Which process describes how school counselors make recommendations based on tests and inventories to help students decide about their future?

• A. Program planning
• B. Counseling
• C. Advisement
• D. Referral

Answer: (C)

Advisement is the process where school counselors interpret information from tests and inventories and turn that data into practical recommendations for a student’s future. By examining interests, abilities, and values revealed by assessments, counselors guide decisions about which courses to take, which postsecondary paths to explore, and potential career options. This use of assessment results to inform planning for the next steps is what defines advisement.

Counseling, in contrast, focuses more on helping students manage personal, social, or emotional issues; program planning involves organizing and coordinating school-wide curricula and services; referral means directing a student to another professional or resource rather than providing the decision-making guidance themselves.