In my day, (’85 grad) counselors were seen as little more than a joke. We certainly didn’t expect “support” from them.
in my day....last 60’s early 70’s..it seemed the only kids the counselors had time for were the ones with rich parents or otherwise already getting lots of scholarship money.....you know, the important people
They have hundreds of students. They don’t have time to be researching scholarships for all of them.
Same back in ‘77. No expectations, and therefore, no disappointments.
My guidance counselor was a joke and did zero for me.
Mine very specifically told me getting into USNA was a pipe dream and I shouldn’t waste my time. I still have the school catalog I took out of her office so I could figure out how to apply on my own.
My cross country coach told me it was a waste of time to take off practice to go get my DODMERB physical redone. All the running had put my Albumin (proteins) over the limit so I took off a week and redid the blood work.
My family had no ties to anyone of any import. Dad hung sheetrock/painted/general construction.
My NJROTC Chief was the one who helped me make it happen as he reached out to the congressmen, drove me for my physicals, etc.
When I got in my maternal uncle and aunt told my mom I wouldn’t make it.
Sigh...good memories....
I have to say that I had a great experience with my guidance counselor in high school. He was a coach and was gifted in dealing with students. I talked to him many, many times about my family’s debts due to the treatment of my little sister’s cancer, and about my abusive father. This counselor was always sympathetic and it really helped to talk to somebody. At graduation I won the largest monetary award (total shock) and I know that he had something to do with it. One time I accidentally referred to him at home and my father said he wanted to go down to the school and punch the counselor in the nose (he didn’t but it scared me to death).