How Students and School Counselors Use College Computer Search Programs Differently

Abstract

The ways in which students use a computer college search program on their own are compared with the ways in which school counselors use the same program. Twelve high school juniors completed two computer searches using the Peterson's College Quest Program, one alone and one with a counselor. Three major areas of differences were found. The lists of colleges resulting from the searches differed as a result of the factors selected. The use and understanding of the search process options presented in the computer program differed. Finally, the level of student frustration differed, which affected the decision-making approach. All students expressed more comfort and confidence in the search conducted with the counselor. School counselors need to recognize the potential difficulties that students using the computer college search independently experience in order to best utilize this technological tool.