No problem, snivellus. I completely understand that you were/are very frustrated. And you can only edit your posts for a brief time after you post them, so it's a good lesson for us all to kind of watch what we put out there. It stays around! I do wish you luck with this. Keep at it and let us know what happens!</p>

<p>snivellus~ keep on plugging! this is so unfair, and you'll get the ear of someone! your school, ie, priciple, busy/poor, or not has an obligation to help you. great idea to inquire at Barnard, and see if they'll accept another's letter in place of the idiot's! very best of luck! keep us all posted!</p>

<p>** and i DO mean IDIOT in every sense of the word!** ;)</p>

<p>"IDIOT", I can go with....</p>

<p>:)</p>

<p>thanks for the support guys!</p>

<p>i found another guidance counselor who said she would write my recommendation for me. she understood my problem and offered to do it for me!</p>

<p>hopefully i'll get every thing in on time.</p>

<p>Great news! As long as you have made the due dates clear to her (maybe with a day or so "allowance" thrown in...tell her it's due a day or so before it really is!), I ams sure she will be conscientous (pretty sure I spelled that wrong!) enough to get it done. Also, I imagine Barnard would make allowances if it was a day or so late if you explained the situation. Don't sweat it! Just stay on top of things and write her a great big thank-you for doing this!</p>

<p>YAAH, SNIVELLUS!!!!! i thought about you at work today! great job! GO FOR IT!</p>