As the college admissions process continues to become more complex and more competitive, more and more high school students and families are turning to private college counselors for support and guidance. If your child is planning to go through the college application process soon, you may be wondering if you should hire a college counselor. There are advantages in working with an independent educational consultant in almost every situation, but here are four types of students in particular that would benefit from the experience of a college consulting firm like Great College Advice:

• High Achieving Students
• Students with Learning Differences
• International Families
• Students with Unique Skills like Athletes, Artists and Performers

Hire a College Counselor for High Achieving Students

The admissions processes and standards at top-tier colleges and universities are famously arduous and opaque. This means that it can be very difficult for high achieving students to know just how to communicate their accomplishments in a way that stands out to college admissions officers. Additionally, high achieving students may feel significant, even overwhelming, pressure to succeed. These students often face intense competition and high expectations, leaving them feeling stressed and uncertain about their future. High achieving students in this position may want to hire a college counselor for two reasons.

The first is that a college counselor can help high achieving students approach the admissions process strategically. This includes helping students showcase their unique strengths and accomplishments, maximizing their chances of admission to their dream schools. With acceptance rates at most highly selective universities like Yale and MIT below 10%, these colleges could fill their incoming class many times over with students with straight As and perfect to near perfect SAT scores. A college consultant can help students demonstrate to admissions officers that their talents will make a lasting contribution to their university.

The second reason that high achieving students may want to hire a college counselor is that college counselors can help students cope with the pressure and stress of elite college admissions. College counselors can serve as a coach, guide, and cheerleader, helping students maintain a sense of proportion as they navigate the college admissions process. 

Hire a College Counselor for Students with Learning Differences

Students with learning differences such as ADHD or dyslexia face unique challenges when it comes to the college admissions process. From requesting accommodations to finding the right supportive environment, navigating higher education can be particularly daunting for these students and their families. Students with learning differences may want to hire a college counselor who has experience in identifying the best university support services and knows the laws and policies surrounding learning accommodations.

A college consulting firm can work closely with students and their families to identify the unique needs and strengths of the student. Whether it’s advocating for appropriate accommodations, connecting students with supportive resources, or assisting with college selection, counselors play a crucial role in ensuring that students with learning differences have the tools and support they need to succeed in college. 

International Families

The US higher education system is complicated enough for parents who went through it decades ago. Whether a student is being raised in the United States or abroad, if the parents did not attend university in the United States, our educational system can be even more confusing and daunting. International families, or American families in which the parents were educated elsewhere, may want to hire a college counselor to guide them through the idiosyncrasies and nuances of American colleges and universities.

For families of international students, the process is even more complex than for families of students being raised in the United States due to challenges with visas, cultural differences, and added application requirements. A college counseling firm such as Great College Advice that has worked with many international families can help you understand the nuances and complexities of US higher education. They can also help walk you through various requirements, such as English proficiency requirements and visa requirements.

Students with Unique Talents and Experiences

For students with non-traditional high school trajectories, such as homeschoolers, athletes, performers, or those who may have had to take significant time off of school, the college admissions process can be extra confusing. These students may have unconventional transcripts, limited access to traditional extracurricular activities, or unique talents and experiences that they struggle to showcase effectively on their college applications. If this sounds like you, you may want to hire a college counselor who can help you understand your options and communicate your non-traditional path. 

A college counselor can work closely with students to develop a comprehensive application strategy that effectively communicates their unique background and accomplishments. Whether it’s crafting a compelling personal statement, documenting non-traditional educational experiences, or leveraging unique talents and achievements, independent educational consultants help students present themselves in the best possible light to colleges and universities. 

Need more advice on your college applications?

The team at Great College Advice has deep experience in guiding students along the road from high school to college. We provide individually tailored, one-on-one advising to help young people achieve their educational ambitions. If you’d like more information about our services, contact us today for your complimentary consultation.

Since 2007, the expert team of college admissions consultants at Great College Advice has provided comprehensive guidance to thousands of students from across the United States and over 45 countries across the world. Great College Advice has offices in Colorado, New Jersey, Chicago, North Carolina and Massachusetts.  

