For most students, the school counselor is someone they meet with maybe two or three times a year for services like college planning information sessions and course selection. If you attend a small school, you either have one overwhelmed counselor who handles everything from standardized testing to crisis response or you have access to a team of counselors, including one counselor who specializes in college counseling services. At larger schools, a small number of counselors balance caseloads of hundreds of students. So, for the most part, it’s up to you to take the initiative to access counseling office resources and establish a closer relationship with your counselor. If you decide to make an appointment with your school counselor, here you will find some advice to make the most out of your meeting.
Pick a Purpose
Before you schedule a meeting with your school counselor, decide what the goal is for the meeting. Having a clear objective will ensure that both you and the counselor come prepared to the meeting and stay on track. Remember that school counselors are trained to assist students with a wide variety of topics: course selection, test prep, career counseling, college planning, financial aid and scholarships, and social and emotional well-being. You could schedule a meeting simply to introduce yourself and give your counselor an update on how things are going with you. Your meeting could also focus on anything from discussing classes and activities that will attract the attention of admissions committees to getting support after the loss of a family member.
Set the Date
Once you have settled on a purpose for your meeting, you are ready to make an appointment. Counseling departments may have several ways to schedule appointments, including through email, phone call, or student portals. You can always stop by the office and schedule a meeting, too. To make sure you don’t forget your appointment, add the date to your calendar. Get in touch as soon as possible if you need to cancel or reschedule.
Do Your Homework
More than likely you are seeking out your school counselor because you need direction or advice. And, although they are trained professionals who are prepared to share information and resources, it’s still a good idea to prepare for your meeting by doing some basic background research. If, for example, your meeting will focus on identifying scholarships, jot down some notes about what aspects of your background could qualify you for a scholarship and a general breakdown of your financial needs.
Write a List of Questions
Make sure that you don’t overlook anything important by bringing a written list of questions to your meeting. Not only will your list give you a framework for your meeting, it will also serve as the perfect place to write down any notes or important information your school counselor provides. A list for a meeting focused on college planning may include these questions, for example: 1) What are the best elective or AP courses to take? 2) Should I take the SAT or ACT? 3) Where do I start researching colleges? Before your meeting, consider reviewing your questions with your parents to see if there’s anything you missed.
Gather Materials
You already are bringing a list of questions to your meeting, but there are a few other things you should take along with you. In addition to something to write with, you’ll definitely want to bring a notebook or some paper to take notes. Take a folder with you to collect any materials your counselor gives you or if you have any materials you would like to share or review with your counselor, such as an updated version of your college list or program planning worksheets.
Introducing Yourself
Since many counselors are assigned large caseloads of students, even if you’ve met before, make sure to introduce yourself. After saying hello, share your name and thank your counselor for meeting with you about whatever the focus of the meeting will be. If you are anxious or not sure what to say, just remember that your counselor wants to establish a positive and collaborative relationship with you. When you have the chance, try some small talk. It could be about the upcoming homecoming game, spring break plans, or even the weather!
Don’t Leave without Knowing What’s Next
A productive meeting with your counselor usually will leave you with a sense of what your next steps should be. Depending on the purpose of the meeting, those next steps could range from having a parent contact local mental health providers for services to registering for the SAT. These tasks should be written down before you leave the office as a record and reminder of what your course of action should be.
Follow Up
After the meeting, you should send a follow up email thanking your counselor for his or her time. You can also include any new or answered questions or any updates on the steps you’ve taken since the meeting. A follow up meeting can be scheduled, if necessary.
How A+ Can Help
Meeting with your school counselor may make you step out of your comfort zone. Just remember that those who choose to become counselors did so out of a desire to help students and make a positive difference in their lives. By reaching out and putting in the effort to make a connection with your counselor, they will get to know you better and will be in a better position to support you academically and emotionally. Many counselors may recommend students seek out additional services to address needs that cannot be met at school. That’s where A+ Test Prep and Tutoring comes in! Students who want to boost their grades or improve their executive function skills can take advantage of academic tutoring and Executive Function Coaching services. We can also help you prepare for your standardized tests, including SAT, ACT, and AP exams. Applying to college? College Admission Coaching services and College Essay and Editing services are also available.
At A+ Test Prep and Tutoring, our practices are based on the latest developments in educational theory and research. We have an excellent team of tutors who can help you with standardized testing, executive functioning, or achievement in any other school subject. If you want to find out more about our services, contact us here.
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