The Harsh Truth About Relying Solely on School Guidance Counselors for College Readiness ??

Let's get straight to the point—college planning is no walk in the park. Many of you are probably thinking, "Well, that's what school guidance counselors are for, right?" Hold your horses, because today we're diving into the harsh truth that nobody talks about. ??

Many parents ask us, "Doesn't my child's guidance counselor help them with everything they need for college?"

??When we tell them "No, that's not how it works," and explain why, they tend to have a mix of emotions.

The Misconception: One-Stop College Prep Shop ??

??Parents often see school guidance counselors as the end-all-be-all for their child's college readiness journey. It's easy to think, "Why worry? The school has a counselor to guide my child through this maze called 'college admissions.'" If that's you, it's time for a reality check.?

The Reality: Jack-of-All-Trades ??

Don't get me wrong; school guidance counselors are fantastic individuals and a crucial resource. They do an incredible job with the resources they have and are a key part of the educational system.

Their work is often a labor of love, and we owe them a lot for the support they give to our teens. But here's the thing—they're juggling a LOT! From scheduling classes to career advice to dealing with emotional and social issues, they've got their hands full.

The student-to-counselor ratio isn't doing them any favors either, often exceeding 400:1.?? Yes, 400 students for every 1 counselor.

??So, can they give your child the:

• Undivided attention
• Personalized strategy
• Up-to-the-minute insights they need for college success?

It's a tall order, and it's likely they can't cover every aspect of college planning in depth.

The Solution: Take the Reins ??

As parents, it's crucial to be proactive. Supplement the guidance counselor's advice with additional resources. Consider hiring a college admissions consultant (ahem) or at least using online tools and attending seminars.

Here's the kicker: don't procrastinate! The earlier you start, the better your chances of making informed decisions.

Practical Actions to Take ??

1. Set Up Meetings: Schedule check-ins with the school, but make it one piece of a larger plan.

2. Invest in Expertise: Even if it's a few consultation sessions, getting expert advice can be a game-changer.

3. Research, Research, Research: Dive into their college options, college reviews, and admission requirements.

4. Involve Your Teen: They should be a co-pilot, not a passenger, on this journey.

Wrap-Up ??

Is a guidance counselor valuable? Absolutely! Are they the single solution to getting your teen college-ready? Probably not. The college application process is a family affair, and it's up to you to take action! So, let's make it happen and set your teen up for college success!

?What are you waiting for? Let’s get your family college-ready with a plan that actually works. Stop depending on one resource and start building a comprehensive roadmap to college success. Time is ticking! ?

P.S. I guarantee, investing time and resources now will make the "D-Day"—aka, college move-in day—a whole lot smoother! ??

---

???If you found this article helpful, please feel free to share and comment below. For more hands-on guidance on college planning, scholarships, and overall step-by-step college readiness your teen's grade, don't hesitate to reach out. We're in this together! ??

---

Eager to help your family plan, prep, and pay for college with ease? Let’s connect! ??