How can my college guidance counselor help me with my applications?

I'm a junior in high school and I've just started thinking seriously about college applications. I've heard that my college guidance counselor can be a great resource, but I'm not exactly sure what they can help me with. Can they offer advice on selecting colleges, writing essays, or finding scholarships? Also, how often should I be meeting with them during this process to make the most of their support?

Your guidance counselor can indeed be a valuable resource during your college application process. They can assist you in several ways:

1. College Selection: Your counselor can provide insight into the types of colleges that might be a good fit for you based on your interests, academic achievement, and future goals.

2. Application Process: They can offer guidance on the application process including deadlines, required documents, and financial aid. They can also keep you on track with application timelines and make sure you meet all submission deadlines.

3. Essays: While they may not serve as the primary editor for your college essays, they can guide you on strategies to approach your essays, helping you identify compelling topics and key themes that showcase your skills, experiences, and personality.

4. Scholarships and Financial Aid: Counselors usually are knowledgeable about scholarships and financial aid opportunities and can guide you in searching for scholarships that you might be eligible for.

5. Recommendation Letters: One essential task of the guidance counselor is writing recommendation letters for students. Since they interact with a broad range of students, they can provide a comprehensive perspective of your overall standing in your student body.

As to how often you should meet with them, it can vary depending on where you are in the application process. During your junior year, it's a good idea to meet with them a couple of times a semester to start planning. Once you hit senior year, and things start to get more intense, you might want to check in with them at least once a month.

Remember, your guidance counselor is there to assist you, but ultimately, the application process is your responsibility. Be proactive in seeking their advice and making sure you stay on track with your applications.