@soclialdad2002 No question that there is a lot of variability in the counselors at CA public HSs. I also agree that private counselors can help UC applicants, particularly earlier in the application cycle. The OP on this thread is done with Jr year - so their course selection is pretty much done. At this point - the 4.1ish GPA and his a-g course count and rigor, and EC aren’t really that changeable and the top UCs are going to be a reach no matter how compelling an essay he writes. At this point, and with his objective, i don’t think the counselor is worth the cost, particularly if money is tight in the household. From where he sits, if he wants to find an OOS LAC in the Rockies that’s likely to give him a full ride - an independent counselor could certainly help narrow that down.
UCs are all really transparent about their selection criteria and their freshman profile.
just Google UCX freshman profile or section criteria, and it is always the first or second link
http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/freshman/how-applications-reviewed/index.html
http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/campuses/irvine/freshman-profile/
As far as ECs and essays, they are considered but, GPA, test scores and a-g course count needs to be in line or they won’t hold much sway. A 4.2/1500 with a mediocre essay and near zero ECs beats a 4.0/1300 with a great story and hundreds of hours of community service.
I believe they can play an important role but, offer the most value when engaged early in the process