15 Questions to ask your school counselor

Your school counselor is one of your best resources as you plan for college. Your counselor has information about admission tests, college preparation, and your education and career options. Here are some basic questions to help get your conversation stated:

1. What courses do I need to take to be ready for college?
• There are many options available, but generally students should take challenging courses and graduate with at least 1-2 AP or college level classes listed on their transcript as well as Algebra 2.
2. How should I plan my schedule so I'll complete them?
• Check out Central High's 4-year planner found in the curriculum guide or under the Student To-Do Lists tab on this blog for assistance.
3. Which elective courses do you recommend?
• Elective courses are your choice and depend on what you're interested in studying in the future. For instance, if I plan on majoring in Nursing, I take science courses for some of my electives.
4. Which AP courses should I consider taking?
• Consider your strengths. If you enjoy history or like writing, consider choosing AP Geography or  AP World History or AP Language. Talk with your counselor about possible options and requirements.
5. When is the PSAT going to be given?
• The PSAT is given only once a year in October. The State of Oregon pays for Sophomore students to take it for free while Junior students have a small fee and must sign up if they wish to take the PSAT. It's important to take the PSAT as a Junior to be eligible for a possible scholarship as well as have an updated idea/study guide for the SAT which should be taken during the spring term of their Junior year.
6. How should I study for the SAT and is it given at this high school?
• One of the best study guides is provided through taking the PSAT. There are many resources online for the SAT - see your counselor for more details. The SAT is given at West Salem and Corvallis. Sign up for your preferred date early to ensure you have a spot! First come, first served.
7. Do you have any college planning sessions scheduled?
• The counseling office schedules informational sessions as needed and enter into the classrooms at least once a month. See your counselor or the announcements for updated schedules.
8. Do you have college handbooks or other guides that I can borrow or browse?
• Yes! There is a drawer of college brochures in the counseling office for the taking!
9. What activities can I do at home and over the summer to get ready for college?
• There are many activities! Volunteer! Join a club! Take courses! See your counselor for possible referrals and information.
10. What kind of grades do different colleges require?
• That's a good question, that varies by colleges. Typically colleges will want students to maintain a 3.0 GPA (possible 2.75 GPA accepted) and have a few challenging courses on their transcript. D's are not accepted as passing grades for college and will not fulfill the requirements for admission. Check out your specific college for specific requirements.
11. Are there any college fairs nearby?
• Yes! See your counselor and announcements for possible fairs. The CHS department took students to the National College Fair in Portland last October.
12. What colleges do other kids from our school go to?
• See the College Visits tab for our list.
13. If my colleges need a recommendation from you, what do I need to do?
• See the Recommendation Letters tab for our required documents.
14. What is a transcript and how do I get it?
• A transcript is a record of all of your grades/courses and can be requested in the counseling office.
15. What forms do I use to apply for financial aid and where do I find them?
• See the Financial Aid information tab for this and your specific college for applications. There are many steps that you should talk with your counselor about to ensure you receive the most financial aid available to you!

Reality Check:
Remember that the person who has the biggest stake in your academics is YOU. Your counselor is here to help, but it's up to you to stay on top of opportunities and deadlines so you can take control of your future.