Is Your School Counselor Giving You and Your Teen the Support You Both Need?

Your teen’s school counselor is one of the most important people in their college admissions journey. But let’s be honest—how well do you actually understand their role? Many parents assume counselors will handle everything from building a college list to reviewing essays to crafting a strategy for admissions success. But the reality? That’s not always the case.

School counselors are hardworking professionals with the best intentions, but they’re often stretched thin. In many schools, each counselor is responsible for hundreds of students, making it nearly impossible to provide the individualized attention your teen needs to stand out in the competitive college admissions process.

Every year, I speak with families who are confused, frustrated, or unsure about what to expect from their school counselor. Some counselors are highly engaged, meeting with students regularly, providing in-depth feedback on applications, and proactively guiding families through the process. Others? Not so much. It’s not about a lack of care—it’s often about bandwidth. Many counselors juggle hundreds of students, making it difficult to give each family the attention they need.

So, where does that leave you? Should you rely solely on your school counselor, or should you seek additional support? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. But here’s what every parent should be doing: asking the right questions.

First, ask your teen’s school counselor: What can we expect from you in this process? Some schools have structured programs where counselors help build college lists, review applications, and offer essay feedback. Others may take a more hands-off approach, leaving much of the responsibility to families. Knowing where your counselor stands allows you to determine whether your teen is getting the guidance they need.

Next, how do you help students to develop their stories? Every strong college application tells a story—one that’s built through activities, essays, and recommendations. Does your counselor provide support in shaping that story? Do they offer feedback on essays? Do they help students position themselves in a way that stands out? If not, it may be time to look elsewhere for that expertise.

Lastly, what should be our strategy? College admissions isn’t just about applying—it’s about applying smartly. While there are no guarantees, you still need to have a plan and take strategic action. 

Does your counselor introduce your teen to lesser-known programs within big universities? 

Do they help you understand how to position applications to maximize acceptance odds? 

Do they guide you on early decision, early action, and other key strategies? 

If the answer is unclear, your teen could be missing opportunities.

Here’s the bottom line: Your school counselor can be an invaluable resource—but sometimes they aren’t enough. If you and your teen need more support, you’re not alone. That’s why I have launched The College Application Action Plan. It's an affordable, accessible and authentic opportunity for you to get the information you need to be successful. We work with families to ensure their teens have the personalized strategy, storytelling guidance, and expert insight they need to submit standout applications.

Please initiate a conversation with your school counselor and understand what they offer and how they can support you and your teen. Then, if needed and you’re ready to take things to the next level, we’re here to help.

Don’t leave this process to chance. Join The College Application Action Plan today and give your teen the advantage they deserve.

Let’s make sure your teen doesn’t just apply to college—they stand out.