<p>I go to a large public california high school where we see very little of our guidance counselor. I was recently thinking of going to see him with some kind of summary sheet of the things that would most likely go on an application (Statistics and ECs) and asking him his opinion on the colleges I am going to apply to. How credible and accurate are most guidance counselors in your experience? Would this just be a waste of time? </p>
<p>Thank you in advance.</p>
<p>nothing you do just to make sure is a waste of time, I would rather know I covered everything other than just chilling and wait and realize I couldve gotten in if I did this or that.</p>
<p>I think that depends on your school. If you are looking to apply to schools like Ivies, but everyone at your HS goes to State College, then your GC might not know much more than you because he/she doesn't have much experience. I would just keep this in mind, but I would definitely say run your list by him/her--if nothing else you'll introduce yourself and he/she'll get to know you as a consciencious and capable student which will make for better Guidance Counselor recs.</p>
<p>Your idea is an excellent start; take your list of ECs and grades and have a talk with the GC. Then compare his/her advice with your other research sources: college books, parents, this website, current college students. At least you'll know if the GC is steering you in the right direction.</p>
<p>In many schools, half or more of the kids will be attending a state school, and another 20-40 percent will go to a nearby private school, so, of course, that is where a GCs knowledge will be most extensive. But, some counselors are willing to go the extra mile for ambitious students. Find out if your school employs one of these rare gems!</p>
<p>Be your GC's best friend. It can only help your recs to be well known.</p>
<p>cas3704, this is an excellent idea. Also go to him/her with the question: "With my interests, GPA, test scores, and desire for a ____ size school in _____ part of the country near (in, or far away from) a city, which schools would you recommend I look at that aren't on my list?"</p>
<p>Some people have large schools though, with only a few GC's. This can be troublesome when it comes to college applications.</p>