Only a few researchers have used qualitative methods to explore Latinx students' experiences and testimonials with their high school counselors. These studies, conducted more than 10 years ago, found that Latinx students reported negative experiences with high school counselors, such as low academic expectations and lack of availability. In the…

There is a gender gap among females studying STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) majors and pursuing STEM careers. More males than females pursue these majors and careers. This study explored how high school counselors influence the choices of STEM majors for female students. The researcher explored the perspectives of seven…

This study examined New York City Black and Latinx high school students' perceptions of their college counseling experiences. In particular, I sought to understand how the students perceived the role their high school guidance counselors' expectations of their abilities played in the choice of colleges to which they were counseled to apply. Data…

The focus of this qualitative study was to explore the perceptions of parents located in one middle Tennessee school district regarding the Tennessee Promise scholarship. The perception of the parents regarding the role of the school counselor in assisting families in the college choice process for high school seniors as they prepare for after…

Members of a prominent school counseling organization were surveyed to measure their perceived responsibility, self-efficacy, and performance related to increasing students' college knowledge. The purposes of this study were to: (a) understand what level do school counselors believe they bear the responsibility to increase students' college…

This study sought to identify best practices incorporated by secondary school counselors in California high schools that promote, support, and increase college-going identity and foster a supportive college-going environment for Latino male students. The researcher used a phenomenological qualitative study to capture the best practices and…

With increased pressure for schools to demonstrate college and career readiness, it is crucial to explore the roles and activities of school counselors, the preservice training they receive, and how those college and career readiness concepts are integrated into their roles. The research questions were (1) What are the current roles and activities…

Despite high aspirations, many students do not complete postsecondary education. Some scholars advocate for providing more college information to increase enrollment and reduce attainment gaps but this approach overlooks what school counselors and students do with information. Based on interviews and participant observations drawn from 20 urban…

This paper explores the research question and literature pertaining to school counselors and their roles and responsibilities and how they can have an effect on Latino/a students and their A-G college course requirement completion rates. Latinos/as students are the lowest academic achieving students in the nation among their peers and the lowest…

Professional school counselors play a role in helping students and families make college decisions. One student group that may have unique challenges are student athletes who wish to compete at the collegiate level. These students have additional requirements, beyond traditional admission procedures, to meet eligibility requirements. The purpose…

This study examined inequalities in college knowledge across the high school years. Twelfth graders had significantly more college knowledge than ninth and 10th graders. Although college knowledge increased during high school among both first- and continuing-generation college-going students, we found significant between-group differences.…

High school college advisors have a crucial role in providing college access for underserved students, yet there is little known about how they are prepared and supported in their positions. A multiple case study (Baxter & Jack, 2008) was conducted to examine the varying ecological factors that directly and indirectly impact college advisors'…

Universal Free Application for Financial Student Aid (FAFSA) policies are being implemented in states as a way to eliminate financial barriers to college enrollment and completion for underrepresented student groups. High school counselors play a critical role in helping students complete this graduation requirement. Texas adopted a universal…

High school counselors play a vital role in helping students prepare for attending college. They are the link between students and families and institutions, providing counseling, information, and motivation to help students make it through their enrollment journeys. Along the way, they have to help students cope with a wide variety of challenges:…

Researchers show that family involvement is crucial to a student's success, yet finding ways to engage parents in the postsecondary planning process is sometimes challenging for school counselors. This case study highlights one school district's process of developing and implementing a program geared toward engaging parents in their students'…