How hard is it to request a new counselor at the high school level?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I recommend you request the change sooner rather than later. This is not the person you want writing college recommendations for your DC.

My senior had the head of the counseling department write the recommendation. So there are alternatives if the counselor doesn’t get changed. But it is a factor to consider.

[Anonymous]

Counselors should absolutely not be involved with writing recommendations ever. They don't know the students at all. What a terrible system.
Can students opt to not have a counselor submit anything?

[Anonymous]

We don’t know our students at all? Not one? What evidence do you have to support that? One bad experience with one school counselor? Believe it or not, we WANT your kids to gain acceptance to college. You write as if we are scheming and actively plotting for a child’s rejection. That’s bizarre.

Colleges require a counselor recommendation. We provide a more holistic perspective of the student than just their performance in a singular subject and capture who they are outside of just academics. We also provide context, including the school culture, offerings, etc. I know my students and writing college recommendations is just one way I advocate for them. Our primary purpose is to advocate and support students, so claiming we don’t know them is silly and insulting.

If there is a student I don’t know as well, I make sure to meet with them and we discuss their brag sheet, discuss what they want emphasized in their letter, and other details, so that they feel comfortable and confident in what I write. There is no mystery. If for some reason a counselor has extreme reservations, they can opt not to write a letter and cite something like, “no basis for judgment,” but I’ve rarely heard of this happening except in very unique circumstances.

[Anonymous]

My son has had 3 different counselors at his high school- they do not stay. The one now has zero experience. MCPS!

[Anonymous]

My seniors counselor is great. He is responsive, kind and available. If I ask them to check on my senior he will and will offer to meet with me and is always willing to support and encourage.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My seniors counselor is great. He is responsive, kind and available. If I ask them to check on my senior he will and will offer to meet with me and is always willing to support and encourage.

This counselor has been present all four years of high school.