School counselors should be thrilled to help you. Why? Because unlike teachers, school counselors (or guidance counselors) have pretty much one task, and one task only: to advise you about your present life and your post-high school choices.
And when a counselor cannot perform this one task, it is the worst thing in the world (tied with sick kittens).
We hope you have one of the good ones, but some of you undoubtedly have to put up with a counselor who is clearly only there because of a misleading classified ad. There are several ways to tell which type of counselor you have:
The Office Door
Salutation
Good: "Hello, [First name]! You are looking fantastic today. Perhaps it's because you're so smart and likable!"
Bad: "Oh, it's uh…" (Shuffles papers confusedly; will keep doing this until you announce your name or leave.)
Reaction to Your Career Plans
Good: Encourages and informs your decision with realism and enthusiasm, even if your decision is, "I definitely want to fight sharks for a living."
Bad: Glances at your transcript, chuckles to himself, then remarks that he needs someone to walk his dog for two dollars an hour, how does that sound, buddy? (By the way, the dog is mean and hates everyone.)
College Advice
Good: Explains your desired school's admissions procedures. Also, has actually heard of this school.
Bad: Hands you a mess of pamphlets for the local Clown College. Smiles contentedly. His work here is done.
Level of Engagement
Good: Hangs on your every word as though you are the most interesting person she has ever met.
Bad: Apparently asleep, or perhaps thinking intensely, but the kind of thinking that has snoring in it.
Farewell
Good: Has materials on hand for you to take home with you; these are informative and up-to-date.
Bad: Somehow is not in the room anymore. How did he even do that?
What's your counselor like?
Related Post: Creative Solutions Part 1: College Admissions Essays
Topics: School
Tags: college, counselors
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