How to Work Best with Your School Counselor in College Admissions

The entire college application process can feel overwhelming. However, your school counselor can help ease some of that stress. A school counselor's job in part is to help you stay organized and meet deadlines throughout the college planning process. Having a good working relationship with your school counselor is therefore key. Here are some tips.

Get to know your counselor

Your school counselor is the person who will write your letter of recommendation for college. The value of the school counselor's letter is to put personality and dimension behind your grades and extra-curricular activities. The better the counselor knows you, the more personal the letter will be. Take every opportunity throughout your high school years to spend time with them.

Attend events

Plan to attend events, whether virtual or in-person, hosted by your school counselor. Most high schools offer multiple information nights on the college process, the different alternatives to colleges, and the details of financial aid. Take advantage of these free resources.

Schedule appointments with your counselor

If you want to speak with your counselor about something, don't just drop in and hope your counselor is available. Instead, email your counselor ahead of time to make an appointment.

Know your colleges

By early October of your senior year, have a set list of the colleges where you plan to apply with a nice balance of safety, target, and reach schools. Having that list set early in the fall can help your school counselor provide you the best support.

Know your deadlines

Most colleges have application due dates around the same time, but some deadlines may be a tad different. Know your due dates and communicate them with your counselor to ensure your information is submitted on time.

Make a checklist of all the things each college needs

Requirements may differ from school to school, and you want to make sure you submit a complete application. Having everything written down can help make certain both you and your counselor don't forget to submit a key piece of your application.

Buy stamps

If any part of your college applications needs to be mailed, pick up a roll of stamps and make sure you also have appropriate-size envelopes ready.

Know your passwords

If you need to make changes to your FAFSA^®, or send another SAT^®score, knowing your login and password to each relevant website will make your meeting with your counselor go more smoothly. Keep your passwords in a safe place that's easily accessible to you.

Have a resume ready

Most schools require a school counselor recommendation. Having a resume ready of your activities, skills, and awards will make the counselor's ability to write a complimentary letter much more likely.

Say "please" and "thank you"

It may seem like a given, but being polite can go a long way. Go a step further and write your counselor a thank you letter once your applications have been submitted. It doesn't take much time and will mean a lot.

Always keep in mind that you, the student, are wholly responsible for your college applications. Your counselor is just there to guide you forward and complete the steps for which they are responsible. So remember to stay in the driver's seat and keep yourself organized as you work with your counselor throughout the process.