The high school terminated the role of college and career counselor in 2019. Since then, the school has rotated through multiple counselors in each school year, but none have held the spot. College and career counselors benefit students, specifically seniors, deciding their post-secondary futures. The school should reintroduce the position of a college and career counselor to educate students about deadlines and scholarships, guide seniors through the admissions process emotionally, and share opportunities for those pursuing non-university paths.
The combination of admissions, scholarship, housing and official paperwork makes for a long list of due dates. College counselors assist in ensuring that each student meets the required deadlines to complete all aspects of admission. Along with due dates, having thousands of available scholarships is daunting without proper guidance. A student may not realize the overwhelming amount and lose the opportunity to receive financial rewards. A college and career counselor guides these students to find scholarships that match their resume, and assists them in applying. Additionally, their expert advice in the admissions process helps students maximize their accomplishments to match the qualifications for each school. College and career counselors know the process as well as university admissions officers. This expert view steers students in the right direction when writing their essays and completing their resumes. Counselors help eliminate unnecessary information and expand on the details colleges look out for. Without this guidance, a student is prone to forgetting necessary details that could make or break their admittance.
In addition to college and career counselors aiding in important deadlines and admission requirements, they also play a big role in supporting students emotionally. They help students find a healthy balance between current high school expectations and planning their future. For seniors, and even juniors, college planning is a stressful process, but college and career focused counselors add an additional support for those struggling. These counselors have the ability to simplify the admissions process in a way that makes it appear less intimidating for students. Additionally, they instill confidence and assurance in those worried about their future.
While they might primarily assist students in applications, college and career counselors also help those pursuing non-university careers. With an increase in students’ desire for non-traditional paths, the career counselling aspect of the job is highly important. Although there is an increase in participation in non-traditional careers and schooling, many students are not aware of the opportunities outside of colleges and universities. Some might feel pressured from teachers, parents or social media to continue their education, but career counselors can guide students in finding their best fit outside of university.
Some might feel that reintroducing the role of a college and career counselor is unnecessary with general counselors aiding all students; however, the specified position provides students more detailed instruction for planning their future. As students anticipate their lives after graduation, it becomes evident that seniors especially need a college and career counselor to support them academically and emotionally, whether they choose to pursue a higher education or not.
