College Counseling Hours during Winter Break?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I work in the industry and from experience, it is not worth it to be available 24/7 during the last week before deadline. It would completely ruin the holidays and the families who demand this are disorganized and have no boundaries and did not plan well.

I learned to make everything due at least two weeks before deadline. The results are often better because the families did not procrastinate and rush everything at last minute.

My kid was deferred. He had a lot started before break, but it’s not like he had a lot of free time to work on all the apps earlier. He has a heavy course load, varsity sports, clubs etc.

As soon as he was done with midterms he focused on the apps. He’s exchanged multiple emails and essay drafts with his counselor over break. He finished all yesterday. I’m grateful that the counselor was available for feedback. Preparing for midterms AND completing all the apps at the same time would have been too much.

Do you realize this is most kids? Your kid is not unique.

Yes, my point is that I think my kid is fortunate to have a college counselor to contact during break, and this shouldn’t be unusual.

Nor should it be the norm. It’s called Winter break for a reason and contrary to your apparent belief it’s not just for the students.

My father was a CPA. He always worked longer hours (including weekends) around tax time. To make up for that work schedule, he took a lot of time off in the summer to be with the family. I always appreciated him being around when we were off from school. It was awesome for us, and necessary for his successful business.

This is totally irrelevant.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I work in the industry and from experience, it is not worth it to be available 24/7 during the last week before deadline. It would completely ruin the holidays and the families who demand this are disorganized and have no boundaries and did not plan well.

I learned to make everything due at least two weeks before deadline. The results are often better because the families did not procrastinate and rush everything at last minute.

My kid was deferred. He had a lot started before break, but it’s not like he had a lot of free time to work on all the apps earlier. He has a heavy course load, varsity sports, clubs etc.

As soon as he was done with midterms he focused on the apps. He’s exchanged multiple emails and essay drafts with his counselor over break. He finished all yesterday. I’m grateful that the counselor was available for feedback. Preparing for midterms AND completing all the apps at the same time would have been too much.

Do you realize this is most kids? Your kid is not unique.

Yes, my point is that I think my kid is fortunate to have a college counselor to contact during break, and this shouldn’t be unusual.

Nor should it be the norm. It’s called Winter break for a reason and contrary to your apparent belief it’s not just for the students.

My father was a CPA. He always worked longer hours (including weekends) around tax time. To make up for that work schedule, he took a lot of time off in the summer to be with the family. I always appreciated him being around when we were off from school. It was awesome for us, and necessary for his successful business.

When do you think that college counselor's kids are off from school and would appreciate them being around?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I work in the industry and from experience, it is not worth it to be available 24/7 during the last week before deadline. It would completely ruin the holidays and the families who demand this are disorganized and have no boundaries and did not plan well.

I learned to make everything due at least two weeks before deadline. The results are often better because the families did not procrastinate and rush everything at last minute.

My kid was deferred. He had a lot started before break, but it’s not like he had a lot of free time to work on all the apps earlier. He has a heavy course load, varsity sports, clubs etc.

As soon as he was done with midterms he focused on the apps. He’s exchanged multiple emails and essay drafts with his counselor over break. He finished all yesterday. I’m grateful that the counselor was available for feedback. Preparing for midterms AND completing all the apps at the same time would have been too much.

Do you realize this is most kids? Your kid is not unique.

Yes, my point is that I think my kid is fortunate to have a college counselor to contact during break, and this shouldn’t be unusual.

Yes agree. They should be available it is the most important deadline for seniors except those that did ED.

Many students apply by the 10/15 or 11/1 early action deadlines so they are eligible for scholarships.

I’m having a hard time with expecting people to work on their precious time off simply because some students waited for half a year. Applications are available during the summer.

Our school has a mid December deadline for applications due in early January. Doesn’t this solve all the problems? If you choose to procrastinate, you can do it right before the school’s internal deadline.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I work in the industry and from experience, it is not worth it to be available 24/7 during the last week before deadline. It would completely ruin the holidays and the families who demand this are disorganized and have no boundaries and did not plan well.

