Parent-College Counselor Communication Guide for English Learners
5 Helpful Dialogues Between Parents and College Counselors
Dialogue 1: Understanding College Preparation and Requirements
Parent: Good afternoon, Ms. Thompson. I’m Maria’s mother. I want my daughter to go to college, but I don’t understand the American college system. Can you help me learn what she needs to do?
College Counselor: I’m so glad you came in! It’s wonderful that you’re supporting Maria’s college goals. The college preparation process can seem overwhelming, but we’ll work together to make sure she’s on the right track.
Parent: In my country, students take one big test to get into university. How does it work here?
College Counselor: Here, colleges look at many factors: grades from all four years of high school, standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation from teachers.
Parent: Maria is a junior now. Is it too late to start preparing?
College Counselor: Not at all! Junior year is actually the perfect time to start serious college planning. We have plenty of time to make sure she takes the right courses and prepares for standardized tests.
Parent: What classes should she take in her senior year?
College Counselor: Most colleges want to see four years of English, math, science, and social studies, plus foreign language courses. Since Maria is already bilingual, that’s actually a strength on college applications!
Parent: She wants to study business. Does she need to take special classes for that?
College Counselor: Business programs usually prefer students with strong math skills, so I’d recommend she take courses like statistics or calculus. Economics and accounting classes would also be helpful if available.
Parent: How do we know which colleges would be good for her?
College Counselor: We’ll look at colleges that match her academic profile, career interests, and family’s financial situation. I’ll help you create a list of “safety,” “target,” and “reach” schools to give her the best options.
Parent: When do we need to start applying?
College Counselor: Applications typically open in August of senior year, with deadlines between November and January. We’ll create a timeline together to make sure nothing is missed.
Dialogue 2: Navigating Financial Aid and Scholarship Opportunities
Parent: Hello, Mr. Rodriguez. I’m very worried about paying for college. We don’t have much money saved, and I don’t understand how financial aid works.
College Counselor: I understand your concerns completely. The good news is that there are many ways to make college affordable, and I’m here to guide you through all the options.
Parent: What is financial aid exactly?
College Counselor: Financial aid is money to help pay for college costs. It includes grants (free money you don’t have to pay back), scholarships (awards for achievements), loans (money you borrow), and work-study programs (part-time jobs for students).
Parent: Do we qualify for help if we’re not citizens yet?
College Counselor: There are different types of aid available. While federal aid requires citizenship or permanent residency, many colleges offer institutional aid, and there are private scholarships specifically for students from immigrant families.
Parent: How do we apply for financial aid?
College Counselor: The main form is called the FAFSA – Free Application for Federal Student Aid. We’ll complete it together after January 1st of your son’s senior year. I’ll also help you find additional scholarship opportunities.
Parent: Are there scholarships for students like my son who learned English as a second language?
College Counselor: Absolutely! There are scholarships specifically for Hispanic/Latino students, first-generation college students, and English language learners. Your son’s bilingual abilities and cultural background can actually be advantages in scholarship competitions.
Parent: When should we start looking for scholarships?
College Counselor: We should start now! Many scholarships have deadlines throughout the year. I’ll give you a list of scholarships to research, and we can work on applications together.
Parent: What if the financial aid isn’t enough to cover all costs?
College Counselor: We’ll explore all options: merit scholarships based on grades, need-based aid, payment plans, and choosing colleges that offer the most generous aid packages. Community college for the first two years is also a cost-effective option.
Parent: How do I know if a college’s financial aid offer is good?
College Counselor: I’ll help you compare aid packages from different colleges. We’ll look at the total cost after aid and how much you’d need to borrow. The goal is to minimize student loan debt.
Dialogue 3: Standardized Testing and Test Preparation
Parent: Good morning, Mrs. Kim. I received information about SAT and ACT tests, but I’m confused about which test my daughter should take and how to prepare.
College Counselor: These are important questions! Both tests measure college readiness, but they have different formats. Most students perform better on one test than the other, so we’ll help your daughter figure out which suits her strengths.
Parent: What’s the difference between SAT and ACT?