In addition to our one-on-one counseling, Great College Advice extends its support through one of the most active and resource-rich Facebook Groups for college-bound students and their families: College Admissions Experts. With over 100,000 members—students, parents, and experienced counselors—this vibrant forum offers peer support and expert advice like no other. 

The post When to Hire a College Counselor first appeared on College Admission Counseling.

Mark Montgomery
Educational Consultant 
***************

Here’s the transcript if you’d like to read:

I’m here on the Campus of the College of Wooster in Wooster, Ohio. And I could say that the College of Wooster is another one of those Mid-Western surprises. I’ve had on this trip where you walk into the campus and are really shocked by how really wonderful it is. I can’t say I was completely shocked because I knew from reputation that this is a really solid academic school. It’s kind of under the radar screen for a lot of people but a fantastic little liberal arts college in Ohio.

The thing I wanted to mention is the way I visit colleges. I tend not to go on canned admission tours. I tend to just show up kind of unannounced without a lot of fanfare or giving them prior warning of my visit. Then I walked into the Admissions Office today at 4:15, okay it closes at 5.

Immediately they said, let’s get you in touch with the person, what are the admissions reps and he sat down with me. He talked with me for about 40 minutes. He gave me kind of a personal tour of the campus as much as he could before he had to run off to pick up his wife. But really took a personalized – he gave me personal attention. And that’s really indicative of what the College of Wooster is all about spending the time and the energy and giving personal attention to each and every student.

Loren Pope put the College of Wooster in his book 40 Colleges that Changed Lives and, you know. It’s not surprising just my little experience here on an August day when the campus is pretty dead to walk into the Admissions Office and get a lot of personalized attention. We just met with the professor he was walking out of his office, stood there and talked with us for a few minutes, really impressive place.

Yes, the landscaping and the architecture yes that’s kind of a surprise to me. Because it really does kind of help to get a feel of the physical plant of a college. But really by reputation College of Wooster is one of those places that they take – maybe their students are diamonds in the rough not necessarily the tippy top academically. They will take students who have academic potential and they will mold them into scholars. That is really the hallmark of education here at Wooster, excellent education, someplace that is definitely off the radar screen for a lot of students but it shouldn’t be. This is a high value education and it deserves more attention.

The post College of Wooster – Changing Lives first appeared on College Admission Counseling.

Here are some assumptions you may be making, or advice you may get, that is definitely not the right advice to follow.

‘Apply early decision, even if acceptance into that college is a stretch for your student, because you never know.’

The reality is that early decision is not a lottery. Even students that may get accepted under normal circumstances might not get accepted early decision. Colleges are looking for the strongest candidates to lock them in early. If your student does not fit that category, then don’t waste your money and effort on early decision.

‘Don’t worry about the cost. You’ll pay for it somehow.’

Not every family can afford every college, and not every dollar you invest in your college education is created equal. Finding the right school is the most important aspect of the application process. Finding a program where your student is a strong candidate, and that you can afford is a big part of your decision. College loan debt is a real problem for so many graduates. It can affect your student for years to come. Aggressive saving and proper budgeting is a crucial part of the college application process.

‘Colleges have “holistic” evaluations, so even if your grades and test scores are bad, they might still accept you.’

College admissions officers do consider many aspects of your student’s record beyond grades and test scores. But, the fact is that your grades and test scores are considered first and foremost in your college application. Being the first thing they look at, if your scores don’t pass muster, then your extracurricular activities will not outweigh a record that demonstrates that your student has struggled in an academic environment.

‘Do whatever it takes to get into an elite college, because it’s worth it.’

An elite college is certainly attractive to consider. However, if your student is not a strong enough candidate, that may be a sign that they will struggle in that particular environment. And low test scores means a lack of scholarships and higher tuition costs for you. What you need to do is find the college that is right for your student. Not only will you be getting the highest value for your student’s education, but you will be doing everything you can to ensure that your student will be placed in an environment where they can thrive, learn and grow.

