School Resources for Efficient College Planning - The Guidance Counselor

When the high school years roll around, parents are often less involved at their child's school than they were in the elementary and middle school years. However, there are benefits to opening up communications with certain individuals at the school to help with college planning. This usually includes the school guidance counselor and members of the teaching staff as well.

An often overlooked yet useful school resource is the guidance counselor. They are generally the ones responsible for handling transcripts, tracking student credits to be sure they have what is required for graduation, and much more.

They know what is required for the different types of high school diplomas offered, college scholarships students can apply for, admissions requirements for many different schools and colleges, and tips on applying for financial aid.

Let the guidance counselor at your child's high school know early in the freshman year that your student has plans to attend college. By doing so early, the counselor can better guide you and your child with regard to many different aspects involved with college planning.

Sure, there are many things you and your child can, and should, do on your own for college preparation. However, a trained and experienced guidance counselor can help make the process much easier and possibly steer you toward some benefits and advantages you might not find otherwise.

It is important to avoid taking a back seat with something as important as college planning for your student. The proper planning will assure that your student is fully prepared when it comes time to undergo the proper testing, apply for scholarships and aid, and apply and be accepted at the college they wish to attend.

The high school counselor can provide not only guidance in steps for proper planning, but also other resources such as study materials, suggested clubs your student should join to enhance their college application, and advanced placement course information which can help them sign up for classes that can earn them college credit while still in high school.

Communication between parents and the school can usually be handled via email for parents who work during the day. So don't delay letting the high school counselor know of your student's college intentions. It will help both you and your child plan better for the college years ahead.