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Understand How Your High School Can Help
Figure out what to expect from your high school counseling office in the college search.
TASK: Okay, you know what you want - how does your high school get you there? You need to learn how your high school counseling office works and see the processes that will be required of you in completing your applications.
WHY: All colleges will have some similar demands from your guidance office: a transcript of your grades, a letter from a guidance counselor or an equivalent. You will need to figure out the timeline at your high school for making sure these things can be sent to your schools in time for your applications. Additionally, if you want help or have questions, you will need to know how your high school office works so you can get research assistance.
What you need to figure out:
• When can you meet with your guidance counselor to work on your school list?
• Are there college admissions programs that your school runs about planning the process?
• Is there a library of college catalogs and admissions materials? How do you access it?
• Are there other students who help out in the college guidance office? How do you use them?
• What is the policy about getting out of class to meet admissions officers when they visit your high school?
• How do you arrange for your guidance letter of recommendation and transcripts to be sent to the schools?
HOH Tip
Did you know? In most high schools, a staff member is assigned to aid with the college application process. They do much more than just mail out forms: College advisers can be a valuable resource. They visit the schools, attend professional conferences, and forge relationships with the admissions staff at the colleges; they are constantly on the phone, e-mailing, and in contact with all aspects of the process, with the added advantage of insider knowledge and statistics for particular schools. Often, they are in a better position to make the right match than you would be. And they are advocating for you. Remember: You are never bugging the counselor too much!