Eric
How useful/beneficial is a private college counselor?
I had never heard of anyone using a private counselor but upon moving to the northeast, it seems its a relatively common thing among my friends. #college #college-admissions #guidance-counselor
2 answers
Nicole Baillie
Nicole’s Answer
In reading your question and the previously provided answer, I learned a little about a new subject...an private college counselor. I share that I was born in the northeast, attended K-12 public school in the northeast and graduated from a university in the northeast...first time I recall hearing about a private college counselor is your question ;). I do recall interacting quite often with my high school counselor, primarily for assistance on letters of recommendations as I was applying to various schools. I am sure that he helped in other ways even if just for moral support ;).
On the subject, though, of "private college counselor", my gut is telling me that there is likely a fee involved to retain a private college counselor...and that with that fee, an individual could get more time and attention for navigating through various application processes than a high school counselor might be able to provide. So if an individual has the means to cover what I think is a monetary cost to get a private counselor, then they should do their best to make sure they are getting their money's worth. For others, it is possible to navigate successfully through this process, though it likely will take more time including more research, it may require more essay rewrites and more legwork in getting much needed answers for requests for help or guidance.
Thanks Eric Z., for your question. I learned something new today ;).
Best of luck to you.
Daniela Silva
Daniela’s Answer
Hi Eric,
An independent college counselor is available around the clock and will spend hours with college applicants to brainstorm college admissions essays and help perfect them. Draft after draft. And that’s just the college admissions essays. There are so many other components of a student’s candidacy that high school guidance counselors often don’t have the time or expertise to address. But a good college counselor does have the time to give a student individualized attention. And a good college counselor does have the expertise.
There are thousands of college counselors across the United States. And just like in any industry, some are good while some aren’t. A good college counselor will be a member of the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC).
In this link you can read more and get some information about credentialed private counsellors.
https://www.ivycoach.com/college-counselor/
Best of luck!
Thank you Daniela!
Eric