Role of a high school counselor?

I'm thinking about meeting with my high school counselor, but I'm not entirely sure what they can help me with. Can anyone clarify what the job description of a high school counselor usually includes?

High school counselors serve multiple roles in a student's academic journey. They are educators, advisors, facilitators, and often act as the liaison between students, teachers, parents, and college admissions offices.

1. Academic Guidance: Your counselor can help steer your academic course selection, ensuring it aligns with your interests and long-term goals. If you're aiming for particular colleges or career pathways, they can guide you towards relevant classes or programs in your school. They can also help identify resources if you're struggling academically.

2. College and Career Planning: High school counselors usually have a wealth of information about college admissions, common application processes, financial aid, scholarships, and different career paths. They guide you through college application processes, help you build a college list, review your essays, and even manage activities like sending transcripts.

3. Personal and Social Counseling: They are also trained to provide support for personal and social issues. If you're facing any challenges or stress related to school or otherwise, counselors can provide guidance and resources, or even liaise with external organizations if needed.

4. Test Guidance: They're usually up-to-date with various standardized testing options (like PSAT, SAT, ACT, AP courses) and can guide you on when and how to prepare for these exams.

5. Letters of Recommendation: If required, they can provide letters of recommendation for your college applications, accurately reflecting your achievements and character.

Remember, the services offered can vary from school to school, so it's best to make a meeting with your counselor to understand what precisely they can assist you with. If you have specific concerns or topics in mind, prepare a list of questions ahead of time to ensure a productive discussion.