As you're likely finding out, getting into college is not a cut-and-dry deal. Rather, it's a layered, timed-out process that can get annoying for many and downright overwhelming for others. You're going to have a long line of deadlines, something you likely haven't dealt with before, and you've got to meet each one with flying colors if you plan on getting into the school you like.
It's one of the key reasons school counselors came into existence. There's a chance one of your high school counselors may specialize in college counseling at your school, or you may have to seek a professional college counselor out of a private organization, but college admissions counselors are a major asset when it comes to planning your college application process.
When to Talk to Your School Counselor
You should know whether you intend to pursue higher education by your junior year of high school. That way you'll have the proper amount of time to visit schools, assess which ones you like and which ones you don't like, and submit top-level applications to the schools that do interest you.
If you have a high school counselor who's reliable for college guidance, you should be in touch with him or her early in the process. Set up regular meetings with them and make sure that you keep them up to speed on your actions so that they can best help you.
If your school doesn't have a college counselor on faculty, it's a good idea to get in touch with a private organization. Companies like The Penn Group and The Ivy Coach offer pay-by-the-hour help to students in need, and the National Association for College Admission Counseling can also be a great service.
5 Times To Meet With Your College Admissions Counselor
No matter whom your college or school counselor is, if you have one it's best to meet with them often. Consider these 5 stages in which you'll absolutely want to meet with someone possessing a trained knowledge of how to get into college:
- Before you make your college visits. There are a million schools out there. Meeting with a trained counselor is the best way to figure out which schools you should be visiting and which you should leave off your road map. That'll save time and money right off the bat.
- After you've made your college visits. You'll have a list of schools that needs refining, and college counselors are the ones with the best understanding of what's right for you.
- When it's time to select your senior year courses. It's important that you take a course load that speaks to your interest and strengths but also touches on your understanding of what colleges want to see in prospective students.
- When it's time to start thinking about meeting with college reps for Interviews. Your college counselor will see when you should be taking care of this part. He or she will know when college reps from the colleges you're interested in will be coming to your school or area, and they'll help you set up appointments.
- Before you submit your application. As your most knowledgeable source in this process, you'll want your college counselor to look over anything that you intend to submit to schools.
School counselors can be a valuable resource for you as you work your way through the process of getting into college. They won't do your work for you, but they should be able to offer valuable insight that you may not be able to get elsewhere. Use their time wisely.