Sometimes it helps to know what questions you should be asking!

1. Must-Ask Questions for Your High School Counselor
High School Planning
1. What classes do I need to take to meet the requirements for
graduation and college preparation?
2. What classes do I need to take each year to make sure that
I stay on track towards graduation? KnowHow2GoIllinois.org
3. Which elective courses do you recommend for me?
4. Which Advanced Placement (AP) or honors-level courses
are available? Which classes might be a good fit for me?
5. Does this school have a dual-enrollment program with the local community college? When can I
begin taking classes there?
6. What are the school’s requirements or standards to be a part of the honor society?
7. Do you know of any school activities that might fit my interests?
Testing
1. Is the PSAT going to be given here? If not, where can I go to take it and when should I take it?
2. Does our school host any ACT preparation programs (either during or after school)? What are
the costs?
3. Do you have any free ACT practice tests available?
4. Is it possible to retake the ACT if I’m not happy with my scores? When would be a good time to
retake the test, and how can I improve my score?
College Planning
1. What grades and GPAs do different colleges and universities require for admission?
2. Does our school host a college fair? If not, do you know of one nearby? When are they?
3. Can I miss a day of school to visit a college, and if so, how can I be sure my absence is excused?
4. Does our school host any college planning programs (either during or after school)?
5. Are there any available college handbooks, view books, or other materials that I can borrow?
6. Can you connect me to recent grads who are current students at colleges I’m considering?
7. How can I help you get to know me well enough to write a personal recommendation letter?
8. Can I see my current transcript, so that I can get a better idea about which colleges might be the
best fit for me?
9. Where can I go to get help filling out my college applications?
Financial Aid for College
1. Do you know of any specific scholarships that might fit my interests? Where can I find out more
information about scholarships?
2. Do you have any forms I need to apply for financial aid? If not, where can I find them?
3. Where can I get help filling out my financial aid documents? Do you know of any financial aid
workshops or FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) completion workshops being
held locally?
Additional Information
1. Where can I find information to help me explore my interests and related careers?
2. Where can I look for internship or summer job opportunities that relate to my interests?
Reality Check:
Your school counselor may be the most wonderful and accessible person on the planet, or may be
juggling a thousand students and barely know your name. So remember that the person who has the
biggest stake in your academics is you. It's up to you to stay on top of opportunities and deadlines, to
take control of your future. – College Board