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Can you rely on your college counselors for the majority of your schedule, or is it important to be self-reliant and research specific classes that are crucial to getting your degree ?

I am a high school senior who is committed to going to community college. I watched a lot of videos online where upperclassmen talk about their experiences going to community college and building their resumes and CV's to the point where they could transfer to a University of their liking. However, I don't know if my schedule is something I need to worry a lot about in terms of making sure everything lines up for the University I'm looking to transfer to.

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Anuj’s Answer

Entry-level roles are stepping stones, not final destinations. Optimize your first job for learning, mentorship quality, and skill development rather than salary alone. A high-growth environment in year 1 pays dividends for decades.
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Megh’s Answer

Your counselor is a great friend to have. They've helped many students transfer successfully and know exactly what universities want. Meet with them regularly and start building that relationship now.

Being aware of your goals gives you a head start. Thinking about this as a high school senior means you'll be more prepared for community college than most students.

Here's how to succeed:
1. Trust your counselor to help guide your path. That's what they're there for.
2. Research your target university's requirements so you can ask smart questions during your meetings.
3. Use ASSIST.org (if you're in California) to find out which community college courses will transfer to universities.
4. Check in each semester to make sure you're on track.

Remember, you don't have to choose between your counselor and your own research. Successful students use both. You're already on the right track, and that mindset puts you in a great position. You've got this!
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Yohanna’s Answer

I understand your concern. I had to rely on myself in college because my counselors were often unavailable. When I got a new counselor in my junior year, regular meetings helped me get answers about my degree plan and secure the classes I needed. If you know which university you want to transfer to, check its degree requirements. Take any difficult classes at your community college if possible, as smaller classes can help you connect with teachers and earn better grades for transfer.

Try to build good relationships with counselors at both your community college and your future university. Meeting them in person is more helpful than just emailing, as you can ask follow-up questions and get advice. However, also research classes and professors on your own, as counselors may not have detailed career information. For example, if you're interested in engineering, you might need to do extra research. It's important to build relationships and stay proactive to ensure you get the classes you need.
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Abhijit Reddy’s Answer

Hi there! College counselors are super helpful and offer great advice, but it's also important for you to take charge of your own college experience. Since counselors help many students, their advice might not always match your unique needs and goals.

Start with their suggestions, but make sure to do some research yourself. Check which classes you need for your degree, find out which professors are well-liked, and see how courses fit into your schedule. You can use your college's course catalog, chat with other students online, or talk to seniors in your program for more insights.

Remember, you know your strengths and priorities best. Take the advice you get, think about how it applies to you, and create a schedule that suits you perfectly.
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Brittany’s Answer

I think it's good to do both, at the end of the day your college career is your responsibility so I wouldn't rely on the counselor to pick everything for you. I think the best thing would be to do some research on your own and then discuss what you find with your counselor. Then they can help give advice and steer you in the right direction!
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Karina’s Answer

Research the university you want to transfer to so you understand their requirements. Most universities publish exactly what they're looking for in transfer students (eg, GPA minimums, specific courses they want completed, and how many credits they accept). That information is usually on the admissions or transfer page of their website, so you don't have to guess.
Your first year should really be about learning and getting experience. Take classes that genuinely interest you, get involved on campus or getting work experience, and start figuring out what direction you want to go. That exploration shapes everything that comes after.
The fact that you're already thinking about this means you're doing the right things. Most students don't start planning this early, so you're already ahead. Just stay curious, stay consistent, and let your path develop naturally as you go.
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Tammie’s Answer

Look at the degree requirements for the university you want to attend. Try taking one or two challenging classes each semester to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Make sure to research your questions yourself so you know what to expect.
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Jezlea’s Answer

Hi Justin, great question! College advisors are there to help you understand which classes you need to finish your degree. They often suggest classes for each semester and tell you what credits you still need. However, talking to classmates in your field and doing your own research can be even more helpful. Advisors might suggest certain classes, but they can't always tell how tough they'll be. Classmates who have taken the courses before can give you a better idea of what to expect, how hard they are, and when to take them. This is important because you want to balance tough classes with easier ones so you have enough time to study and don't get overwhelmed.
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