Thanks everyone for your responses. I will go into our first meeting now much more informed.
My impression is that the counselors at our local high school are, like many, doing great work but also probably spread a bit thin. I suspect my son’s GC has limited exposure to kids trying to get into BFAs, so we will indeed have to explain about numbers, early dates and so on, though I am sure she will be as supportive as she can be.
Thanks again for all the input and tips. Much appreciated!