What's involved in being a high school guidance counselor?

I'm curious about what high school guidance counselors do day-to-day. Are they primarily helping students with college applications, or do they also handle other responsibilities? I'm thinking about a possible career in education and want to know more about this role.

A high school guidance counselor essentially helps students navigate their academic and personal progression through high school. This involves a multifaceted range of duties and can differ based on the needs of the students and the school's resources and policies.

Academic Advising: Counselors often guide students in course selection, making sure they're on track to meet the graduation requirements and their post-secondary goals. They sometimes also administer and interpret standardized and diagnostic tests to help evaluate students' skills, talents, and personality characteristics to develop realistic academic goals.

College and Career Planning: Amidst the sea of available postsecondary options, counselors advise students on college choices, application processes, SAT/ACT registration, financial aid processes, and scholarship opportunities. They also play a big role in career guidance by providing students with information about different career paths and the education required for those paths.

Counseling Services: Counselors address personal, social, and mental health issues that are interfering with a student's education. They provide short-term individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, conflict resolution, and, when necessary, make referrals to outside mental health professionals.

Administrative Duties: School counselors often carry out various administrative duties like updating student records, keeping track of the dropout rate, and collaborating with teachers and administrators to identify and help students who may be facing academic or personal challenges.

Prevention and Response Programs: They also implement prevention and response programs addressing issues like drug abuse, bullying, suicide, etc.

Remember though, a typical day for a high school counselor can be highly unpredictable, as they often serve as first responders to crises that impact their students.

It's a highly rewarding field if you're passionate about making a difference in young people's lives. However, it also requires a lot of patience, empathy, listening skills, and dealing with potentially stressful situations.