Why hire an independent counselor?
First of all, maybe you shouldn't...
Independent college admission counseling is an unregulated business. Anyone can label himself or herself as an educational consultant. Consequently, as anxiety surrounding the college admission process grows exponentially, so does the number of consultants. Most have the best of intentions but few have seen the process from the inside, serving either as college admission officers or as secondary school college counselors.
To be sure, many independent counselors (IC) can vividly describe the challenges experienced by families engaged in the process. They can claim to have assisted countless families and edited hundreds of essays. Any IC can become "certified" in college admission counseling through university programs. ICs can also join professional organizations like NACAC (The National Association of College Admission Counselors) and the IECA (The Independent Educational Consultants Organization) as evidence that they are qualified. However, for a counselor to appreciate the impact of recent, dynamic changes in college admission, to understand the preferences and biases of admission officers and to accurately evaluate students' strengths and weaknesses, it is important that s/he has seen the selective college admission process in motion from the inside.
As you interview a consultant, ask these questions:
- What is your institutional admission experience? Where have you worked as a college admission officer or secondary school college counselor?
- Have you actively participated in the decision-making process on an admission committee?
- What is your professional counseling experience? How many families have you assisted?
- If we hire you, what will be your first step?
- What are your strengths as a counselor?
- What is your expectation of the student in this process?
- With what type of student do you not work well?
- What is the role of parents in this process?
- To what colleges do your students apply?
- How do you define success?
- What are your fees?
- Do you suggest we talk to other consultants before we reach a decision?
Rather than principally relying on a prospective counselor's good intentions, the answers to these questions will provide you with a clearer picture of a counselor's background, style and ability.
Personality
Even an IC with the most impressive resume will be of small benefit if you and your child are unable to establish a personal connection with him or her. Professional experience is vital but so is energy, humor and a positive rapport - especially when it comes to the high-anxiety college admission process.
Money
Fees vary widely among consultants. The average full-service fee for assisting students through their junior and senior years is $3,500. However, you can find consultants whose prices are lower as well as advisors whose fees are (believe it or not) $40,000 or more. Most counselors will also work with students on an hourly basis. Hourly rates can vary from $75/hr to $800/hr. As trite as it sounds, remember that cost does not always equal quality.
So, what are Bill's fees? His rate for the Junior Complete Plan (unlimited support from June 1 of the sophomore year through a student's senior year) is $4,800. The fee for the Senior Complete Plan (unlimited support from June 1 of the junior year through a student's senior year) is $3,800. The Sophomore Complete Plan (unlimited support from June 1 of the freshman year through a student's senior year) is $5,800. Families also have the option of working with Bill on an hourly basis at $180/hr.
Before Hiring a Counselor
Bringing in additional forces in the form of an Independent Counselor to assist you with the admission process is not always the right decision. More input is not always better. It depends on a student's needs, personality, goals and motivation level.
Before you select an IC, ask yourself these questions:
- Why am I seeking out an IC?
- Do my goals match my child's? Do they match the IC's?
- What does the counseling program at our high school offer? Have I spoken with my child's school counselor about the upcoming admission process? Are we confident that the counselor has the time, motivation and experience to guide us through the admission process and effectively assist our child?
- Am I confident and comfortable with the IC we have interviewed? Is my child motivated to work with this person?
- Does the IC's admission background and personality meet our needs?
This process should not be overwhelmingly cryptic, imposing or dispiriting. Yes, it is challenging and sometimes intimidating. But the opportunities are tremendous and the number of extraordinary colleges across the country astounding. Parents and, most importantly, students who approach this process with energy, support and humor are going to be successful. It's just that simple.