Guidance Counselor

[Raptor_Hopefull_2025]

Ok so obviously a candidates Guidance Counselor plays an important role in this application. I’ve talked to applicants from years past that went to my HS, along with other people applying for different colleges, and everything in hearing from them, especially the previous SA applicants, is that this Counselor is extremely hard to communicate with, doesn’t get things in on time at all, one example is a previous candidate asked for transcripts before the application opened or right as It did, and the Guidance Counselor sent them in in January, after multiple emails and Phone calls. My experience with this person is the same. In my experiences it has been pretty hard to even get a copy of my official transcript for a scholarship, and communication is really not that great. Ex I’d send her an email, send it again the next week, talk to this person face to face, and still not much transpired out of it.

How should I approach this with the application, especially if I’m wanting to get everything in as soon as possible (with quality)?

I’ve talked with my principal, and he said if I have any troubles getting a hold of this person, to reach out to him, and he can help with any of the things I have. Problem is, can my principal submit things that a Guidance Counselor should?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

[Magic Turtle]

You said everything right there. Consistently and regularly check-in with your counselor and if it's getting a little close for comfort to the deadline, I would definitely involve your principal (since he said he could help). I'm fortunate that my school district lets us order transcripts online so I only relied on my counselor for a few items. As far as the principal's ability to submit things instead of the counselor, that's probably on a school-by-school basis.

If a service academy is what you really want, then I'm confident that you'll find a way to make things happen. It'll probably make you a little anxious/nervous at times, but you just need to hold up your end of the bargain (grades, extracurriculars, CFA, interviews, essays, checking in with teachers/counselors, etc.).

Best of luck to you.

 

[milmomsomeday]

As a school counselor myself, I think you have an excellent plan to make things happen. Not all counselors are the same and I hate that for students, but enlisting the help of others as needed sounds like a great plan. Regular contact and good honest communication might go a long way to get what you need on time.
As stated above, check into the availability of sending your transcripts yourself. Our entire state (North Carolina) allows students to access and send transcripts themselves without even talking to the counselor.

 

[raimius]

I'm getting older now, but my GC sent transcripts when asked...I think that was about it.
You can do most things without them.

 

[kpmom2013]

When my kids were applying to all five academies, their guidance counselor came right out and said she would never help anyone become a "baby killer." Their principal did everything that was required of the guidance counselor (including for USAFA) and there was never an issue with the academies. The application process is difficult enough without having someone who is supposed to help you holding you back. Good luck.

 

[Casper]

My son was able to order his transcripts online under School Pay. He would fill in where each transcript was to be sent then there was a $2 charge per transcript he sent. Do you have this option on your High School web site?

 

[jaglvr]

I am so thankful my DD has a GC who rocks. My DS educated her when he went through the process and my DD has a great relationship with her GC. I think her GC will be more upset in the end if nothing pans out because she has been very invested in DD’s future goals these past 3 years.

 

[BBQ-Devil]

This may be an opportunity for your ALO to engage and educate the GC on the process, deadlines, and rigor of the application process and how it differs greatly from a normal civilian college. Have you reached out to him/her?

 

[Raptor_Hopefull_2025]

My son was able to order his transcripts online under School Pay. He would fill in where each transcript was to be sent then there was a $2 charge per transcript he sent. Do you have this option on your High School web site?

Unfortunately not

This may be an opportunity for your ALO to engage and educate the GC on the process, deadlines, and rigor of the application process and how it differs greatly from a normal civilian college. Have you reached out to him/her?

Yes, I've been in touch with my ALO quite a bit, and I've also reached out to my GC