Managing Difficult Communication
Scenario 1: Parent Email Overview:
You’re a college counselor at a high school and you help students create balanced college lists. One of your students, a high-achieving junior with a 3.9 GPA and strong extracurriculars, met with you to begin list-building. After helping the student create a preliminary college list (based on interests, location, selectivity, finances, etc.), the student brought the list home to share with his parents.
The next morning, you receive a sharply worded email from the parent. They are upset that the list includes schools they perceive to be “beneath” their son’s abilities and prestige expectations. They imply that you don’t understand their son’s caliber or goals and express disappointment in the counseling office's approach.
Your Challenge:
You need to reply to the parent to help them understand your counseling approach that went into helping their child create a college list.
Scenario 2: Student Email Overview:
Responding to Student Anxiety with Reassurance and Direction
Scenario Overview:
You receive an emotional email from a sophomore student who is overwhelmed after seeing social media posts about what “ideal” college applicants should be doing. The student is panicked that they’re not doing enough with their time — no leadership roles, no research, no standout “passion” — and worries they are already too far behind to be competitive in the college admissions process.
Their message is vulnerable, anxious, and full of fear about falling short. It’s clear they need both emotional reassurance and practical guidance.
Your Challenge:
You need to respond to the student’s email making sure they understand the resources the counseling office can provide.