12 Topics Every Parent Should Discuss with Their Child’s Guidance Counselor Before Senior Year

Guess what, college planning starts as early as 8th or 9th grade. I have to say this because many parents think they should wait until the summer after 11th grade. Don't be that parent, okay? ?? (don't say you didn't know)

?? Starting early allows you to set the right academic path for your child, help them discover interests through extracurricular activities, and even snag those opportunities for scholarships.

• In a nutshell, the earlier you start, the better the outcome! Every-single-one of my clients have won a scholarship by working with us.

??If you're like most parents, you're juggling a hundred different things on any given day, all while trying to ensure your teen is college-ready and life-ready! It's a mammoth task, and that's why you can't afford to overlook a goldmine of information you can collect over time from your child’s guidance counselor! ??

• But hey, I know what you're thinking: "I barely have time to make dinner, let alone plan out meaningful conversations with the guidance counselor!" Don't sweat it; I've got you covered! ??

I've curated a list of 12 essential topics that you absolutely, positively must discuss with your teen's guidance counselor—before senior year.

So let's dive in! ??♀?

Now, before we jump in, a quick heads-up. I don't want you to get so caught up in this list and feel overwhelmed. I have a list of the:

?EXACT questions to ask

?complete with scripts

?and I'll even tell you exactly WHEN to ask them so you don't have to guess or feel lost.?

Grab your comprehensive guide of detailed scripts and questions for each topic below.

You'll be so prepared, the guidance counselor might just think you switched careers! Click the picture below and let's make college planning a smooth ride for the whole family!

These are the secrets that get your child's high school counselor to tell them about opportunities they only share with certain students! It needs to be yours!

??Get your teen college-ready like a boss!

You don't need to and you absolutely SHOULD NOT discuss these topics in one school year. There are strategic grades to ask them.?? Get your roadmap here.

?Topic 1: Course Selection & Academic Goals

Why It's Important:?

Choosing the right courses isn't just about the next report card; it's laying the foundation for your teen's future. A well-planned curriculum can not only meet academic goals but also help your child discover their passions and develop essential life skills.

?? Foundation for the Future: The right courses serve as building blocks for college and career aspirations.

?? Skill Development: Strategically chosen electives can help develop skills like leadership, public speaking, or technical aptitude.

?? Advanced Opportunities: AP classes and dual enrollment can offer academic challenges and college credit but must be balanced wisely.

?Topic 2: Extracurricular Activities

Why It's Important:

Extracurricular activities can be more than just an afterthought; they can be a gateway to opportunities and resources your school has to offer. These programs can offer a healthy balance to academics and are worth discussing with your teen's guidance counselor.

? Available Options: Knowing what activities the school offers can help your teen make an informed decision about how to spend their after-school hours.

? Teacher Involvement: Learning the extent to which teachers are involved can offer insight into how much mentorship and guidance your teen can expect.

? School Resources: Uncover what facilities, such as art studios or music rooms, are available for extracurricular activities, allowing your teen to make the most out of their school experience.

?Topic 3: Academic Support and Resources

Why It's Important:

The high school years can be a roller coaster of academic challenges and triumphs. Whether your teen is acing every test or needs a little extra help, it's essential to know what support is available to ensure they reach their fullest potential.

?? Tutoring and Extra Help: Learn what kind of tutoring or extra help sessions are available, and how to access them.

?? Learning Resources: Whether it's a well-stocked library or online databases, knowing what educational resources are at your teen's disposal can be a game-changer.

?? Academic Advisors: These are the unsung heroes who can offer tailored advice to help your teen navigate academic challenges. Knowing who they are and how to reach them is crucial.

?Topic 4: Standardized Testing and Preparation

Why It's Important:

Standardized tests are a significant aspect of the college admissions process. While you may have your own timeline and strategy for score submission, there are other elements that your teen's guidance counselor can provide insights into.

• Preparation Resources: Find out if the school provides any free or discounted resources, like practice tests or reference books, to aid in preparation.
• Test Accommodations: If your teen has a learning disability or other special needs, discussing available accommodations can be crucial for test day success.

?Topic 5: School Events and Engagement

Why It's Important:

High school is more than just academics and extracurriculars; it's also a community. School events and other types of engagement opportunities can enrich your teen's overall experience and contribute to their personal development.

??Upcoming Events: Understanding the annual calendar of events like fairs, performances, and parent-teacher conferences can help you plan ahead.

??Parent Involvement: Schools often welcome parent volunteers for various events and committees, a great way to be actively involved in your child’s education.

