Questions to Ask Your School Counselor To Prepare for College

Embarking on the path to higher education is an exciting journey for many high school students. However, this process is often paired with questions and uncertainties. As your high schooler prepares for college, a school counselor can be a valuable resource to support your family through this undertaking. In this blog post, we'll go over essential questions you and your child should ask their school counselor to prepare for the college application process!

What are the graduation requirements for my high school?

The first step to applying for college is to ensure that your student is meeting their high school graduation requirements. To determine the graduation requirements, your high schooler should meet with their counselor to identify credit requirements, standardized testing obligations, and any unique conditions for graduation. Annual check-ins will help your student stay on track to meet these requirements and can help them plan for academic success.

Can you help me choose the right classes to meet college admission requirements?

Did you know that high school graduation requirements do not always match the prerequisites to get into colleges and universities? Luckily, your child’s school counselor is a go-to resource for choosing the right courses to meet college admission specifications. Not only can they help your high schooler meet these requirements, but they can also make course recommendations for specific schools that your child is interested in applying to. By starting a conversation around your child’s college goals, their school counselor can be a guide in creating a well-rounded academic portfolio to enhance their college applications.

How can I improve my academic standing to get into college?

It’s never too late to become college-bound! Your student’s school counselor can advise them on how to improve their academic standing. Begin by scheduling a meeting with your child’s school counselor to check in on their current academic status and get personalized advice. A school counselor can make recommendations, which may include tutoring, extra credit, or class participation. As a parent, you can support your child by letting them know that you are there to help them through the process.

Where can I find extracurricular activities or community service opportunities to enhance my college applications?

Finding extracurricular activities and community service opportunities is not only fun but can also strengthen your child’s college applications! School counselors oftentimes have a list of clubs, extracurricular activities, and community service opportunities for your child to get involved in.

Encourage your student to find activities that they are interested in whether it’s running for student council, joining a sports team, or volunteering with a local animal shelter. Just remember, the key is to find activities that genuinely excite your student and allow them to showcase their passion and dedication on college applications.

How do I find scholarship opportunities?

Scholarships are an important part of making college more affordable. While they can be difficult to find on your own, a school counselor can help identify scholarships that your student may be qualified for. A counselor can also guide your student through essay prompts, applying for scholarships through specific colleges and universities, and finding local organizations that offer scholarship opportunities. Lastly, counselors can help your family navigate financial aid opportunities to help your student make informed choices when it comes to their education.

What standardized tests do colleges require and when should I take them?

Standardized tests, such as the SAT or ACT, are required for many colleges and universities. A high school counselor can help your student identify which tests they need to take for their schools of choice. They can also help your child decide when they should take standardized tests, find locations that offer these tests, and give them advice on studying and preparation.

Are there any Dual Enrollment (DE) courses available, and should I consider taking them for college credit?

Dual Enrollment (DE) courses can be a valuable way for your high schooler to get ahead on college credits and save money on their education. Many high schools partner with local Dual Enrollment programs through universities or community colleges. To see if Dual Enrollment courses are offered at your child’s high school, get in touch with their school counselor for resources and information.

What resources are available for exploring different career paths and majors?

If your child is interested in exploring a variety of majors or careers, reach out to their high school counselor to see if there are any upcoming job fairs, internships, or entry-level job opportunities. By exploring different career paths in high school, your student can have a better understanding of what major they want to pursue in college.

How do I apply for college?

Every college has different application requirements, deadlines, and processes. By meeting with your child’s counselor, they can help you navigate the college application process from start to finish. Additionally, they can advise you on tips for applying to colleges and building a well-rounded application.

How do I request letters of recommendation? Who should write them?

Requesting letters of recommendation is a crucial step in many college’s application process. A school counselor can be valuable in helping your student identify teachers, mentors, or supervisors who are familiar with their academic abilities and character. Your school counselor can offer guidance on selecting appropriate references and can sometimes even provide a formal request to help streamline the process.

Are there financial aid workshops or resources available to help understand the cost of college and available financial assistance?

Understanding the cost of college and navigating financial assistance can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, many schools offer workshops to provide students and their families with information about the various forms of financial aid including scholarships, grants, and loans. These workshops can help support you with the application, identify eligibility criteria, and meet major deadlines. School counselors are available to assist you in finding these workshops to ensure that you are well-informed about the financial aid process.

What support services does the school offer for college-bound students?

For college-bound students, the services provided by their high school plays a major role in ensuring a smooth transition to higher education. A school counselor can help lead your student through this journey by offering guidance on academic planning, course selection, and college applications.

Additionally, counselors can help students prepare for standardized tests, find scholarships, learn about financial aid, and more. By using these support services, students can better navigate the college application process with confidence and make informed decisions about their future.

Can you provide information on colleges' admission policies?

Your student’s high school counselor is a valuable resource for finding application requirements for various colleges and universities. Counselors can guide you and your student through each school’s requirements, including GPA minimums, standardized testing prerequisites, and any additional information needed for their application.

Whether it's clarifying deadlines, identifying extracurricular activities, or providing insights into the review process, your child’s school counselor is well-equipped to offer personalized guidance and ensure that your family is well-prepared for the college admissions journey.

What steps should parents take to support their child throughout the college application process?

Supporting your child through the college application process is a collaborative effort between you, your child, and your child’s school. As a parent, you are encouraged to initiate open and honest conversations with your high schooler about their academic and career aspirations. Be there to offer guidance on finding colleges, understanding financial aid, and setting realistic goals.

Allow your child to take ownership of their application while acting as a safety net when they need additional support. In the end, a supportive and encouraging environment at home can positively impact a student's confidence and decision-making throughout this significant journey toward higher education.