Ivy or bust? Don't be surprised if your guidance counselor suggests otherwise, even if your "numbers" justify your desires.

That's the message in this story, which offers several examples of misguided students. Counselors, it seems, are overburdened by growing advisee numbers, so personalized attention is rare. At the same time, they remain cautious because of the intense competition for admission to the Ivies and other selective colleges, and they don't want to encourage students with what they perceive as slim chances. But they often shortchange students who, with a modest dose of direction, might find their way to their dream schools.

Best advice? Get a second (or third, or fourth) opinion and apply anyway. Guidance counselors can't stop you from trying. But keep in mind that rejection is always possible, even for the most highly-qualified.

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