College Counselor: The SAT focuses more on reasoning and problem-solving, while the ACT is more straightforward and includes a science section. The ACT also has faster pacing. All colleges accept both tests equally.
Parent: When should she take these tests?
College Counselor: Most students take their first test in spring of junior year, then retake it in fall of senior year if they want to improve their scores. This gives time for preparation and improvement.
Parent: How can she prepare for these tests?
College Counselor: We offer free SAT prep classes after school, and there are free online resources like Khan Academy. She can also take practice tests to identify areas where she needs more study.
Parent: Are there accommodations for students who are still learning English?
College Counselor: Yes! Students can request extended time or the use of an English-as-a-Second-Language dictionary for certain sections. We would need to apply for these accommodations well in advance.
Parent: What scores do colleges expect?
College Counselor: It varies widely by college. State universities might accept scores around 1200 on the SAT, while highly selective colleges expect 1400 or higher. But remember, test scores are just one part of the application.
Parent: What if her scores aren’t high enough for her dream college?
College Counselor: We have several strategies: she can retake the test, focus on strengthening other parts of her application like essays and extracurricular activities, or consider test-optional colleges that don’t require standardized tests.
Parent: Should we pay for expensive test prep courses?
College Counselor: Not necessarily! We provide free resources that are often just as effective. If you do choose paid prep, research the options carefully and make sure they fit your budget.
Dialogue 4: College Application Process and Essays
Parent: Hello, Dr. Martinez. My son is starting his senior year, and I’m overwhelmed by the college application process. There are so many forms and deadlines!
College Counselor: I completely understand! The application process is complex, but we’ll break it down into manageable steps. The most important thing is to stay organized and start early.
Parent: What is the Common Application I keep hearing about?
College Counselor: The Common Application is an online platform that lets students apply to multiple colleges using one application. Instead of filling out separate applications for each college, students complete one comprehensive form.
Parent: What do college essays need to include?
College Counselor: College essays should tell a personal story that shows who your son is beyond his grades and test scores. They want to see his personality, values, and experiences that have shaped him.
Parent: Can I help him write his essays?
College Counselor: You can help him brainstorm ideas and proofread for errors, but the essay must be in his own words and reflect his voice. Colleges can tell when essays aren’t authentic to the student.
Parent: What if his English writing isn’t perfect?
College Counselor: Colleges understand that students have different backgrounds. They’re more interested in authentic stories and genuine voice than perfect grammar. However, we’ll work together to make sure his essays are clear and well-organized.
Parent: How many colleges should he apply to?
College Counselor: I typically recommend 6-10 colleges: 2-3 safety schools (almost certain admission), 3-4 target schools (good chance of admission), and 2-3 reach schools (more competitive). This gives good options without being overwhelming.
Parent: What information do you need from our family for applications?
College Counselor: I’ll need his transcript, test scores, and a list of his extracurricular activities. For financial aid, you’ll need tax returns and bank statements. I’ll provide you with a complete checklist.
Parent: What happens after we submit applications?
College Counselor: Colleges will send confirmation emails and may request additional information. We’ll track all deadlines and requirements. Admission decisions typically come out between March and April.
Parent: How do we choose between colleges if he gets accepted to multiple schools?
College Counselor: We’ll compare factors like academic programs, campus culture, location, and financial aid packages. Many colleges have accepted student days where you can visit and get a feel for the campus.
Dialogue 5: Career Exploration and Post-Secondary Options
Parent: Good afternoon, Ms. Davis. My daughter isn’t sure what she wants to study in college. She’s worried about choosing the wrong major and wasting money. How can we help her decide?
College Counselor: This is a very common concern! Most students change their major at least once in college, so she doesn’t need to have everything figured out right now. Let’s explore her interests and strengths.
Parent: She’s good at math and science, but she also enjoys helping people. What careers might fit those interests?
College Counselor: There are many possibilities! Healthcare fields like nursing, physical therapy, or medical research combine science with helping others. Engineering fields that focus on solving human problems might also appeal to her.
Parent: Should she choose a major that guarantees a job after graduation?
