It goes without saying that applying to college is at times a mystifying process. No matter how many guidebooks you read, how many hours you spend scouring College Confidential, or how many older friends you talk to, most high school girls still have a million questions. There’s a ton of information out there, but most of it is impersonal and very general. However, every student has a resource whose job it is to tailor all that information and give specific advice to them – their guidance counselor.
I met my high school guidance counselor for the first time at the end of eighth grade. Eager to join the “big leagues” of high school and get involved, I had several questions. My counselor answered everything and eased the few worries I had. He helped me decide what classes to take, gave me advice on summer programs, and generally helped guide my academic life. I don’t think I would have had as positive underclassmen years if it weren’t for my counselor.
It came as a total shock to me when at the start of this school year my guidance counselor suddenly resigned.
A new counselor was hired a few weeks later. After having cultivated such a great relationship with my old counselor over the past few years, I was frustrated to have to start over.
I met my new guidance counselor when I was called down to her office one afternoon due to a problem with my class schedule. After resolving the conflict, she asked me about my classes and my extracurricular activities. She commented that I seemed to be taking on a lot of stuff. I admitted that at times I was overwhelmed and that I had a hard time saying “no” to opportunities. She gave me some time management advice and told me that if I ever needed help paring down activities, she would be glad to help.
I have another meeting with my counselor next week, this time to figure out my senior year schedule. However, I’m also going to tell he more about myself, and this time ask about her experiences. It’s her job to help me, but if I want her to go the extra mile, I know that I’ll have to make an effort as well.
If applying to college was a sport (one could argue that it is), the guidance counselor would be the coach. If the coach knows a player’s abilities, he or she will be able to put that player in a position where they will probably succeed. However, if the coach is unfamiliar with a player, it is likely that they won’t be placed in the best position and they might even be benched. In order to succeed, it is essential to get to know and maintain a positive relationship with the coach. I’m ready to get out there and win!