As you consider your child’s college application process, do you need some good advice? The experts at Great College Advice can help you navigate the complicated and sometimes overwhelming process of getting your child into college.

Visit greatcollegeadvice.com and find out how we can help you.

The post Getting Into College – The Worst Advice first appeared on College Admission Counseling.

Doing community service is a fine choice for extracurricular activity, if you enjoy it. It can be a satisfying and selfless way to contribute to society. But it is not necessary to have community service listed as an activity on your college application. You should put your extracurricular focus on areas you enjoy, where you are eager to make a difference. It is the impact of your efforts that will be looked upon positively by college admissions officers, not necessarily community service specifically.

2. I have to go to summer school.

What you need to do is excel as much as you are able in classes that are challenging. That is how you demonstrate to college admissions officers that you are able to handle the rigors of college academic life. Summer school by itself is a fine way to show academic talent. It is a great way to get ahead in your academic career. But is it necessary? No.

3. My grades are not that important.

Your grades are of utmost importance. College life is academic life. There are many aspects of college life outside of the classroom, but you are there to learn. In order for a college to want to accept you, you must demonstrate the ability to learn, to self-motivate, and to succeed in their academic environment. The only way to prove this to colleges is to get good grades.

4. I’ll get a scholarship.

Scholarships are reserved for the strongest performers who are applying to college programs. The chances of you getting a scholarship depends on your performance relative to the college to which you are applying. If you apply to several schools, then your chances of receiving a scholarship to any one of those colleges is entirely dependent on your strength as an applicant relative to each college.

5. I’ll pay for it somehow.

College tuition is more expensive than ever before, and student loan debt is a huge issue in the U.S., which affects many adults for years and even decades after their college days are over. You need to look at your future college education as a cost/benefit equation. Choose colleges and programs that you and your family can afford, and take advantage of any scholarships available in order to help you pay for your college education, and to protect your future.

Are there any other misconceptions you may have about getting into college? Let the experts at Great College Advice help you navigate the complicated and sometimes confusing world of college applications. We have several tiers of services we can provide that can fit any budget, and with our expertise in the areas of scholarships and other methods of financing your college education, your investment in Great College Advice could end up saving you money in your overall college education costs. Go to greatcollegeadvice.com to learn how we can help you.

The post 5 Misconceptions About How To Get Into College first appeared on College Admission Counseling.

Below is a partial list of the secondary schools that our students have attended as we have helped them map their college journeys.

SELECTED PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Choate Rosemary Hall (CT)
Hotchkiss School  (NH)
Phillips Andover  (MA)
Lawrenceville School (NJ)
Cate School (CA)
Holderness School (NH)
Northfield Mount Herman School (MA)
Germantown Friends School (PA)
Moses Brown School (RI)
Emma Willard School (NY)
Cushing Academy (MA)
Lawrence Academy (MA)
Brentwood School (BC, Canada)
Fountain Valley School (CO)
Bishop Fenwick HS (MA)
St. John’s Prep (MA)
Mid-Pacific Institute (HI)
Saint Thomas Academy (MN)
Colorado Academy (CO)
Kent Denver School (CO)
International School of San Francisco (CA)
Signature School (IN)
Prospect Hill Academy (MA)
Interlochen Arts Academy (MI)
Judge Memorial HS (UT)
Xavier HS (WI)
Harrow School (UK)
Woldingham School (UK)
Chinese International Schools (Hong Kong)
Shanghai American School (PRC)
Geelong Grammar Schools (Australia)
Anglo-Chinese School (Singapore)
Beijing 101 Secondary School (PRC)
American School of Muscat (Oman)

SELECTED USA PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOLS

We have worked with students attending some of the most competitive high schools in the country, many of whom have pursued Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) curricula.  We have worked with students who hail from just about every state in the country (we’re working to add Alaska and South Dakota!).  Below is just a sampling of the great schools where our students have attended.

