Why Parents Should Hire a College Admissions Consultant

May 27, 2024 :: Admissionado

Every year, the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) surveys thousands of admissions professionals to produce their State of College Admissions report. This report provides insights into the changing trends in all aspects of college admissions, including acceptance rates, what colleges deem most important, the use of waitlists, and college preparedness. One striking piece of data from the 2022 report highlights a significant issue for parents and students alike: public school counselors spent, on average, only 20 percent of their time on postsecondary counseling, while their private school counterparts spent 55 percent of their time on college counseling. This statistic underscores a critical gap in support for many students during the college admissions process.

The importance of college counseling cannot be overstated. However, the reality is that most guidance counselors do not have the capacity to provide individualized college counseling to every student. With an average ratio of 482 students per guidance counselor—a number that continues to worsen each year—it is physically impossible for counselors to give personalized attention to every student. This situation leaves many parents and students unprepared and often scrambling at the last minute to meet important deadlines and requirements.

Adding to this challenge, a recent report by the U.S. Department of Education revealed that over 900,000 high school students did not have access to a school counselor during the 2021-22 school year. Moreover, 1.7 million students attended a public school that employed a law enforcement officer but no counselor. Even when schools do employ counselors, the national average is about 482 students per counselor, making it difficult for students to receive the necessary guidance.

Questions to Ask Yourself About Your Child’s Guidance Counselor

Given these statistics, it is crucial for parents to take a proactive approach to their child’s college preparation. Here are some important steps and questions parents should consider to ensure their child’s counseling needs are being met:

Does my child’s school even employ a guidance counselor?

Your next question might be, how do I even find this out? We suggest simply calling the school’s administrative office. If the answer is yes, the next question you could ask is what the student to counselor ratio is. Then, do the math and determine how much time and attention could this individual reasonably devote to each student. If you discover that just one counselor is responsible for hundreds of kids, the answer is probably not that much attention. (And this is NOT the counselor’s fault.) If this is the case, it is important to remind your child that they have the biggest stake in their future. Students should take the time to approach their counselors independently and plan to bring thoughtful questions to the table.

Has the school counselor helped your student plan their course load or encouraged them to take AP courses that suit their strengths?

These are important questions from a basic standpoint (ensuring that your child will graduate on time) to a more strategic standpoint (ensuring that your child will take courses that will be intellectually challenging and prepare him/her for a college education). The decision to take AP courses can also impact students and families financially down the road, as those who score well on the AP exams can use those courses for college credit. So, talk to your child about what (if anything) they’ve talked about with their counselor and find out if they’re getting the academic guidance they need.

Has my student’s counselor offered any guidance in terms of extracurricular activities, summer planning, etc.?

Extracurricular activities are becoming increasingly important aspects of college applications, and it can be difficult for students to find opportunities that match their interests. Ideally, guidance counselors should be able to help students find volunteer opportunities, study abroad programs, summer internships, etc. Ask your child if his or her counselor has mentioned summer planning or has suggested getting involved in extracurricular or community service activities. Either way, once again, it is important to remind students to come up with ideas for activities on their own and prepare questions for their guidance counselors so that he or she can better assist.

Does my student’s counselor know them well enough to them select colleges or write a strong letter of recommendation?

Once again, given the current situation, students need to help counselors get to know them. Even in a school where there are plenty of counselors to go around, it is up to the student to take initiative (i.e., arrive at counseling sessions prepared to ask questions, do some research online on colleges and universities, etc.). There are numerous factors to consider when deciding which schools to apply for, including a student’s academic interests, financial need, extracurricular strengths and many more. The more information that students prepare on his or her own, the better their counselors will be able to help them find a school and write a stellar letter of recommendation. Try finding time, even if it’s just 10 minutes on the phone, to talk to your child’s counselor about the college admissions process and find out how he or she can be of assistance.

The Benefits of Hiring a Private College Admissions Consultant

Given the challenges and limitations of school guidance counseling, many parents are turning to private college admissions consultants to ensure their children receive the best possible support during the college application process. Here are some key benefits of hiring a private college admissions consultant:

1. Personalized Attention:
   • Unlike school counselors who often have to divide their time among hundreds of students, private consultants can provide one-on-one attention tailored to the specific needs and goals of your child. This personalized approach ensures that every aspect of the college application process is carefully considered and optimized.
2. Expertise and Experience:
   • Private consultants are often experts in the field of college admissions, with years of experience and a deep understanding of what colleges are looking for in applicants. They stay up-to-date with the latest trends and changes in the admissions landscape, providing valuable insights and strategies that can give your child a competitive edge.
3. Comprehensive Guidance:
   • From selecting the right courses and extracurricular activities to preparing for standardized tests and crafting compelling essays, private consultants offer comprehensive support throughout the entire process. They help students build a strong and cohesive application that highlights their strengths and unique qualities.
4. Reduced Stress:
   • The college application process can be overwhelming for both students and parents. A private consultant can help manage timelines, keep track of deadlines, and provide organization and structure, reducing stress and ensuring that everything is completed in a timely manner.
5. Strategic Planning:
   • Private consultants assist in developing a strategic plan that aligns with the student’s academic interests, career aspirations, and personal preferences. This includes identifying the best-fit colleges, preparing for interviews, and navigating financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
6. Objective Feedback:
   • Having an outside perspective can be invaluable. Private consultants offer objective feedback on application materials, helping to identify areas for improvement and ensuring that each component of the application is polished and effective.

In conclusion, while school guidance counselors do their best to support students, the reality of high student-to-counselor ratios and limited time means that many students may not receive the individualized attention they need. Hiring a private college admissions consultant can bridge this gap, offering personalized, expert guidance that can significantly enhance your child’s chances of success in the competitive world of college admissions. Investing in a private consultant is an investment in your child’s future, providing the tools and support needed to navigate the complex admissions process and achieve their academic and career goals.