College Counselor: It’s wise to consider job prospects, but she should also choose something she’s passionate about. Students do better in subjects they find interesting, and passion often leads to career success.
Parent: Is college the only path to a good career?
College Counselor: Not at all! We should discuss all post-secondary options: four-year colleges, community colleges, trade schools, and apprenticeship programs. Each path can lead to successful careers.
Parent: What are the benefits of starting at community college?
College Counselor: Community college costs much less and offers smaller class sizes. Students can complete general education requirements, explore different subjects, and then transfer to a four-year university. It’s an excellent option for many families.
Parent: How can she explore careers while still in high school?
College Counselor: She can participate in internships, job shadowing, volunteer work, and career exploration programs. Many local businesses and hospitals offer programs specifically for high school students.
Parent: What if she wants to change her major in college?
College Counselor: That’s completely normal! Colleges expect students to explore different fields. The key is choosing a college with strong programs in multiple areas she might be interested in.
Parent: Are there careers that specifically value bilingual employees?
College Counselor: Absolutely! Healthcare, education, business, law, social work, and international relations all highly value bilingual skills. Her ability to speak multiple languages is a significant career advantage.
Parent: How do we research different career options?
College Counselor: We’ll use career exploration tools, attend college fairs, and connect with professionals in fields she’s considering. I can also arrange informational interviews with alumni working in various careers.
Essential Vocabulary for Parent-College Counselor Communication
College Application Terms
- Common Application – Standardized application accepted by many colleges
- Early Decision/Early Action – Application options with earlier deadlines
- Rolling Admissions – Colleges that review applications as they’re received
- Application Fee – Cost to submit college applications (often waived for low-income families)
- Transcript – Official record of high school courses and grades
- Letters of Recommendation – Written endorsements from teachers or counselors
- Personal Statement/Essay – Written responses required for college applications
- Supplemental Essays – Additional essays required by specific colleges
- Waitlist – List of qualified applicants who may be admitted if spots become available
Academic Preparation Terms
- GPA (Grade Point Average) – Numerical average of all high school grades
- Class Rank – Student’s academic standing compared to classmates
- Course Rigor – Difficulty level of classes taken (AP, IB, Honors)
- Prerequisites – Courses required before taking advanced classes
- College Preparatory Curriculum – Courses designed to prepare students for college
- Dual Enrollment – Taking college courses while still in high school
- AP (Advanced Placement) – College-level courses with standardized exams
- IB (International Baccalaureate) – Rigorous international curriculum program
Standardized Testing Terms
- SAT/ACT – Standardized tests used for college admissions
- PSAT – Practice version of the SAT; also used for National Merit Scholarships
- Test Optional – Colleges that don’t require standardized test scores
- Superscore – Using highest section scores across multiple test dates
- Score Range – Competitive score range for specific colleges
- Test Accommodations – Modifications for students with disabilities or language needs
- Subject Tests – Specialized tests in specific academic subjects
- Test Prep – Resources and courses to improve standardized test scores
Financial Aid and Scholarship Terms
- FAFSA – Free Application for Federal Student Aid
- EFC (Expected Family Contribution) – Amount families are expected to pay for college
- Need-Based Aid – Financial assistance based on family’s financial situation
- Merit Aid – Scholarships based on academic achievement or talents
- Grants – Free money that doesn’t need to be repaid
- Student Loans – Money borrowed for education that must be repaid with interest
- Work-Study – Part-time employment program for college students
- Net Price – Actual cost after all financial aid is subtracted
- CSS Profile – Additional financial aid form required by some colleges
College Types and Options
- Community College – Two-year colleges offering associate degrees and certificates
- Liberal Arts College – Small colleges focusing on undergraduate education
- Research University – Large universities with graduate programs and research focus
- State/Public University – Colleges funded by state government (lower cost for residents)
- Private University – Colleges funded by tuition and private donations
- In-State/Out-of-State Tuition – Different costs for residents vs. non-residents
- Safety/Target/Reach Schools – Categories of colleges based on admission likelihood
- Transfer – Moving from one college to another (often from community college to university)
Career and Major Exploration Terms
- Major – Primary area of study in college
- Minor – Secondary area of study requiring fewer courses
- Pre-Professional Programs – Preparation for careers like medicine, law, or veterinary science
- STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics fields
- Liberal Arts – Broad education including humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences
- Career Assessment – Tests to identify interests and suitable career paths
- Internship – Temporary work experience in a field of interest
- Job Shadowing – Observing professionals at work to learn about careers
- Informational Interview – Conversation with professionals about their careers
Communication Phrases for College Counselor Meetings
- “What are my child’s chances of getting into…” – Asking about admission likelihood
- “How can we make college more affordable?” – Discussing financial strategies
- “What should my child do to strengthen their application?” – Seeking improvement advice
- “Can you explain the difference between…” – Asking for clarification on options
- “What deadlines do we need to remember?” – Requesting timeline information
- “Are there scholarships for students like mine?” – Asking about specific opportunities
- “How do we compare financial aid offers?” – Seeking guidance on decision-making
- “What backup plans should we have?” – Discussing alternative options
Important Questions to Ask College Counselors
- “What courses should my child take senior year to be competitive?”
