What's the ratio of students to guidance counselors at your school?
The average ratio in the United States is 464:1. The recommended ratio is 250:1. But the ratio in some states is much more than the recommended or average ratio. For example, in Illinois, the ratio is 678:1 and in California, it's 708:1.
According to the American School Counselor Association: “High school years are full of growth, promise, excitement, frustration, disappointment and hope. It is the time when students begin to discover what the future holds for them…High school counselors enhance the learning process and promote academic, career and social/emotional development. High school counseling programs are essential for students to achieve optimal personal growth, acquire positive social skills and values, set informed career goals and realize their full academic potential to become productive, contributing members of the world community.”
Most students do not get the attention they need from guidance counselors, simply because the counselors do not have enough time. Even at private schools, where the ratio may be much less, students often don't get the support they need. We were surprised to find out that one of New York's top private high schools does not offer one-to-one guidance counseling until 11th grade!
At Ivy League Potential, we start working with students in 8th grade to help them through a guided process of career exploration and prepare them for college admissions. Our counselors are trained in providing positive emotional and social support as a fundamental foundation for college counseling, and that makes all the difference!