Now that some parents have sent their kids off to college, other parents face their child’s last year of high school and future decisions about college.
The college admission process can be demanding and confusing. To make the next year as stress-free as possible, work with your child’s guidance counselor at their school. You may be surprised at how much of a difference it can make.
For many children, having a counselor work proactively on their behalf can be the difference in getting accepted into your first choice university versus attending your second choice.
According to the School Counselor and College Access Professionals, “School counselors play a critical role in preparing all students for life-long learning and success in a global environment. To ensure students have the opportunity to reach their full potential, school counselors collaborate with community-based organizations, including college access organizations and college access professionals….”
Advocacy can take various forms: a quick email to an admissions representative, phone call, or an in-person conversation with an admissions contact at a professional event, such as the National Association of College Admissions Counselors annual conference.
In theory, a school counselor contacts the college admissions counselor to update them on a student, perhaps a student’s recent award or academic achievement. Locally, the Dallas Independent School District counselors are required by Texas law to deliver guidance lessons, including academic counseling.
While some high school guidance counselors do not have the time to contact college admission departments for all their students, many do. And, even time-strapped counselors can point your child to the best resources available.
Who better to advocate for your child than their high school guidance counselor and college career placement representative?
