<p>We always found our son's GC to be somewhat superfluous. He knew which classes he wanted/needed to take and just met with his GC to work out the schedule details. He did all of his own college research and asked for no advice pertaining to that jr or sr year. Our family found the entire process quite easy, painless and enjoyable. And frankly, I have been very puzzled by this MB and the media reports on the stress associated with the college admissions process.</p>
<p>That being said, our son's GC was a very nice man and he really went to bat for him during the selection process for his HS's Rensselaer Medal. That effort put $60k in our pocket. In addition he was very well prepared during the college application period. He had a form which he gave all his students which asked for personal info regarding in school activities, out of school activities, personal info, future goals, talents, challenges(family, personal) which he used to prepare his personal recommendation letter. In addition he had a system which enabled him to assemble all application info and get it in the mail in one day! The student merely had to give him 2 copies of the application, the application fee check, a list of items to be included, a preaddressed envelope to the college admissions office and presto it was in the mail in a matter of hours. BTW, all teacher recs went to the GC and he sent copies of the one(s) he deemed most appropriate or the "best".</p>
<p>The bottom line? I believe that your child and family can easily negotiate the next 4 years by using common sense and doing a little research. Being new, the GC may be a little overwhelmed by her workload, so help her out by getting the applications in early, providing your own check lists and envelopes. She won't know very many college admissions officers but I have always considered that over rated unless there is something highly unusual about the applicant that the admission office needs to know about.</p>