<p>Most of my colleges I am applying to require or recommend a GC recommendation. I've had the same GC since sophomore year and I'm sure he would write a good recommendation for me. But I just found out, the high school is completely switching the GC system around in my school in some weird way and now I will be getting a new GC for senior year :/</p>
<p>Does the GC recommendation have to be the current GC or one you have had in the past HS years? I know who the new GC I have is but I have never met her personally or spoken to her, so the recommendation would not be good as compared to one written by my previous GC</p>
<p>That happened to me too. I'm just going to give my gc a resume and hope the teacher recs make up for it. It also asks how long the gc has known the student on the rec form.</p>
<p>I dont think GC recommendations are that vital. Most schools realize that with GC's switching, large student bodies, etc., many students do not have a personal relationship with their GC so they can't give insight into the personal qualities of a student. That is what the teacher recs are for. The GC is usually used to compare one student's accomplishments to those in the same environment and in respect to the opportunities availible. Your GC will be able to write an adequate rec with your resume. The GC recomendation is a small part of your app, so i wouldnt get worried about it. You will be fine. (in my opinion)</p>
<p>I think the GC rec is fairly important, but, I don't think it's too late for you to make yourself known to the new person. Take advantage of every opportunity you have at your high school to meet with and get to know the counselor next year. Make an appointment the first couple of weeks of school to talk and share some of your ideas, get her suggestions and ask questions. Bring a copy of your activities list (resume) and ask her what she thinks you might highlight and ask her what schools she thinks would be good matches for you. Try to talk to her several times in the application process, perhaps sharing your essay or having her read over your application. Be a good listener and an active participant. If you take the initiative, she'll be impressed with your attitude and this will be reflected in her recommendation. </p>
<p>Whatever you do, don't ask for special treatment because of the switch, or imply that she won't do as good a job in any way. Put yourself in the new person's shoes, and do what you would want a student to do.</p>