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Parents are sometimes having trouble communicating with their kids. Part of the problem is that kids are adopting new social media technologies at a rapid pace, which is redefining how people interact.
Why Should I Hire a College Counselor, and When Might I Not Need One?
The decision to hire a college counselor depends on your family’s specific situation, and for some families focused on their local, regional colleges, Jamie Berger offers an honest assessment: “Maybe you shouldn’t hire one.”
However, he identifies key situations where professional guidance becomes valuable: limited school counseling resources, complex application strategies, need for essay development support, or targeting highly selective schools where strategic positioning matters.
The value proposition centers on expertise and perspective. A good counselor helps families avoid common mistakes, identify overlooked opportunities, and maintain realistic expectations. One crucial role: helping students develop “likely” colleges (the term “safety school” has fallen out of favor) that they would genuinely be happy attending.
As Berger emphasizes: “I will really push you to build a good list that you’ve worked as hard to come up with the schools at the bottom of it as you have on the top. Having happy likelies will lead to a happy outcome regardless.”
Beyond strategy, counselors provide emotional support through a stressful process—serving as a buffer between parents and students during sensitive conversations about realistic expectations.
For families considering cost-effectiveness, smaller packages like college list development or essential services provide core guidance at lower investment levels. Some counselors also offer pro bono support for families with financial constraints.
Ready to explore your options? Schedule a free consultation to discuss your family’s needs.
Great College Advice is a team of experienced college counselors that has been offering personalized college admissions consulting services since 2007. Our collaborative culture combined with our diverse backgrounds—including teachers, high school counselors, admissions officers, writers, and business professionals—means we can offer unique perspectives on the ever-changing world of college admissions.