I learned to make everything due at least two weeks before deadline. The results are often better because the families did not procrastinate and rush everything at last minute.

My kid was deferred. He had a lot started before break, but it’s not like he had a lot of free time to work on all the apps earlier. He has a heavy course load, varsity sports, clubs etc.

As soon as he was done with midterms he focused on the apps. He’s exchanged multiple emails and essay drafts with his counselor over break. He finished all yesterday. I’m grateful that the counselor was available for feedback. Preparing for midterms AND completing all the apps at the same time would have been too much.

Do you realize this is most kids? Your kid is not unique.

Yes, my point is that I think my kid is fortunate to have a college counselor to contact during break, and this shouldn’t be unusual.

Yes agree. They should be available it is the most important deadline for seniors except those that did ED.

Many students apply by the 10/15 or 11/1 early action deadlines so they are eligible for scholarships.

I’m having a hard time with expecting people to work on their precious time off simply because some students waited for half a year. Applications are available during the summer.

Our school has a mid December deadline for applications due in early January. Doesn’t this solve all the problems? If you choose to procrastinate, you can do it right before the school’s internal deadline.

We have been back at work so yeah some people have busy times of year end of year. I am guessing people talking about counselors who are off
do not send their kids to private school. That is built in part of this job.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I work in the industry and from experience, it is not worth it to be available 24/7 during the last week before deadline. It would completely ruin the holidays and the families who demand this are disorganized and have no boundaries and did not plan well.

I learned to make everything due at least two weeks before deadline. The results are often better because the families did not procrastinate and rush everything at last minute.

My kid was deferred. He had a lot started before break, but it’s not like he had a lot of free time to work on all the apps earlier. He has a heavy course load, varsity sports, clubs etc.

As soon as he was done with midterms he focused on the apps. He’s exchanged multiple emails and essay drafts with his counselor over break. He finished all yesterday. I’m grateful that the counselor was available for feedback. Preparing for midterms AND completing all the apps at the same time would have been too much.

Do you realize this is most kids? Your kid is not unique.

Yes, my point is that I think my kid is fortunate to have a college counselor to contact during break, and this shouldn’t be unusual.

Yes agree. They should be available it is the most important deadline for seniors except those that did ED.

Many students apply by the 10/15 or 11/1 early action deadlines so they are eligible for scholarships.

I’m having a hard time with expecting people to work on their precious time off simply because some students waited for half a year. Applications are available during the summer.

Our school has a mid December deadline for applications due in early January. Doesn’t this solve all the problems? If you choose to procrastinate, you can do it right before the school’s internal deadline.

We have been back at work so yeah some people have busy times of year end of year. I am guessing people talking about counselors who are off
do not send their kids to private school. That is built in part of this job.

Private schools are also shut down during this time. No staff is working, including the counselors. How do I know? I work in one.

Our counselors had deadlines two weeks ago. They had many before and after school sessions. They came into classrooms. They were extremely available for months, holding workshops at all hours (in person and online) to make sure students were meeting deadlines. They pulled students for multiple independent meetings.

I suspect your school college counselors did the same. If your child waited until the very last minute after having half a year to get this done, why is this the counselor’s responsibility? Why should this take them away from their break?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Parents should expect college counseling offices to be open during break. Most counselors may work virtually but yes they are available. Jan 1 is a huge deadline. Good luck!

I have sent 4 kids through various private schools and to 4 different colleges and there is absolutely no way I would contact a college counselor over winter break expecting an answer. This is a time management issue not an emergency.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I work in the industry and from experience, it is not worth it to be available 24/7 during the last week before deadline. It would completely ruin the holidays and the families who demand this are disorganized and have no boundaries and did not plan well.

I learned to make everything due at least two weeks before deadline. The results are often better because the families did not procrastinate and rush everything at last minute.

