Most high schools have school/guidance counselors which assist the student with high school course selection and submit materials such as the high school transcript and school profile to colleges when the student applies. But a seasoned independent college counselor can help fill in the gaps to assist the student throughout the entire process. Here’s a breakdown of some of the reasons why hiring a strong College Counselor is a great idea:
Less Stress: A successful college counselor knows how to guide and counsel the student through the entire college admissions process with grace and ease. They should be able to help the student feel confident in decision making in regards to their college list, essay topics and application completion. They should not tell the student what they should write about or steer them through the process. This is a counselor position, not a nagging one. I work hard at getting to know each of my students (and parents) so I can guide them through the process and provide the necessary support to help boost their confidence they so desperately need during this journey.
Accurate Knowledge: A successful college counselor will arm you with the necessary knowledge about the landscape of today’s college admissions. It is a landscape that is constantly changing thus having a counselor that stays up-to-date with the most current admit rates, trends and information is key to having a successful college admissions process.
Tools: A competent college counselor will provide the appropriate tools for the student to use throughout the journey to better understand themselves and thus they can then make successful decisions about their future. For example, I use an extensive college selection questionnaire for my high school juniors to complete before discussing their comprehensive college list. By completing this exercise, it allows the student to think through which traits of a college are most important to them.
Creating a strong Application: A good college counselor will help the student create a strong application. An application consists of your application, essay(s), extracurriculars, transcript, and letters of recommendation. By learning how to properly complete the application and to make your application as strong as possible, the counselor is helping the student become the best version of themself.
Staying Grounded: I use this phrase often when working with students and families. A good counselor helps them feel confident throughout the entire process by providing emotional support, using a timeline and using strong communication skills with the student/family.