I never said that. You noted top 10.
College admissions are not a reach for most students. Not even close. There are safer schools for most every student.
This is the stress kids put on themselves. Academics are but one part of an applicant.
And if they end up at #40 or 140 instead of #10, life will be fine.
Many top flight kids spurn top schools for safeties and do just fine. Both mine are examples of kids who turned down perceived reaches for definite safeties. Both have done well and work with kids who chose much higher ranked schools.
Your kid will impact their success more than the school, in most cases, IMHO.
It’s important to know because you may be in a situation of having to handle someone unable to cope with rejection.
My daughter’s valedictorian was a 4.0, 10 or 11 APs, a 36 on the ACT and was 0 for 16 in the top 20. She got into NYU full pay and UTK, which she attended. It happens -you need to assure the student is prepared emotionally. Some can and others can’t cope with rejection.
Good luck.
Ps - the counselor you mention - is that a school counselor or private counselor ? If one has a private, and it’s anyone’s choice, but that often leads to higher expectations, even if not intended. A student sees money spent…I need to deliver, etc.