Should you hire a college counselor?

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.