3 Tips for Working with College Advisors

Think of a college advisor as a resource. Much like a book or a computer, you must interact with your resource to gain the most benefit! But how?

1) Listen to what we say and follow the steps we outline for you. All of the college advisors have been through the college process before, as students ourselves; as helpers to many, many students like you; and for some of us, as parents. The deadlines we set and the tasks we ask you to complete are for your benefit to make sure that your stress is kept to a minimum and that you are giving the colleges what they need to make a decision.Those summer assignments that we gave you? I promise that you will be so glad you did them when Fall comes and you have less college application work to do! (Plus, if you turn them in on the first day of school, you get PSAT day off, which means an extra day of Fall Break!)

2) Communicate. College advisors are great at many things, but reading minds is not a skill we possess! We don't know if you are struggling with an issue unless you tell us. Ask questions -- lots and lots of questions. Tell us what you like and don't like in a college. Let us know what concerns you have so we can try to help. During the school year, you and your college advisor will see each other almost every day, but sometimes, issues come up between our time together. Stop by our offices/classrooms. Check your DarMail frequently. Get in touch with us promptly if we have requested information from you. Attend the required meetings and make sure you are paying attention and can hear whomever is speaking. Help us help you! 

3) Use a team approach. Darlington's College Guidance Office is made up of 12 college advisors and Mrs. Madge Crawford. We all are knowledgeable about the college process, and we all continue our education in college matters annually to keep abreast of the most current information. But sometimes, one of us has more recent experience in a particular area than another. For example, Mr. Moss and I have visited the University of Washington in the past, but Mrs. Dodd was just there in May. If you are my advisee but you are interested in the University of Washington, consider talking to Mrs. Dodd about her recent experience on the campus. Conversely, if you are Mrs. Dodd's advisee and are interested in Rhodes College, and you know I was just there in June, you can come talk to me. No matter which college advisor you are assigned, you can ask advice from any of us. 

All of the college advisors want what you want: for you to be admitted to colleges and universities that are a good fit for you. Use us as your resource!