?Topic 6: Mental Health and Well-being

Why It's Important:

High school can be both exciting and stressful. The well-being of your teen is paramount, and it's important to know what support systems the school has in place for mental health.

?? Counseling Services: Discuss the availability and specialties of on-campus counselors. Are they equipped to handle stress, anxiety, or more specific mental health concerns?

?? Stress Management Resources: Some schools offer workshops, quiet rooms, or other resources aimed at stress reduction. Knowing about these can provide extra support for your teen.

?? Peer Support Programs: Programs like peer mentoring can sometimes be more relatable for teens and provide another layer of emotional support.

?Topic 7: College and Career Exploration Resources

Why It's Important:

Even if your teen isn't sure about their post-high school plans, it's beneficial to start exploring options early. While you may provide comprehensive guidance on college planning, it's good to know what additional resources the school offers.

?? Resource Library: Does the school have a dedicated section in its library for college and career exploration? This can be a helpful supplement to your own resources.

?? Guest Speakers: Schools sometimes invite alumni or industry professionals to talk about their experiences. This can offer valuable insights for your teen's future plans.

?Topic 8: Financial Awareness

Why It's Important:

While college can be an exciting next step, it's also a significant financial commitment. It's essential to have a basic understanding of what resources the school might offer in terms of financial awareness, even if you're planning on more specialized coaching.

??Budgeting Workshops: Ask if the school provides any general financial literacy or budgeting workshops that could be beneficial for your teen.

??Fundraising Events: Many schools engage in fundraising events that offer students and families a way to contribute financially. Learn how you can get involved.

??Payment Plans for School Trips/Events: Some school events can be expensive. It's worth asking if there are any payment plans or financial aid options available for such instances.

?Topic 9: Academic Resources and Support

Why It's Important:

Academic success isn't just about classroom performance; it's also about taking advantage of the resources available. While you may provide detailed coaching on academic planning, it's still useful for parents to understand the general support landscape at the school.

?? Library Resources: Most schools have libraries with valuable resources that could aid in your teen’s studies. Knowing the library hours and what's available could be beneficial.

?? Study Groups: Ask if the school facilitates or recommends study groups for challenging subjects. These can be great supplementary support systems for your teen.

?? Teacher Office Hours: Understanding when and how teachers are available for extra help can make a big difference in your child's academic experience.

?Topic 10: Communication Channels

Why It's Important:

Effective communication between home and school is crucial for academic success and overall well-being. Understanding how best to keep in touch can streamline this process.

• School Portal: Many schools use online portals for grades, assignments, and announcements. Make sure you know how to access and navigate it.
• Best Contact Method: Ask the guidance counselor what their preferred method of communication is for non-urgent matters—email, phone, or scheduled appointments.

?Topic 11: Gap Year Information

Why It's Important:

A gap year can be a valuable experience, offering time for personal growth or career exploration. Even if you're not considering it for your teen, it's helpful to know what the school thinks about gap years.

?? School Policy: Learn about the school's stance on gap years and whether they offer any guidance or resources for students considering one.

?? Re-Entry Process: If a gap year becomes an option, ask about the process for re-entering the school system or transferring credits later on.

?Topic 12: Stress and Mental Health Resources

Why It's Important:

High school can be a stressful time, and it's essential to know what mental health resources are available to students. Having this knowledge can equip parents to better support their teens during challenging periods.

?? Counseling Services: Inquire about the availability and process for students to access mental health services or counseling at the school.

?? Peer Support: Ask if the school offers any peer mentorship or support groups to help students navigate stress and other challenges.

These aren't just random talking points; they're your teen's ticket to Collegeville, USA, with less stress and more success!

But hey, we get it—sometimes you want the nitty-gritty, the exact questions to ask, and the perfect time to pop them. Good news! For a limited time, I'm offering a comprehensive package of detailed scripts and questions to ask for each topic. This is key to getting opportunities guidance counselors aren't sharing with other students.

• You'll be so prepared, the guidance counselor might just think you switched careers! Hit that button below and let's make college planning a smooth ride for the whole family!

?? Once you get your guide, you'll be able to get on the waiting list for my upcoming free 5-day masterclass. This is where I'm covering the details of everything your guidance counselor doesn't cover:

??College Admissions Strategy

??Custom Scholarship Searches

??Academic and Extracurricular Planning

??Financial Aid Optimization

??Essay writing and Storytelling Strategies

??Test Prep Planning Strategy and Score Submission

??Interview and Application Coaching

Trust me, you're going to need my insider secrets. This is how of the families who work with me get results. Fully admitted to college and scholarships that cover much of their cost.