HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF IN-SCHOOL COUNSELING

3-minute read.

The following blog post was written specifically for students.

An often underutilized resource in schools is the in-school school counselor. You might see them solely as a contingency, only to be called upon in times of crisis, or just as the person who runs the annual assembly on bullying. However, if given the opportunity, they can provide so much more to students, parents, teachers, and school administrators. Developing a strong relationship with your in-school counselor can be one of the most impactful decisions you can make as a student. As a follow-up to our last blog post, we’ve decided to compile the following list of our five best practices for students like you to get the most out of your in-school counselor. Let’s take a look!

5 Best Practices When Dealing with Your In-School Counselor

Be proactive.

When starting at a new school, be sure to find out who your counselor is. Some schools employ multiple counselors and assign different ones to various grade levels or graduating classes. Make a point to get in touch with your counselor early on; introduce yourself and make a point to stop by their office every so often. This will ensure they will know who you are and be that much more prepared to help you out, should you ever be in need. This is especially important for high schoolers, who are certain to require some assistance come college application time.

Be respectful of their time.

If you have a specific issue that you are dealing with, schedule an appointment with your counselor in advance, rather than simply showing up at their office. Remember: they are likely responsible for your entire grade, and maybe even your entire student body! If you can give them a heads up about what you’d like to speak with them about, this allows them time to prepare for your meeting and have a better chance of offering useful advice. In addition, come to your meeting as prepared as possible. If you are speaking about a personal issue, try writing down some notes about what it is you want to discuss. If you are seeking assistance with something more clear-cut, such as college applications, arrive with all of the necessary forms and documentation you need to fill in already printed.

Communicate your needs and goals.

Be honest and open with your counselor about what it is you need. They cannot help you if they don’t know exactly what it is you are looking for. While it can sometimes be nerve-racking to open up to an adult, let alone a member of your school’s faculty, remember: they are there to help you, not pass judgment. At the end of the day, it is the counselor’s job to support you, advocate for you, and help you learn how to do so for yourself.

Listen and take their advice seriously.

At the risk of sounding repetitive: counselors truly have your best interests at heart! The advice they give comes from years of experience working with students just like you. Trust that they may have insights beyond your own experience and take what they say on board. Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions!

Show your gratitude!

Don’t forget to say thank you sincerely and often. In-school counselors work really hard for their students and deserve to be recognized for their efforts. If you are a senior heading off to college, stay in touch! Your counselor has likely become personally invested in your success and will be overjoyed to hear from you once you’ve settled into your new life.

The rigors of school— and life—can often be overwhelming. At times, juggling school, your social life, your family, and extracurricular activities can feel downright impossible. We get that! At Tutoring Club of McLean, we aim to take some of that pressure off by providing students with the structure and support they need to succeed. Speak to your parents about getting in touch with us today. From there, we’ll set up a customized game plan for you to get you back on track with your academic goals.

Michelle Scott
Owner/Director
Tutoring Club of McLean
703.237.TUTOR (8886)
Email:McLeanVA@tutoringclub.com