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Applications and Admissions

Find information to help students through the application process and develop connections with admissions officers.

High school counselor asking parents why they don't want their child to go to college

What to Do When Parents Don’t Want Their Kid to Go to College

It’s particularly heartbreaking when the student wants to go to college and is at risk of being held back by their own parents. Here’s what you can do.
High school counselor talking with a student in their office

What to Say to a Student Who Doesn’t Want to Go to College

Counselor talking to teenage girl in office

Advice for Seniors in High School Preparing for College

College students talking in group in classroom

6 Steps to Take with First Generation College Bound Students

High school counselor and college admissions officer conversing and smiling at a restaurant

How Counselors Can Strengthen Relationships with Admission Officers

High school counselor talking on cell phone in their office

3 Ways Counselors Can Help Students Get Into College After They Hit Submit

High school counselor typing a letter of recommendation

The Secret to Writing a Personalized Recommendation Letter Every Time

High school counselor sitting at their desk focused on their laptop screen

6 Questions Counselors Can Ask Students Who Are Considering Early Decision

Close-up of high school counselor turning the pages of a daily planner

8 Tips on Preventing Counselor Burnout

High School Tutor Giving Female Student One To One Tuition At Desk In Classroom

The Most Important Things Counselors Should Tell Students About Applying for Federal Student Aid

5 Productive Things Counselors Can Do Over Spring Break

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Frequently Asked Questions

Helping students avoid the senior slump can be a challenging part of the college counseling process. Students need to understand that colleges do still care about second semester grades. It can also be helpful to address any issues quickly and talk with students whose grades have dropped dramatically.

It can be helpful to share downloads and handouts about the application process, including how to apply for financial aid. You can find additional resources on CollegeCovered.com. Feel free to email, print, post in your office, and share with colleagues and families.

College applications have changed in the last few years. More and more colleges have become test-optional. A test-optional environment means that there may be greater scrutiny on other aspects of an application, including essays and recommendations.

In general, a strong recommendation letter is one in which the writer demonstrates familiarity with the applicant’s personality and strengths. A recommendation from a counselor can be helpful to talk about how an applicant has grown, managed challenges, and has matured. A counselor recommendation can also help explain any weak spots on a student’s transcript.