In September I had a meeting with the guidance counselor, Mr. B, today during study hall. I think I went in hoping that it wouldn’t take very long as I had a calculus test I needed to study for. As it turned out, the rather long one-on-one was very informative.

I had a few questions about the colleges I was looking at – Springfield, Quinnepiac, University of New England, Utica, Husson and American International. I had received very little information from AIC. Mr. B told me it was a good school but that the location was horrible right in the downtown. I knew I would never be able to live in such a frenzied environment for six years of my life, so I dropped AIC right from my list.

I remember being told that, ideally, I should apply to six schools – two “reach” schools, two “medium” schools, and two “back up” schools. I was confused, however, how I should determine what schools would be the “back up” schools they all are fairly reputable schools. Husson is supposedly less of a reach for me personally and academically, so it will be my “last choice” so to speak.

Mr. B also pointed out another option that I had formerly not considered – University of Vermont. It is very close to Montreal, so it is very probable that I could minor in French. Another good thing is that it is not too far from home, a deciding factor in my college decisions.

In order to get to know me better and thus write better recommendations, Mr. B asked me to fill out a questionnaire about my plans and such. I returned it to him with an activity list (that I originally made for the college applications). I feel much better knowing that my Guidance Councilor can write me a recommendation that reflects the real me, not just what he has seen on paper.