Hiring an Independent College Counselor

Consider the following when hiring a professional to work with your student during the college admissions process:

• The consultant should be trained and educated specifically in the field of college counseling.
• Your child's unique needs and aspirations should be paramount. 
• A consultant should work with your family to reduce stress and not play a part in enhancing it.  She should work as a team with the high school counselor and college admissions staff. 
• A professional consultant should have experience in working with students and have knowledge about a wide range of colleges. She should tour a wide range of college campuses each year. 
• She should stay abreast of current trends in admissions through ongoing professional affiliations and campus tours.  Membership in NACAC, HECA and a regional organization is important in order to make full use of professional development opportunities.
• The consultant's services and corresponding fees should be clearly stated up front.  Many work on both an hourly or package basis. 
• The consultant should abide by  high ethical standards as outlined in the NACAC and HECA ethics statements.   A professional will not try to entice clients by intimating any special "pull" or "influence" with admission officers. 

Much like your student's eventual choice of a college, your family's choice of a consultant should be a good "fit." Bring on an experienced and objective advocate to  help your student put his or her best foot forward. Don't hesitate to ask about experience when considering a college consultant for your son or daughter.