- “When should we start visiting colleges?”
- “How many colleges should my child apply to?”
- “What can we do if standardized test scores are low?”
- “Are there colleges that are particularly welcoming to first-generation students?”
- “What are realistic college options given our financial situation?”
- “How can my child’s bilingual skills help with college applications?”
- “What support services are available for English language learners in college?”
- “Should my child consider community college first?”
- “What careers are growing and offer good opportunities?”
Timeline for College Planning
Freshman and Sophomore Years
- Academic Focus – Take challenging courses and maintain good grades
- Exploration – Begin exploring interests through clubs and activities
- Skill Building – Develop study habits and time management skills
- Language Development – Continue strengthening English while maintaining home language
Junior Year
- Course Selection – Take most challenging courses appropriate for student’s goals
- Testing – Take PSAT, begin SAT/ACT preparation, take first standardized tests
- College Research – Begin researching colleges and visiting campuses
- Leadership – Seek leadership opportunities in extracurricular activities
- Summer Planning – Participate in meaningful summer activities (work, volunteering, programs)
Senior Year – Fall Semester
- Applications – Complete and submit college applications
- Essays – Write and revise personal statements and supplemental essays
- Testing – Retake standardized tests if needed
- Letters of Recommendation – Request letters from teachers and counselors
- Financial Aid – Complete FAFSA and other financial aid applications
Senior Year – Spring Semester
- Decision Making – Compare admission offers and financial aid packages
- Final Grades – Maintain strong academic performance
- Commitment – Choose college and submit enrollment deposit
- Preparation – Complete housing applications, orientation registration, and course selection
Tips for Supporting Your College-Bound Student
Academic Support
- Encourage challenging courses – Support your child in taking rigorous classes
- Monitor progress – Stay involved in their academic performance
- Celebrate achievements – Recognize hard work and improvements
- Provide quiet study space – Create an environment conducive to learning
College Planning Support
- Stay organized – Help track deadlines and requirements
- Ask questions – Don’t hesitate to seek clarification from counselors
- Visit colleges – Tour campuses when possible to help with decision-making
- Research together – Learn about colleges and career options as a family
Financial Planning
- Start saving early – Even small amounts can help with college costs
- Research scholarships – Look for opportunities throughout high school
- Understand aid process – Learn about FAFSA and financial aid timelines
- Consider all options – Community college and in-state schools can be excellent choices
Emotional Support
- Manage stress – Help your child balance college prep with other activities
- Maintain perspective – Remember that many colleges can provide excellent education
- Celebrate the journey – Acknowledge growth and learning throughout the process
- Trust the process – Have confidence that hard work will lead to good outcomes
Remember: College counselors are your partners in helping your child achieve their post-secondary goals. They understand the challenges facing English learner families and are committed to ensuring all students have access to higher education opportunities. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or request additional support – your advocacy for your child’s education is invaluable!