For many high school students, their guidance counsellor is the best source for organising college applications.

A plethora of expertise, experience, and understanding about handling the college application process may be found in guidance counsellors. They assist students in finding and applying to colleges, sending required paperwork, staying on track for graduation and college, and researching possibilities for funding higher education.

However, this prompts the following concern for other high school students: What if I don't have a guidance counsellor? Or, what if I need help to meet with my guidance counsellor?

These five suggestions can assist you if you need a guidance counsellor while you navigate the college application process.

Consult your school.

If you need a dedicated college counsellor, it's important to take advantage of any college-related events or resources offered by your school. Attend college fairs, workshops, and other events that can provide information about different colleges and the application process. Even if you need a guidance counsellor, there should be someone at your school's office who can point you towards helpful resources and assist you with the application process.

If you have access to a guidance counsellor but their time is limited, try to schedule appointments as far in advance as possible and make requests well ahead of time. You can also reach out to them via email for quick questions, but it's important to remember that they may need more time to respond.

It's also important to remember that you can always reach out to college admission offices directly for information and support. Being proactive and utilising all available resources allows you to navigate the college application process successfully, even without a dedicated guidance counsellor.

Consult your school.

If you need a dedicated guidance counsellor, it's important to seek out other sources of support and guidance during the college application process. One way to do this is by finding a mentor who has experience with the college application process and can provide you with advice and support. This mentor could be a teacher, older sibling, trusted relative, or a recent college graduate you trust.

By establishing a mentor-mentee relationship, you can turn to this person for guidance and support throughout the college application process. They can help you with your homework, recommend colleges that would be a good fit for you, provide advice on college applications and essays, and offer emotional support.

Having a mentor can also give you a valuable perspective on the college application process and help you make the most of your opportunities. So don't hesitate to contact someone you trust and ask for their support and guidance.

Talk to your parents.

Your parents can play a crucial role in helping you navigate the college application process. They can provide guidance, support, and resources throughout the process. Even if they don't have experience with the process, they can still be a sounding board for your questions and concerns.

It's essential to have open and honest conversations with your parents about your future career goals and what type of college you would like to attend. If you need more clarification about your career aspirations, discuss with them what subjects you enjoy and where your strengths lie.

Your parents can suggest careers that would suit you based on your interests and abilities. Additionally, your parents might have a network of friends or coworkers who have college suggestions.

Together, you and your parents can start planning the steps you'll need to take to achieve your goals. This can include researching colleges that fit your criteria, creating a timeline for the application process, and identifying any financial aid or scholarship opportunities. Once you've decided on a few colleges you're interested in, ask your parents to take you for a visit. Touring a college is one of the best ways to know if it's the right fit for you.

It's important to remember that your parents will likely be your main financial supporters during the college application process, so it's vital to keep them in the loop and involve them in the decision-making process. By working together, you and your parents can make the college application process less overwhelming and increase your chances of getting into the college of your choice.

Take action.

When it comes to college applications, it's important to take an active role and be your advocate. It starts with understanding your preferences, interests, goals, and what you want in college.

Consider factors such as the size of the school, location, campus culture, and academic programs. Once you have a clear idea of what you're looking for, you can start researching colleges that match your criteria.

When researching colleges, take note of the average GPA and test scores of accepted students. This will give you an idea of what you should aim for regarding your grades and test scores. If you're already a junior or senior, you can use this information to help you decide where to apply.

It's recommended to apply to at least two "safety schools," or schools that you're highly likely to get into, a few where you're somewhat likely to get in, and 2-3 "reach schools," or schools that are more of a long-shot but that you'd like to attend if possible.

When applying to colleges, paying attention to the application requirements and deadlines is important. Review and complete all the required application materials, such as transcripts, test scores, essays, and letters of recommendation. It's also important to know when these materials are due and submit them well before the deadline.

As part of your research, visit the official websites of each college and university you've selected. Look for information about the school's academic programs, campus culture, student life, and other important information. Additionally, it's a good idea to visit the schools in person to get a feel for the campus, meet with current students and faculty, and attend information sessions.

By following this process, you'll have a strategic plan for your college applications and apply to schools that will be a good fit for your preferences, interests, and goals. This will increase your chances of being accepted into the colleges that are the best fit for you.

Additionally, taking the time to research, plan and be organised will make the process less stressful and give you peace of mind that you have done everything in your power to increase your chances of getting into your desired college.

Take advantage of online resources.

Taking advantage of online resources is important in navigating the college application process without a guidance counsellor. Many websites and online guides can provide information about colleges, requirements, and deadlines. Here are some tips for utilising online resources:

1. Research colleges: Use websites like CollegeBoard or Peterson's to find information about colleges and universities.
2. Check college websites: Each college has its website, where you can find detailed information about its programs, admission requirements, and application process.
3. Look for scholarship opportunities: Websites such as Scholarships.com or Fastweb can help you find scholarships and grants that align with your interests and qualifications.
4. Utilise social media: Follow the social media accounts of colleges you are interested in and participate in virtual events or webinars to learn more about the school.
5. Utilise college counselling apps: There are college counselling apps, such as My College Plan, that can help you with the college application process, from creating a college list to tracking deadlines.

By utilising online resources, you can access the same information that a guidance counsellor would provide and make informed decisions about the college application process.