<p>Brian: I’m for sure doing my own research (my GC is also a prolific science teacher and she doesn’t always have the time for a full dedication to each student). And I don’t think they could block it if my parents let me apply, though theoretically they could send a non-recommending recommendation if the REALLY disapproved, but they definitely lean towards certain schools.
However, to be fair, they’re VERY helpful at getting scholarships to those schools that they approve of. All in all, it could be worse.</p>