With your senior classmates having already gone through the process of choosing and applying to colleges, you may have noticed that your school’s college counselors are now focusing their attention on you. But since you have several more months before entering your senior year, why are your counselors starting the process so soon?

Your college counselor is there to answer any questions that you may have (or that your parents may have), to suggest colleges for you to research, and to give you a sense of exactly what type of school would align with your goals and interests. If there are schools that you are already interested in, take them to your counselor and see what they think of your choices. Counselors spend year after year researching schools and working with students as they complete the application process. They are also invaluable in providing college related advice and insight.

Once you submit your applications in the fall, your counselor will continue to assist in the process by advocating on your behalf to the school, in addition to writing a recommendation letter. Certainly, the better they know you, the better they will be able to advocate for you and write a strong recommendation. This means that you should definitely visit with your counselor frequently to show them how eager you are to engage in the college process.

The prospect of the first meeting with your college counselor may make you nervous. This is normal and there is no need to feel anxious! The first meeting is simply a chance for the two of you to get to know each other. It will also be an opportunity for your counselor to get a sense of what type of school would best fit you and what you are looking for in a school. If you do not know what you are looking for, there is still no need to worry – that is why you have a college counselor in the first place.

Finally, the SEEDS Guidance Department is always here as a resource as well. We are looking forward to working with you on your search for the best college for you!