Counselors/College Access Advisors

These folks are the captain(s) of your college prep team.  These experts are trained in preparing you for college.  They can help you progress through your step-by-step plan for getting 2 college.  Ask them lots and lots of questions.  Listen to their answers/advice.  This group is definitely “in the know” when it comes 2 “how 2 go!” 

Start with the basics.  Here are some questions to help you stay on top of the process:

• What courses are left to take to meet the Ohio Core/graduation requirements/college prep diploma/Honors diploma?
• What kind of standard tests will I take this year and next?  Are there test prep classes or tutoring available? Click here 2 get the scoop on Standardized Tests
• Are there other options available besides just taking classes in my building?  Does this school offer/promote honors courses, Advanced Placement or Post-Secondary Enrollment Options?
• Do you offer special college planning sessions for me and my parents/guardians?  When?
• May I review my transcript?
• How is my grade point average calculated? Are AP or any other courses weighted differently?
• What are the standards to be admitted to the honor society?
• When will I take the PSAT/NMSQT this year?  If I am a low-income student, are there fee waivers available?
• Do you have publications on Ohio colleges or other colleges around the country?  Are there good websites to look for colleges?
• Where can I get some information about exploring careers?  Do we have classes or programs available here to help me?
• Where do students who graduate from here usually go to college?  Can you put me in touch with any recent grads who are attending colleges that I am interested in?
• How does our school compare to others in terms of test scores and reputation?
• Do we have a college access program or any other special programs that help students from our school go to college?  How do I get in contact with them?
• What kinds of services or scholarships are provided by the access program?
• Are there special scholarships available for Ohio students that I should know about so I can work toward them?  Are there any I need to apply for during my junior year?
• If I am interested in attending a military academy, should I start the process this year?
• What is a good way to keep track of all of my activities, awards, and honors throughout high school?
• Am I allowed to miss any days of school for college visits?
• Are there any programs I can do on weekends or in the summer that will help me get ready for college?  Are there any of these that I can get college credit for participating in?
• What is the best place to locate any information on financial aid for college?  How will the college access program help me with financial aid?
• Do we host or attend an annual college fair?  Are there college fairs in the area that I should attend?

Keep in regular contact with your counselor and/or advisor.  Make sure your counselor knows you well because you might need a scholarship or admissions recommendation letter from them someday.

College access programs and university sponsored outreach programs provide an array of services to help students and their families get ready for college.  Find out what’s available and how you can take advantage of these programs.  Click here for a map of Ohio to find out what’s available near you.