How does a school counselor promote college and career readiness during the high school years?

• A. Limit guidance to test preparation only.
• B. Encourage early college but provide no support.
• C. Provide college admissions guidance, FAFSA support, scholarship information, career exploration, internships, resume and interview practice, and track progress.
• D. Delay advising until graduation.

Answer: (C)

Promoting college and career readiness in high school requires a comprehensive, proactive counseling approach that weaves together college admissions planning, financial aid support, career exploration, and skill-building across the high school years. Providing concrete steps like college admissions guidance, FAFSA support, scholarship information, opportunities for career exploration, internships, resume and interview practice, and ongoing progress tracking gives students the structure and resources they need to take timely actions and measure growth. This holistic set of services helps address not only academic preparation but also funding, real-world experiences, and self-knowledge about interests and fit.

Limiting guidance to test prep misses critical elements like admissions timelines and financing; encouraging early college without support leaves students without necessary guidance and resources; delaying advising until graduation forfeits the chance to build momentum and complete applications and experiences. Therefore, the comprehensive, ongoing support described is the most effective approach.