A new report confirms that school counselors are critical to helping students transition from high school to college and career, yet often aren’t allowed enough time to fulfill that role.
Researchers for the National Association for College Admission Counseling reviewed data from 2009 to 2012 to examine the practices, priorities, and effectiveness of high school counseling departments.
Just over half of principals surveyed (55 percent) said the top priority for school counselors is “helping students prepare for postsecondary schooling.” Yet 54 percent of counselors report that their department spent less than 20 percent of its time on college readiness, selection, and applications. Fewer than two-fifths of schools have a counselor whose primary job is advising on college applications or selection.
Researchers said 63 percent of high school juniors and 51 percent of their parents met with a school counselor to discuss options after high school. Another 13 percent of students and 15 percent of parents consulted with a private, hired counselor.
