Why counsellors should prepare students for life after high school

College counsellors play a pivotal role in preparing students not only for university but also for life beyond graduation. As students transition from high school to higher education and the workforce, they face a multitude of challenges that require more than academic knowledge.

While college counsellors help students with their academic planning, essay writing, well-rounded university list building and university applications, there is still much to be covered after students hit “submit” on their university applications.

Effective college counselling should also encompass guidance on gap-year opportunities, as well as essential life skills such as paying taxes, living with roommates, learning to cook and learning to be self-reliant. It should also cover social and societal preparedness, ensuring that students are well-rounded and ready for the real world.

Exploring gap-year opportunities

One valuable aspect of college counselling involves encouraging students to consider taking gap years if it benefits their individual learning journeys. This time can be used to travel, immerse themselves in new cultures, learn or practise a foreign language and develop a broader world view.

Whether it’s volunteering in a different country, participating in a cultural exchange programme or simply travelling, a gap year offers students a unique chance to grow personally and intellectually. By stepping outside their comfort zones, students can cultivate a deeper understanding of global diversity and become more open-minded global citizens.

College counsellors can provide resources and advice on planning a gap year, helping students find programmes that align with their interests and career goals. Then, when they come back from this educational adventure, students will be more mature and mentally equipped to tackle the academic endeavours ahead.

Life-skills education

Life skills are crucial for students’ success and independence. College counsellors can collaborate with teachers to offer workshops on essential topics such as managing personal finances.

These workshops can cover practical skills such as opening a bank account, understanding the differences between saving and investing and the implications of interest rates. Additionally, understanding how credit cards work and the importance of maintaining good credit can be invaluable as students start to build their financial futures.

One particularly important area is debt management, especially given the prevalence of student loans. Counsellors can educate students about the long-term impacts of student debt, strategies for repayment and how to avoid falling into unmanageable debt. Knowledge of tax obligations, including how to file taxes, can also be included in these sessions, providing a foundation for financial literacy that will serve students well into adulthood.

Social skills and etiquette

Living on one’s own for the first time presents another set of challenges. College counsellors can offer workshops on social skills and etiquette, which are crucial for adapting to new social environments.

These can include lessons on living with roommates, such as how to share space respectfully and resolve conflicts amicably. Workshops on making new friends and building social networks can help students feel more comfortable in new settings and reduce feelings of isolation.

Moreover, understanding the basics of dining etiquette, professional communication and dressing appropriately for various occasions can boost students’ confidence in social and professional settings. By providing guidance on these topics, college counsellors help students navigate the social complexities of adult life.

The importance of holistic education

While academic achievements are often prioritised, life and social skills are equally important for success in the real world. College counsellors play a critical role in ensuring that students are not only prepared academically but are also equipped with the necessary tools to handle adult responsibilities and social interactions that have a greater impact on society as a whole.

The transition from high school to the next stage of life can be daunting, but with comprehensive guidance students can approach this new chapter with confidence and excitement. This will enable them to thrive as they step into adulthood, fully prepared for the realities of the world beyond the classroom.