Top 50 Questions to Ask Your High School Guidance Counselor
Your guidance counselor can be one of your best allies as you prepare for college—but only if you know what to ask. Whether you’re just starting high school or getting ready to apply, asking the right questions can help you make confident, informed decisions.
We’ve organized 50 of the most important questions into five categories: college planning, academics, applications, financial aid, and mental wellness. Bring this list to your next counselor meeting—or download the printable checklist to keep track of your goals.
Download the Counselor Questions Checklist (PDF)
Jump to:
- College Planning
- Academics & Testing
- Applications & Essays
- Financial Aid & Scholarships
- Mental Health & Wellness
College Planning
- What types of colleges should I consider based on my interests and goals?
- Can you help me start a college list?
- What’s the difference between liberal arts, public, and private colleges?
- What schools near me offer strong programs in my intended major?
- Do any schools near me offer ROTC programs?
- Are there any college fairs or tours I should attend?
- When should I start visiting campuses?
- How can I research colleges beyond rankings?
- How can I show demonstrated interest to colleges?
- How can I use a four-year plan to guide my college prep?
Academics & Testing
- What courses should I take to stay on track for college?
- Should I take AP, IB, or dual-enrollment classes?
- What’s the minimum GPA I need for my target schools?
- What elective classes would strengthen my transcript?
- Should I take the SAT, ACT, or both?
- What are test-optional policies and how do they work?
- How do colleges view pass/fail grades?
- How can I improve my study skills and time management?
- What tutoring or academic support resources are available?
- Can you help me decide if I need to retake a test?
Applications & Essays
- When should I start my college applications?
- How many schools should I apply to?
- What’s the difference between early action, early decision, and regular decision?
- Who should I ask for letters of recommendation?
- Can you review my personal statement or college essays?
- What makes a strong college application?
- How do I submit transcripts and test scores?
- Can I get application fee waivers?
- What deadlines should I be aware of this semester?
- Where can I learn more about building an activities résumé?
Financial Aid & Scholarships
- What’s the FAFSA and when should I complete it?
- What is the CSS Profile, and who requires it?
- How do I apply for need-based vs. merit-based aid?
- Where can I find trustworthy scholarship websites?
- Do I need to apply separately for college scholarships?
- What local scholarships are available in our area?
- How do work-study programs work?
- What is a merit scholarship and how do I qualify?
- Will my family’s income disqualify me from aid?
- What do financial aid award letters actually mean?
Mental Health & Wellness
- How can I manage stress during the college process?
- What mental health resources are available at school?
- How do I balance school, extracurriculars, and personal time?
- How can I stay motivated if I feel burned out?
- Are there colleges with strong student support programs?
- What if I want to take a gap year?
- Can I get accommodations if I need them in college?
- How can I prepare for the emotional side of college life?
- What if I’m feeling overwhelmed right now?
- Do colleges care about mental health when reviewing applications?
Related: College Planning Checklist by Grade
Final Tips
Your counselor wants to support you—you just have to ask! Bring this list to your next meeting and use it to steer the conversation based on where you are in your journey.
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Reviewed by Tyson Schritter, College Advising Contributor at Colleges of Distinction.
Last updated: April 2025
