College Questions to Ask Your High School Counselor
Posted: February 15, 2022 | Author: Savannah Byers | Read Time: 5 minutes
When it comes to the college admissions process, sometimes the hardest part is knowing where to start. Connecting with people like your high school counselor is a great way to make the process a little less stressful. Your counselor likely has access to exclusive resources, and they have years of experience helping high school students through the process. Below are 15 college questions to ask your high school counselor: if they can’t answer your college questions, they will be able to point you to someone who can, and is a great place to start.
15 College Questions to Ask Your High School Counselor
Am I on track to graduate?
Requirements to graduate high school can change from year to year, so it’s a good idea to check in with your counselor once or twice a year to double-check that you are on track to graduate. Also, some universities require specific courses for admission. Check with your counselor to see if your top college choices might require specific courses for admission.
Which college courses should I take as a high school student?
Advanced Placement (AP) and Concurrent Enrollment (CE) courses allow high school students to earn both high school and college credits simultaneously. Not only does taking AP and CE courses to knock off some general education requirements, but it can also be helpful to take AP and CE courses for subjects you struggle with as a high school student because in high school, classes typically meet more often and there is usually more one-on-one time with instructors.
How can I find college scholarships?
Applying for college scholarships as a high school student is a great way to get ahead, but knowing where to start can be overwhelming. Ask your counselor about scholarships specific to your location and scholarships exclusive to high school students. They will be able to point you in the right direction and help you get started.
How can I prepare for the ACT/SAT?
Many high schools have free ACT/SAT prep courses and tutoring programs. There are also free resources online and in the library to prepare yourself for these standardized tests. Your counselor will be able to connect you with resources that make sense for you.
How many times should I take the ACT/SAT?
It’s totally fine to take the ACT/SAT more than once to earn a score you are happy with. Your high school counselor will have access to testing dates, possible fees, and other helpful information and resources to determine if you should take the test more than once.
Is there funding to support me taking the ACT/SAT?
Many high schools will have fee waivers and other funding options available to lower the cost of taking the ACT/SAT. Your high school counselor will be able to determine your eligibility for these resources and connect you to them.
Should I send my test scores to the colleges I am applying to?
This is a good question to ask for a variety of reasons. Maybe you are worried about your scores. Maybe some schools have minimum score requirements. There are many considerations for this question, and your high school counselor will be able to talk you through the process and help you come to a decision.
How do I submit my college application?
Some universities use platforms like the Common App to gather applications while others have an application tool on their website. Your high school counselor will be able to help you through either platform and give you advice for completing the application. (NOTE: Southern Utah University’s application is available on the SUU website).
When should I apply for college?
Are there any benefits to applying early? Does my high school have a college application day at school? Sometimes on college application day, representatives from different colleges will come and help you with your application and/or possibly waive application fees. Your counselor should have access to this information and can tell you the best time to apply to college.
How can I search for colleges?
With thousands of colleges and universities in the United States, it can be difficult to even know where to begin the college search process. Your high school counselor will be able to point you to different search engines and databases to filter colleges based on location, cost, programs, acceptance rates, etc.
How will I know which college is right for me?
Ask this question not only to your high school counselor, but to others who know you and your academic journey. Ask your parent(s)/guardian(s), your teachers, and other people in your community who will be able to help you with the college admissions process.
What do colleges look for in my personal essay?
A couple of hundred words is not a lot of space to fully express yourself personally and academically. Knowing what to include and what to leave out of your college essay is tricky. Your high school counselor might have some insight as to how admissions officers read the essays and what they are looking for. (NOTE: SUU does not require a personal essay for admission).
When and how do I fill out the FAFSA?
Though it’s a long and meticulous process, submitting your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a great opportunity to access funds for college. Your high school counselor will have more information and resources to help you begin that process with your parent(s)/guardian(s).
Who should I ask to write a recommendation?
Ask this question to somebody who knows you personally and academically- whether or not that might be your high school counselor. When it comes to requesting letters of recommendation, it’s important to be professional and kind. (NOTE: SUU does not require letters of recommendation for admission).
How do I apply for financial aid?
Because it can sometimes determine whether or not you attend college, it’s important to start the financial aid process early. Your high school counselor will have access to resources and additional information and advice for navigating the process.
Get started on your college journey by asking your high school counselor these college questions. Visit the T-Bird Nation Blog for more information and advice for applying to college. Visit the First-Year Student website for more resources during your first year at SUU.