Newton South counselor comments on SAT story

Someone just forwarded me your article (‘‘Running up the Score,’’ Globe West, Dec. 14). As nice as it is to see our school mentioned, I was sorry that you are leaving people with the impression that not only does a student HAVE to prep but that they also have to have an outside counselor. Our counseling department (including me) does a wonderful job of ushering these kids through the process irregardless of family income. Since the counselors here follow their students for four years they are in a much better position to make recommendations and offer assistance. I feel like you’re telling our families that do not have the means to pay for services that they are somehow at a disadvantage. Don’t believe that a private college counselor is the reason that a kid gets into his first or second choice school even though that is what they’d like you to believe. It is the student who gets himself/herself in. This is a hard time of year for seniors. Our job is to try to help them do everything they can to get into a college that is the right match. Your article may leave them feeling like they haven’t been successful.
Barbara Brown
College/Career Counselor
Newton South High School
NEWTON