My kid was deferred. He had a lot started before break, but it’s not like he had a lot of free time to work on all the apps earlier. He has a heavy course load, varsity sports, clubs etc.

As soon as he was done with midterms he focused on the apps. He’s exchanged multiple emails and essay drafts with his counselor over break. He finished all yesterday. I’m grateful that the counselor was available for feedback. Preparing for midterms AND completing all the apps at the same time would have been too much.

Do you realize this is most kids? Your kid is not unique.

Yes, my point is that I think my kid is fortunate to have a college counselor to contact during break, and this shouldn’t be unusual.

Nor should it be the norm. It’s called Winter break for a reason and contrary to your apparent belief it’s not just for the students.

My father was a CPA. He always worked longer hours (including weekends) around tax time. To make up for that work schedule, he took a lot of time off in the summer to be with the family. I always appreciated him being around when we were off from school. It was awesome for us, and necessary for his successful business.

When do you think that college counselor's kids are off from school and would appreciate them being around?

Well clearly those folks shouldn’t have kids or families or any life outside the counseling office. My kid’s application trumps everything!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Parents should expect college counseling offices to be open during break. Most counselors may work virtually but yes they are available. Jan 1 is a huge deadline. Good luck!

I have sent 4 kids through various private schools and to 4 different colleges and there is absolutely no way I would contact a college counselor over winter break expecting an answer. This is a time management issue not an emergency.

Yes you would if your kid had an emergency which happens. College counseling is open over break. This is a job that is different than other departments. Have no idea who is trying to freak out parents but yes they are open. Usually remotely and have access and ways to get things done remotely. Again many people back at work and yes some jobs have busy times and this is one.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Parents should expect college counseling offices to be open during break. Most counselors may work virtually but yes they are available. Jan 1 is a huge deadline. Good luck!

I have sent 4 kids through various private schools and to 4 different colleges and there is absolutely no way I would contact a college counselor over winter break expecting an answer. This is a time management issue not an emergency.

Yes you would if your kid had an emergency which happens. College counseling is open over break. This is a job that is different than other departments. Have no idea who is trying to freak out parents but yes they are open. Usually remotely and have access and ways to get things done remotely. Again many people back at work and yes some jobs have busy times and this is one.

If you are making college counselors work on their break because your family waited until the very last minute to get this done, then at least make sure you say thank you to the counselors taking time from their families to fix your emergency.

Education is not like other industries. This is time off, and it is well deserved. That’s why, as posted earlier on this thread, schools help (over and over) to make sure everything is submitted before break.

You are most likely dealing with a kind person, who is giving up time over break to help you out. I’m sure that’s true for many counselors, who will do it simply because they are good people. Unfortunately, good people tend to get abused.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Parents should expect college counseling offices to be open during break. Most counselors may work virtually but yes they are available. Jan 1 is a huge deadline. Good luck!

I have sent 4 kids through various private schools and to 4 different colleges and there is absolutely no way I would contact a college counselor over winter break expecting an answer. This is a time management issue not an emergency.

Yes you would if your kid had an emergency which happens. College counseling is open over break. This is a job that is different than other departments. Have no idea who is trying to freak out parents but yes they are open. Usually remotely and have access and ways to get things done remotely. Again many people back at work and yes some jobs have busy times and this is one.

If you are making college counselors work on their break because your family waited until the very last minute to get this done, then at least make sure you say thank you to the counselors taking time from their families to fix your emergency.

Education is not like other industries. This is time off, and it is well deserved. That’s why, as posted earlier on this thread, schools help (over and over) to make sure everything is submitted before break.

You are most likely dealing with a kind person, who is giving up time over break to help you out. I’m sure that’s true for many counselors, who will do it simply because they are good people. Unfortunately, good people tend to get abused.

All college counseling offices for private schools are available for families over break. I would hate for people to think you spend 50k and have an emergency come up and someone will say they are on vacation. PP is clearly trying to troll.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Parents should expect college counseling offices to be open during break. Most counselors may work virtually but yes they are available. Jan 1 is a huge deadline. Good luck!

