What does a high school academic counselor do?

I'm curious about the role of a high school academic counselor. Are they the ones who help with college applications and course selections? I'd love to know more about what their day-to-day job entails.

Absolutely, high school academic counselors, also known as guidance counselors, play a crucial role in a high school student's education journey. Their day-to-day duties often vary but here are some core responsibilities they typically carry:

1. Course Selection: Guidance counselors help students navigate their course selection, taking into account graduation requirements, college prep considerations, and the student's interests and academic abilities. They ensure students are taking the correct mix of courses to meet their eventual goals.

2. College Application Assistance: They often assist students in the college search and application process. This can include helping students understand college admission requirements, assisting with applications, writing letters of recommendation, and providing relevant information on various colleges and their programs.

3. Academic Support: They monitor students' academic progress and help identify areas where they might be struggling. They might provide tutoring resources, study strategies, or other interventions necessary for academic success.

4. Emotional and Social Support: Counselors are trained to support students emotionally and socially, too. They listen to students' concerns and can provide advice, conflict resolution support, or referrals to other professionals if needed.

5. Career Guidance: They offer career guidance counseling and often provide resources for career exploration. They might administer and interpret career assessments to help students make informed choices about their future career paths.

6. Post-Secondary Planning: For students not immediately pursuing college, counselors can provide resources for vocational training, gap year programs, enlistment in the military, etc.

Remember, the level of support and resources can vary greatly between schools and districts, but generally these areas encompass the main responsibilities of a high school academic counselor. Always feel free to reach out to your guidance counselor with any questions or concerns you might have – that's why they're there!