Questions For Counselors
In high school, the STAAR Report Card provides tips for preparing for college or a career. Rather than including tips on getting the most out of parent-teacher conferences, the back cover includes suggested questions to ask a high school counselor, which vary by grade level.
Suggested Questions to Ask Your High School Counselor
For students finishing 9th grade:
• I need to learn more about college and career options. When is the college and career fair?
• What career and technical education (CTE) opportunities are offered at my school that lead to an industry-based certification or work-based learning opportunity?
• What other college credit and career preparatory classes can I take in 10th, 11th, and 12th grade? How should I prepare for dual credit or Advanced Placement courses?
• How do I sign up to take the PSAT, the Texas Success Initiative Assessment (TSIA), and/or the ACT Aspire exam? How should I prepare for it? Is there financial support available?
• Where can I find information about local summer enrichment and career-building skill programs?
For students finishing 10th grade:
• I need to learn more about college and career options. When is the college and career fair?
• What career and technical education (CTE) opportunities are offered at my school?
• Which dual credit, Advanced Placement, or International Baccalaureate classes are available, and which ones will help me achieve my college and career goals?
• What are the upcoming exam schedules for the ACT and SAT? What college-exam prep does our district offer?
• What is the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT), and how can I take advantage of it?
• Where can I find information about summer internships, job-shadowing opportunities, and career skill-building programs?
• How do I change my endorsement? In Texas, students are allowed to make this change through their 10th grade year. (After this year, I am only able to drop an endorsement.)
For students finishing 11th grade:
• When is the next opportunity to attend a college tour or meet with visiting college admissions representatives?
• Where can I get assistance completing college applications (and essays) needed for Apply Texas and the Common App?
• Which community college programs have the best career training programs related to my endorsement and coursework?
• What other college credit and career preparatory classes can I take in 12th grade? Which dual credit, Advanced Placement, or International Baccalaureate courses will best help me achieve my goals?
• What are the upcoming exam schedules for the ACT and SAT? What college-exam prep does our district offer?
• Where can I find information about summer internships with local businesses and other organizations?
• Where can I learn about completing the FAFSA and TASFA? How do I create a PIN?
• Where can I find information about potential college scholarship opportunities?