I have sent 4 kids through various private schools and to 4 different colleges and there is absolutely no way I would contact a college counselor over winter break expecting an answer. This is a time management issue not an emergency.

Yes you would if your kid had an emergency which happens. College counseling is open over break. This is a job that is different than other departments. Have no idea who is trying to freak out parents but yes they are open. Usually remotely and have access and ways to get things done remotely. Again many people back at work and yes some jobs have busy times and this is one.

If you are making college counselors work on their break because your family waited until the very last minute to get this done, then at least make sure you say thank you to the counselors taking time from their families to fix your emergency.

Education is not like other industries. This is time off, and it is well deserved. That’s why, as posted earlier on this thread, schools help (over and over) to make sure everything is submitted before break.

You are most likely dealing with a kind person, who is giving up time over break to help you out. I’m sure that’s true for many counselors, who will do it simply because they are good people. Unfortunately, good people tend to get abused.

All college counseling offices for private schools are available for families over break. I would hate for people to think you spend 50k and have an emergency come up and someone will say they are on vacation. PP is clearly trying to troll.

I work in a private school. Good try.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Parents should expect college counseling offices to be open during break. Most counselors may work virtually but yes they are available. Jan 1 is a huge deadline. Good luck!

I have sent 4 kids through various private schools and to 4 different colleges and there is absolutely no way I would contact a college counselor over winter break expecting an answer. This is a time management issue not an emergency.

Yes you would if your kid had an emergency which happens. College counseling is open over break. This is a job that is different than other departments. Have no idea who is trying to freak out parents but yes they are open. Usually remotely and have access and ways to get things done remotely. Again many people back at work and yes some jobs have busy times and this is one.

What is your definition of "emergency"?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I work in the industry and from experience, it is not worth it to be available 24/7 during the last week before deadline. It would completely ruin the holidays and the families who demand this are disorganized and have no boundaries and did not plan well.

I learned to make everything due at least two weeks before deadline. The results are often better because the families did not procrastinate and rush everything at last minute.

My kid was deferred. He had a lot started before break, but it’s not like he had a lot of free time to work on all the apps earlier. He has a heavy course load, varsity sports, clubs etc.

As soon as he was done with midterms he focused on the apps. He’s exchanged multiple emails and essay drafts with his counselor over break. He finished all yesterday. I’m grateful that the counselor was available for feedback. Preparing for midterms AND completing all the apps at the same time would have been too much.

Do you realize this is most kids? Your kid is not unique.

Yes, my point is that I think my kid is fortunate to have a college counselor to contact during break, and this shouldn’t be unusual.

But you said this: "Preparing for midterms AND completing all the apps at the same time would have been too much."

And that is something that the vast majority of seniors are able to handle and it isn't "too much"

+1 every kid who didn't get in ED is in the same boat, which is most kids. It's also why the counselors tell them to be prepared for this completely foreseeable eventuality.

[Anonymous]

Our Big3 college counselor has been available over break except for a few days. I was at a NYE party last night and talking to friends at another Big3 and their counselor was available as well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Parents should expect college counseling offices to be open during break. Most counselors may work virtually but yes they are available. Jan 1 is a huge deadline. Good luck!

I have sent 4 kids through various private schools and to 4 different colleges and there is absolutely no way I would contact a college counselor over winter break expecting an answer. This is a time management issue not an emergency.

Yes you would if your kid had an emergency which happens. College counseling is open over break. This is a job that is different than other departments. Have no idea who is trying to freak out parents but yes they are open. Usually remotely and have access and ways to get things done remotely. Again many people back at work and yes some jobs have busy times and this is one.

What is your definition of "emergency"?

Emergency (n): failing to take advantage of months worth of workshops and private appointments, therefore waiting until the days before applications are due. Procrastinating until your problem becomes someone else’s problem.