College Counseling at Private schools

[Anonymous]

Do you think your child's private school gave yor child good advice as to which schools are good matches, reaches, etc? If so, please name the school if you are willing.

[Anonymous]

There have been a lot of threads where this topic was raised. It really does depend on the school and the particular child. I think most private schools "under reach" so that kids aren't set up for failure. They may miss some great spots for some kids. Ours was an athletic recruit who ended up at an Ivy. Her school had pegged her for the Naval Academy. Yuck!

[Anonymous]

Does the counselor just give you a list of schools to apply to? Will schools support kids who apply off-list?

[Anonymous]

Our counselor was not directive (didn't say DC couldn't apply places, although we were realistic to begin with) and was helpful in assessing chances of admission, if a bit optimistic. Her shortcoming was in suggesting schools for DC. DC didn't like any of the schools the counselor suggested so basically did her own research and we did lots of visits. The counselor was helpful in brainstorming essay ideas, proofing essays, brainstorming waitlist response letters, etc. It was helpful to have a non-parent to do that since of course parents "don't know anything".