Counselor Recommendations - Will you need one??
By: Marc Rosegold

February 24, 2000

The college of your choice may require a recommendation from your school counselor as part of their admissions package. You may find a form in your application packet called a "Secondary School Report" or just "School Report" - when you find one of these, its time to see your counselor!

Each counselor has their own procedure for you to follow, but these are the basic steps to getting a recommendation from your counselor:

1) Make an appointment to meet with your counselor early in the fall of your senior year. Your counselor will explain the details of what you will need to do.

2) Complete a 'Student Data Worksheet'. This is a form that allows you to describe the details of your scholastic record and extracurricular activities. Please answer the student questions and provide your counselor with enough details so that they can write a thorough recommendation.

3) Provide your counselor with the names of 4-5 teachers, coaches, employers, etc... who can provide feedback about you and your accomplishments. Make copies of your completed "Student Data Worksheet" and staple one to each "Teacher Recommendation Form". Give the two forms to the teacher and ask them to return them to your counselor.

4) Be sure to bring your counselor any of the "Secondary School Reports" that you have. Fill in the student data section before you turn it in.

5) This whole process can take a considerable amount of time. You need to write your portion, teachers need time to write and then your counselor will need time to complete the report. So do not procrastinate or you may hear from your counselor those dreaded words, "I'm sorry, but you have not given me enough time to write you a thorough recommendation and so I must say no."

6) Many selective colleges and universities require separate teacher recommendations in addition to a counselor recommendation. If you are applying to a school like this, then you should contact your chosen teachers personally and ask them if they would be willing to write you a letter (many schools have their own forms for this). This is a separate process from my asking teachers for input for the counselor recommendation.