<p>My counselor is very good at her job, but busy. She also teaches classes to 8th graders and talks to them about adjusting to high school life. She supervises study halls, also. These things are all during the school day, though (I don't have a study hall, so her accessiblity during these times really don't concern me). The only time I would have is three days a week I could talk to her during my school's 8th hour (a thirty minute window of time for students who are under a C- in a class to get extra help-- required of those students). I am never required to go anywhere for 8th hour, so this sounds like the perfect time, but many other students require her attention as well. I can hardly get my foot in the door of her office. Anyone else having similar issues? I have a list of about 6 (ok, exactly 6) important items that I need to talk with her about. Is emailing her a good idea?</p>
<p>I’m so lucky to have a guidance counselor that makes students her priority. She actually as a PHD and she’s so nice. I’ve always been a little intimidated talking to her, really, because she’s the coordinator of counselors and everything. So I’m not really sure what to talk to her about. :/</p>
<p>As to your situation, I definitely think email is the best way to go. Counselors are always on their email, since they contact a lot of colleges, parents, etc. on there, so I think email is definitely the best way to go. I’d ask her some of the things you’d like to talk to her about, but also mention you’d like to talk to her in person. Normally, a counselor can pull you out of an elective or something for 15 minutes to talk if they’re really that busy. </p>
<p>Just curious, if it’s not personal, what do you want to talk to your counselor about? I’ve wanted to build a relationship with her or whatever, but I don’t know how to start up a conversation with her.</p>
<p>My issues aren’t personal at all. This is my list:</p>
<p>College fit and suggestions, a counselor rec letter I need for an app, nomination for a program, I need a copy of my transcript, when I can give a presentation about gov school (I went last year and she wanted me to talk with interested students that might apply this year), and then when she would suggest that I take some of my standardized tests (when are they offered in town? I would have to drive 2 hours to the next nearest testing center)</p>
<p>I guess last year I developed a good relationship with her, so I have no problem talking to her. And yes, she has pulled people out of class before. I also intended to add something about talking to her in person (this might get me an appointment of sorts- so I can actually talk to her 8th hour before another student shows up). If you want to start a convo with your GC, just go in and ask them a question. Their answer will probably lead to another thing or more in depth convo about your question. After that, talking with them might become easier. I talked to my GC quite a bit last year; it becomes easier after that initial meet or two. My GC is also really nice, so that helps, too. Try to forget about your GC’s PhD when you go to talk to her; just pretend she is your mother (only more knowledgable on college admissions and the like). I know that sounds weird, but being scared out of your mind isn’t exactly a good situation and that might help. Think whatever you have to in order to be comfortable talking to her.</p>
<p>My counselor is generally available, so I’ve never had this problem. If I did though, I would email her to set up an appointment. Email is probably not the best medium to discuss what you want to talk about, so I wouldn’t have the whole discussion via email though.</p>
<p>My counselor is new, the one who had been here for 15+ years retired at the end of last year. </p>
<p>She’s really busy and never in her office. Her phone always goes to voicemail and I had to schedule an appointment 3 weeks in advance. My mom and I have waited after school to talk to her on multiple occasions, but the people at the office never know where she is. The one time I managed to schedule an appointment with her, she spent 20 minutes talking to another teacher during my appointment. And she told me I could change my schedule if I got my parents to call her and when they tried, she wasn’t there, and when my mom finally reached her one day, she said it wasn’t possible. Ugh.</p>
<p>/end rant</p>
<p>Always busy, but then again, she handles 200+ kids. Never in her office. I’ve had some issues with her. But when we do see each other, she gets stuff done without issues.</p>
<p>@Kitten: Seriously, thank you so much for those suggestions. I mean it! My GC is so nice too, so I shoudn’t really be intemidated about talking to her. I think I have a few ideas as to what to talk to her about. I’m probably going to brainstorm some topics to talk to her about, and hopefully things will just start to flow, like you talked about. I hope that she becomes available for you soon! <3 If the email thing doesn’t work, I’d try giving her a phone call, too. That might get her to talk to you sooner. </p>
<p>@loltired: That sucks. I’m so sorry. 
Maybe complaining will do something? If she’s new, the principal should be keeping a close eye on her, and if you complain, she might become more available so she keeps her job (as mean as that sounds =P).</p>
<p>My parents are so eager to complain about teachers and other students but they never actually do. In 4th grade, my dad always threatened to complain about my math teacher and when it came down to it, he never did. LOL. But hm, I guess we’ll keep calling, even though I don’t want to bother her too much, since I need decent recommendations. We will probably have to have a chat with the principal about changing my class if she keeps being completely useless, though.</p>
<p>My counselor takes her job very seriously. That’s probably why she’s rarely bothered by students and from what I’ve seen she just spends her time in her office doing work.</p>
<p>@loltired: Haha, my parents definitely complain when they need to. I didn’t think they would, but one time when my sister was getting called names on the bus, my mom went in and talked to the principal. Problem was taken care of that same day. So now I don’t doubt my parents’ abilities to complain. 
But I definitely think having the principal as a last resort is a good idea. =)</p>
<p>I never had a guidance counselor.</p>