The Role of the High School Guidance Counselor in College Selection
by Milissa M. Pierce, MA, LPC
Q: As a student, what should I expect from my High School guidance counselor in the college selection process?
A: A high school guidance counselor should be your "center of gravity" in the college selection process. Their job is to guide a student through their high school journey, helping them to stay on track and keeping their eye on the prize.
Regardless of how we may wish it was otherwise, college awareness and opportunity should begin early in a student's high school career. Curriculum, grade point and involvement begins to matter even in the 9th grade!
Yet ample opportunities exist for ALL students and counselors can help students identify them and explore them. High School counselors work with students at all grade levels to help them become responsible decision makers and to further develop their educational talents and interests.
Students should be advised to take a varied and strong curriculum which will help them explore their interests and enhance their opportunities for a successful transition to college. Counselors should also provide information about testing and testing preparation through the high school years.
During the junior and senior years, the partnership with the counselor should develop into a working relationship to help a student solidify their choices, stay on task for all necessary deadlines, and keep a student focused on finishing strong!
Parents can expect their High School Counselors to:
- Help a student choose the best curriculum for them through their high school career
- Provide opportunities for students to explore their talents and interests
- Advise them on ACT/SAT testing and preparation
- Provide information and awareness of college exploration at school and in the community
- Guide a student through the processing of applications in their senior year
- Provide encouragement, enthusiasm and wisdom in helping a student move forward through the process
Milissa M. Pierce, MA LPC is a Licensed Professional Counselor and High School Guidance Counselor. She is beginning her 8th year at Grosse Pointe North High School and previously worked at Oxford Middle School. Milissa teaches Counselor Education classes at Oakland University and ran a successful Private Practice in the Grosse Pointe Area for over 15 years. She has previously worked in a clinical setting providing contractual services and group counseling to schools in Oakland County. She has also worked as family life educator on the Eastside teaching childbirth classes and providing postpartum support.
Save the Date:
Demystifying the College Process: An Interactive Panel Discussion
A conversation for parents and students (10th, 11th and 12th grade) featuring an interactive panel discussion about real issues facing young adults.
Tuesday, Nov. 3, 6:30pm
Grosse Pointe South High School Auditorium
11 Grosse Pointe Blvd, Grosse Pointe Farms
No Fee
RSVP by Oct. 27 @ 313.432.3832 or
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The Family Center, a 501(c) 3, non-profit organization, serves as the community's centralized hub for information, resources and referral for families and professionals.
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