How to answer this Situational interview question about Academic and Emotional Support for Mid-Level School Counselor?

How do you approach helping a student who is struggling academically and emotionally?

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School Counselor

Situational

Asked at

Harvard University

Difficulty :

Hard

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A popular meme image featuring the Marvel character Thanos with the caption “A small price to pay for salvation,” commonly used to humorously express acceptance of a minor sacrifice for a greater benefit.

Explanation

This question evaluates your ability to address both academic and emotional challenges effectively. Recruiters are looking for your methods of building trust with students, collaborating with faculty and parents, and implementing solutions. A strong answer includes specific strategies and examples of how you positively impacted a struggling student. Avoid vague or overly generalized responses.

A popular meme image featuring the Marvel character Thanos with the caption “A small price to pay for salvation,” commonly used to humorously express acceptance of a minor sacrifice for a greater benefit.

Answer Example

I first build rapport with the student to understand their concerns and challenges. Then, I collaborate with professors to identify academic struggles and with parents to address emotional support at home. For example, I worked with a freshman who was failing multiple courses and dealing with anxiety. I arranged tutoring, developed a stress-reduction plan, and conducted weekly check-ins. Within a semester, the student's grades improved by 20%, and they reported feeling more confident and less anxious.

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A popular meme image featuring the Marvel character Thanos with the caption “A small price to pay for salvation,” commonly used to humorously express acceptance of a minor sacrifice for a greater benefit.

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