Well, I don’t really know anything about actually applying to colleges, so I would like to ask a few questions. I’m sure some of you guys can answer from experience, as you may have completed this process already.
Does a Guidance Counselor/College-Career Advisor have to know every college you apply to? If not, why? I am just wondering because I know many people are opting to apply online, which I would imagine doesn’t involve them.
Also, when did you guys start talking to your Guidance Counselor/College-Career Advisor about colleges? Did they recommend colleges OR a number of colleges you should apply to?
Thanks
<p>Your guidance counselor needs to know all the colleges to which you are applying so that he/she can send an official transcript and the school's recommendation. They also may need to certify that you are only applying to one school ED (if you go that route) and that you and the school understand that it is binding. At S's school the kids started meeting with their counselor last February. The counselors might suggest schools for a student to research and might bring the student back to reality regarding chances of admission.</p>
<p>It depends on the guidance counselor. Some apparently will meet with students and give much advise on where to apply, what to say, how to increase chances, etc. I did all that on my own, filled out as much of the school form as I could, and ended up having to get a principal to write the recommendation because the counselor was such a hopelessly bad writer and just so disorganized she couldn't handle it. I took care of mailing everything--I went to her office, with stamped and addressed envelopes, got the transcript and school report, made copies in her office, had her put the seal on and see me seal the envelopes, and brought them to the mailbox in front of the school. Less than half the kids from my school go to college at all, and I was the only one who applied out of state from my class. The counselor should help you as much as you need help: If you want/need advise on where to apply, he/she should give it, maybe go over the application to make sure you don't make mistakes. You'd have to ask someone from your school to find out how your counselor is.</p>