The upshot of these varied scenarios is that your college counselor may be someone who has been providing college counseling for a long time, is very knowledgeable about the process, and has wonderful college contacts. However, others might be new to college admissions, have almost no training and little experience. Some college counselors are accessible; others are not. Trained or not, accessible or not, nice or not, it is very important that you develop a good relationship with your assigned college counselor.

FRESHMAN YEAR TIMELINE FOR DEVELOPING COUNSELOR RELATIONSHIPS

STUDENTS
Unlike teachers who you see everyday, counselors are people with whom you will have to go out of your way to develop a relationship.

1. Even though counselors are very busy and often overwhelmed, take the time to stop by their office two or three times during your freshman year. Introduce yourself, and have a question or two ready. For example, you might ask for recommendations for summer programs.

PARENTS
It’s not easy to gain access to high school counselors, particularly at large public high schools. Also, be careful about approaching counselors about college admissions issues when your child is a freshman because they might judge you as a “helicopter parent.” Perhaps the most effective thing you can do is to introduce yourself to the counselor at some school event, and let him or her know that you look forward to knowing them better as your child progresses through high school.

SOPHOMORE YEAR TIMELINE FOR DEVELOPING COUNSELOR RELATIONSHIPS

STUDENTS

1. Continue developing your relationship with the college counselor.

2. Go out of your way to attend any counselor-planned sophomore college admissions events.

3. Keep the counselor informed of any college admissions activities on your part, such as visiting colleges and planning to attend a college’s summer program.

PARENTS
Keep introducing yourself to the college counselor at various school functions and identifying who your child is. Because of their caseloads, many counselors are unable to remember all the names of their students, let alone their parents.

1. If you have questions about college admissions, first ask the counselor whether you should meet in person, communicate by email or via the phone. Then work out a mode and time that fits both of your schedules.

2. Be sure to attend any school sponsored college admissions events.