Who Sees the School Counselor for College Information? A National Study

Abstract

Using the 2002 Educational Longitudinal Study database, a national survey conducted by the National Center of Education Statistics, the authors investigated the characteristics of students who seek out professional school counselors in order to receive college information. Results indicated that African Americans and female students were more likely to contact the school counselor for college information. In addition, students in high-poverty, large schools and schools with smaller numbers of counselors were less likely to seek school counselors for college information. School counselors’ postsecondary aspirations for students also impacted students’ contact with the school counselor. Implications for school counselors and future research are included.