Helping students and families worldwide navigate the college admissions process
Preparing for college can seem daunting. Students feel stress about test scores, deadlines, and writing the perfect essay. Parents worry about finding the right school for their child and want to know they are getting good value for their money. A skilled college advisor can help explain the process and organize it into a manageable timeline, reducing the confusion and stress that is often associated with it.
Here are some of the benefits explained in greater detail:
EXPERIENCED GUIDANCE:
College advising is really about three things:
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(1) Helping students maximize their high school years in terms of academics and exposure to areas of interest, both academic & otherwise.
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(2) Helping students appreciate the broad array of great colleges and programs available; then helping them to identify which of these could be good fits for them.
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(3) Helping students understand what particular colleges are looking for and how to create strong applications that stand out in terms of cohesive and memorable messaging.
A college advisor guides students toward envisioning their academic futures and then develops with them a strategic list of good-fit schools that will help to optimize the chance of having choices among them.
The College Landscape Today: A lot has changed in the college landscape, in a short amount of time. One of the biggest changes has been the move by most institutions to test-optional admissions. Colleges are re-examining how they create their classes, and what factors they regard as important when making decisions on applicants. Understanding these things is key to understanding where you may want to apply and why. Regardless, the college application process is selective, and popular institutions receive many more applications from qualified students than they have spots. So, admissions readers look to various factors to evaluate students' seriousness of purpose and fit with their institutions. The courses you take in high school, what you say about yourself in essays, and demonstrating your interest to colleges all matter. Course rigor and grades are certainly the most important element, but admissions decisions often rest on other, more subjective factors. A good advisor can help a student make informed choices in high school and ultimately present his or her most compelling narrative to colleges.
ORGANIZATION AND STRESS REDUCTION:
Many students need help organizing the college selection and application process. They benefit by being accountable to someone other than a parent in order to stay on track. Working with a supportive advisor in a non-school setting can also provide positive life lessons in the areas of organization, communication, and self-reflection that will have lasting benefits for students in college and beyond.
ACCESS TO INFORMED AND UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ABOUT SCHOOLS:
As a trained and certified independent educational consultant, I visit numerous campuses every year and attend annual conferences at which other professional college advisors and admissions personnel from all over North America and abroad convene to share current thoughts and discuss trends. I am an associate member of I.E.C.A. (The Independent Educational Consultants Association).
PERSONALIZATION:
High school guidance counselors are often responsible for many students, so they may not be available to answer questions and provide support as needed. Families may also want to start planning and preparing earlier than is typical at many high schools.