Why Hire A College Admissions Consultant?

Why Hire a College Admissions Consultant? Can't I do this myself?

College admissions coaches have expertise in the college admissions/applications process. Just as one hires an interior designer, landscape architect, or personal trainer to provide expert assistance, so too, one may hire an independent educational consultant to assist with this monumental and long-term process.

While one can certainly undertake college applications' independently, a qualified expert offers guided, structured planning and execution. It's a specialty service available for those who can afford it.

Do College Admissions Consultants Use Connections/Insider Information to "Guarantee" College Acceptances?

No! It's unethical to advocate on behalf of a particular student. It's also disingenuous to imply that there are "secrets" to acceptance, offer guarantees, or claim "special, insider knowledge".

College admissions is straightforward and, while effective strategies absolutely exist, the most crucial element is superior planning and sustained, focused effort. To that end, an effective educational consultant keeps students on track.

Are My Chances at Ivy-League Acceptance Increased by Hiring a College Admissions Coach?

College admissions coaching does not guarantee acceptance to a prestigious college/university. It's about exploring life options, expanding possibilities, smoothly transitioning from home to a more independent existence, and gaining entry into one of many best-fit institutions!

Acceptance to particular institutions are based on a lifetime of learning which includes: grades, overall GPA, strength of coursework, depth and breadth of extracurricular involvement, standardized test scores, college essays, interviews, etc.

While college admissions coaches can guide students with critical choices if contracted early on, many clients secure services during the end of junior year--- after a substantial academic history has already been established.

Factors beyond students' control also exist! Colleges seek a diverse class. Individuals from various ethnic/racial, socio-economic, regional, international, and talent/interest-based backgrounds are sought to form a multi-faceted, diverse freshmen cohort. In addition, a certain percentage of spots are reserved for legacy, transfer, and mature (over 25 years of age) students.

With limited spots available at ivy-league and competitive institutions, even the best, most talented students will sometimes face college rejection through demographics alone. There are only so many spaces and not everyone can attend Harvard or Yale. The question of real relevance is: What value will a degree have personally and professionally upon graduation to a particular student?

What Justifies the Cost of a Coach?

College admissions consultants are indeed a diverse group. The field is still highly unregulated with some, unfortunately, possessing minimal educational/professional qualifications.

Look for affiliation with the Independent Educational Consultants Association, a Master's Degree in Counseling, Education, or closely related field, the Certified Educational Planner credential (there are currently only 200+ in the U.S.), and a substantial number of years of experience in higher educational settings.

Do not fall for savvy marketing techniques, false promises, ridiculously exorbitant rates based on scare tactics, promises of imparting "college secrets", dubious guarantees, or advertised success rates.

College admissions coaches are typically not current college students, English tutors, former business/marketing executives, attorneys, or publishers seeking a "new angle". They are seasoned counseling/educational professionals with years of relevant experience and educational credentials as well as a deep commitment to providing exemplary student services.

A $5,000 yearly package (or a two-year, six-month increment deal) which includes weekly in-person sessions and unlimited access to email/phone/SKYPE follow-up for prescribed periods are bargains when one considers the cost of just one college course at a private institution. (An hourly rate of $200/hour is consistent with what counselors/coaches/psychologists in the tri-state area charge.) Do your research.

Excellent consultants impart important information, set goals/deadlines, conduct and interpret interest/personality inventories, counsel, motivate, and inspire. They assist with essay development, proofread, and make sure that essays are well-written, organized, and highlight the student's unique essence.

They are reliable, professional, and available to students and their families. They clearly outline their services in the form of a written contract as well as address issues related to confidentiality.

College admissions consultants have assisted families with securing scholarships based on thoughtful, well-written essays and savvy selection of best-fit college alone, netting families thousands of dollars in actual savings!

For many students, the benefit of personalized, one-on-one counseling cannot be overstated!

Thalia Thompson. M.S., I.E.C. is the Owner of College Admissions Coaching, LLC. With over 25 years in the field of higher ed. administration and academic/career counseling, she provides private, specialized college admissions consulting services to families in Fairfield County, CT.