NEW YORK

Scarsdale HS
Stuyvesant HS
Urban Assembly School of Business for Young Women

MASSACHUSETTS

Lexington HS
Belmont HS
Hingham HS
Burlington HS
Ipswich HS
Needham HS
Bedford HS
Melrose HS
Somerville HS

CALIFORNIA

Pacific Palisades HS
Palos Verdes Peninsula HS
Westview HS
Cerritos HS
Woodcreek HS
Redlands East Valley HS
Rancho Cotate HS (CA)

NEW JERSEY

Ridgewood HS
Westfield HS
Cranford HS (NJ)
Metuchen HS (NJ)
Rumson / Fairhaven HS (NJ)

ILLINOIS

Buffalo Grove HS

COLORADO

Cherry Creek HS
Fairview HS
Boulder HS
Denver East
George Washington
Cheyenne Mountain HS
For more Colorado Schools, click here

MISSOURI

Clayton HS

MAINE

Yarmouth HS

UTAH

Snow Canyon HS

WYOMING

Laramie HS

NEBRASKA

Hastings HS
Scotch Plains Fairwood HS

TENNESSEE

Tullahoma HS

INDIANA

Indiana Academy for Science, Math, and Humanities
Munster HS

NORTH DAKOTA

West Fargo HS

PENNSYLVANIA

Lancaster HS

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Newmarket HS

DELAWARE

Cape Henlopen HS

SOUTH CAROLINA

JL Mann HS

TEXAS

Kempner High School

NEW MEXICO

Maya Gold

The post Secondary Schools Where Students Have Received Great College Advice first appeared on College Admission Counseling.

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The post Universities Divided Into Colleges–Northwestern University in Illinois first appeared on College Admission Counseling.

Check this video out to learn how faculty members use the help of TAs to manage large classes:

Mark Montgomery
Educational Consultant
*****************

You may read the transcription below:

I’m here now on the campus of Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, just north of Chicago. It’s about 12 miles or so north of Chicago. Great location. If you get out towards the leg it’s, the campus is right on Lake Michigan. You can see downtown from the campus. So it’s another kind of, one of these campuses is like Tuffs, like the University of Chicago where you feel like you’re very much part of the city. But you’re still enough outside of it that you can have this beautiful tree lined campus, green, especially now in the summer.

Probably not so great in the middle of winter. But there are a few things to know about Northwestern. Of course, I can’t sort of in this short video tell you everything. But remember that first of all Northwestern is on a quarter system. So that means that you take only three classes at a time in ten weeks – three or four, maybe four classes – four classes a quarter in ten week quarters. So it’s a little more intensive than at some other places where you might take five or six classes over a 15 week quarter.

A couple of other things. There are about 8,000 students here, so it’s a little larger than some other private universities, the caliber here. But it’s not so large that it’s a great big huge state university. Sort of a nice size in between. This is a size that a lot of students are looking for that is difficult to find. The Admissions Office is telling us also that 97% of the classes have fewer than 100 students. That’s an important figure to know.

That’s probably more important than the student to faculty ratio, which is a 7 to 1. Ignore that statistic. It tells you absolutely nothing about the classroom experience. The percentage of classes that are certain enrollment or less, that’s better. So 97% of the classes here are 100 students or less.

However, if the class is over 40 students then there is a TA for the class that runs the discussion section as opposed to the professor. So we were, our tour guide was from a double major, Bachelor’s in Music and Performance at the Venice School of Music, and none of those classes are large, and so there were no TA’s in that school. But then she also is doing a BA degree in History, and about 50% of the student classes that she had taken in History were over 40 students and therefore had TA’s. Now of course it depends on the classes you pick.

You might be able to take History to find a lot more classes that have a lower enrollment if that’s one of your priorities. To find those classes that have maybe 15 to 20 or maybe even fewer students if that’s a priority. But also remember that the more popular the class. The larger the enrollment and the more likely you are to have a TA.

The post Class Sizes and Teaching Assistants at Northwestern University first appeared on College Admission Counseling.

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