Roles of Student, Counselor, and Family in College Planning

 

Student responsibilities:

q      Grades and behavior in school

q      Self-assessment to determine priorities for college

q      Research individual colleges

q      Prepare for and take SAT/ACT

q      Meet deadlines for counselor and college application

q      Secure appropriate recommendations

q      Complete applications on time

q      Communicate regularly with counselor and family about any change in plans

q      Make the final decision about college

 

 

TA CounselorÕs responsibilities:

q      Know students well enough to be able to offer good advice

q      Help student create a realistic college list in conjunction with family

q      Host college admissions representatives (ÒrepsÓ) at TA, arrange for college fair

q      Provide information about SAT/ACT registration and test dates

q      Provide an SAT preparation class in the spring of junior year

q      Guide the application process so students meet deadlines

q      Write letters of recommendation or description for every student and college who request them

q      Send transcripts, recommendations and other school materials to colleges

 

 

Parent responsibilities:

q      Be realistic about your studentÕs abilities, goals, and finances

q      Inform your student and studentÕs TA counselor about any family concerns or parameters in choosing colleges

q      Help plan college visits, transportation, and debriefing after each campus visit (encouraging student to jot a few notes on the spot helps later)

q      Be knowledgeable about family ability to pay for college, the financial aid process, and meet all deadlines for financial aid applications

q      DonÕt prepare your studentÕs applications. DonÕt allow any decisions made by admissions offices to affect your and your studentÕs sense of self-worth