What does a university counsellor actually do?

High school students are on the cusp of significant life transitions, and the guidance they receive during these formative years can profoundly influence their academic and professional futures.

As college counsellors, we act as guides, helping students navigate the often-complex journey of university admissions and career choices.

The core of college counselling

College counselling serves as a comprehensive support network, designed to prepare students for higher education and their future careers.

This role involves providing tailored guidance to help students align their academic decisions with their career ambitions. From academic planning to career exploration, college counsellors equip students with the necessary tools to succeed beyond the classroom.

A significant aspect of college counselling is offering personalised advice that considers each student’s unique strengths, interests and goals. This process includes helping students to navigate the various academic options available, from selecting the right high school subjects to identifying suitable university courses.

Counsellors must also stay informed about the ever-evolving landscape of university admissions, ensuring that students are fully prepared to meet the demands of their chosen institutions.

Where the local meets the global

One of the challenges in college counselling is balancing international best practices with local adaptation.

While global standards in university guidance often provide a foundation, they must be customised to fit the specific context of each school. For counsellors in international schools, this often means managing the dual demands of local educational systems and the expectations of global universities.

In Brazil, for instance, counsellors must guide students through international and Brazilian university admissions processes. This requires a deep understanding of the distinct academic cultures and expectations across different countries, and the ability to translate these into actionable guidance for students.

Counsellors play a crucial role in demystifying these processes, ensuring that students and their families are informed and supported throughout.

Going on the admissions journey together

The university admissions process is complex, requiring collaboration between students, families, teachers and school leadership. College counsellors are at the centre of this process, offering guidance to all involved. This includes everything from helping students identify potential universities, prepare for entrance exams and craft application essays to advising on scholarship opportunities and financial aid.

Counsellors must also collaborate closely with teachers and administrators to ensure that students are on track academically and that their applications accurately reflect their full potential. This team-oriented approach is vital in creating a unified support network that helps students achieve their academic and career aspirations.

Wearing many hats

College counsellors are often described as wearing many hats – and for good reason. The role demands a wide array of skills, from effective communication and cultural competence to conflict resolution and time management.

Counsellors must act as detectives, uncovering each student’s true interests and aspirations and then guiding them towards the most suitable educational path. They also serve as public relations experts, representing the school’s interests in interactions with universities and other external stakeholders.

To better illustrate the counsellor’s unique position in a high school, consider the diagram below:

This diagram shows how counsellors function in the school community as facilitators, educators and bridges, engaging with four key groups:

1. Students and parents

Counsellors offer personalised guidance, assisting students in navigating their academic and career paths, while working closely with parents to ensure that they are informed and engaged in their child’s educational journey.

2. School: teachers and admin staff

Counsellors collaborate with teachers to tailor academic guidance to individual students. And we collaborate with administrative staff to manage the logistics of the college application process, ensuring that all necessary documentation is provided and deadlines are met.

3. School: senior leadership team, board, owners

Counsellors work in partnership with school leadership to align counselling services with the school’s broader educational objectives and ensure that policies support student success.

4. External: universities, providers, government agencies, professional bodies

Counsellors act as bridges between the school and external bodies, including universities, education providers, government agencies and professional organisations. They facilitate relationships and ensure that students have access to the best opportunities and resources available.

As the diagram above demonstrates, counsellors are central figures in the educational ecosystem, connecting various stakeholders and ensuring that students receive comprehensive support throughout their journey. This multifaceted role requires adaptability and a deep commitment to each student’s well-being and success.

In addition to these roles, college counsellors often take on the functions of life coaches, event planners and even travel coordinators. Whether organising a university fair, planning a campus visit or helping students manage the stress of the application process, counsellors are always available to provide support.

This multifaceted role underscores the importance of a holistic approach to student guidance, where the counsellor’s responsibilities extend far beyond academic advising, to encompass the full spectrum of student needs.

Support beyond the classroom

While academic guidance is a central component of college counselling, providing personal support is equally crucial.

High school can be a challenging time for students, and counsellors play a key role in supporting their emotional and psychological well-being. This support is particularly important in preparing students for the demands of higher education, where resilience and self-motivation are essential.

College counsellors often work closely with the school’s social-emotional learning team to provide holistic support to students. This may involve helping students manage their time effectively, cope with the pressures of school life or develop the self-discipline needed for independent study at university. By fostering a supportive environment, counsellors help students develop the skills and mindset necessary for success in their academic journey and beyond.

Creating a culture

One of the most rewarding aspects of being a college counsellor is the opportunity to foster a culture of excellence and aspiration within the school community. This involves encouraging students to pursue academic excellence, engage in learning beyond the classroom and aspire to career success.

Counsellors play a pivotal role in shaping the school’s academic culture, promoting high standards, and inspiring students to reach their full potential.

This culture of excellence extends beyond academics. College counsellors also encourage students to develop a well-rounded profile by participating in extracurricular activities, community service and leadership opportunities. These experiences not only enhance a student’s university application, but also contribute significantly to their personal growth and development.

No counsellor is an island

Effective college counselling is a team effort, requiring close collaboration with teachers, administrators and families.

Counsellors work alongside teachers to identify students’ strengths and areas for improvement, ensuring that academic guidance is tailored to each student’s needs. They also collaborate with school leadership to align counselling services with the school’s broader educational goals.

This collaborative approach extends to families, who are essential partners in the college counselling process. Counsellors provide parents with the information and support they need to help their children succeed, whether it’s understanding the university admissions process or making informed decisions about financial aid.

By fostering strong relationships with all stakeholders, counsellors ensure that students receive the holistic support they need to thrive.

The business of empowerment

Ultimately, the goal of college counselling is to empower students to make informed decisions about their education and career paths. This involves equipping them with the knowledge, skills and confidence to navigate the complexities of university admissions and the challenges of higher education.

Counsellors play a critical role in helping students understand their options, set realistic goals and take ownership of their future.

This empowerment extends beyond the individual student. By guiding students towards success, college counsellors contribute to the broader mission of the school, helping to build a community of learners who are prepared to make a positive impact on the world.

In an ever-evolving educational landscape, the demand for skilled and dedicated college counsellors has never been greater. As we continue to adapt to new challenges and opportunities, the role of the college counsellor will remain central to the student experience, guiding the next generation towards academic and professional success.