Here are frequently asked questions about working with an Independent College Counselor
The following answers are in response to the most common questions I receive about working with an independent college counselor. Have a question that’s not addressed below? Feel free to drop me a message!
Why are more families choosing to work with an independent college counselor (IEC)?
To be sure, more families in the US, Canada, and around the world are turning to the personalized support provided by IECs. Families seek out this expert guidance for a variety of reasons. The complexity of college planning and applications process is a top reason families seek our expertise. Some families look specifically for help navigating the highly-selective admissions process. Finally, families cite limited or lacking support for individual college planning from school staff.
This article from NBC explains how hiring an ethical, experienced counselor benefits students.
How do families choose which independent college counselor to work with?
By and large, families should select an independent counselor whose knowledge and experience is a good fit for their unique needs. More so, families should pay attention to their connection with a counselor. For instance, does the initial conversation feel natural and inspire confidence? Do you feel this is a person you could trust and work with effectively?
Secondly, choose a counselor who is a member of professional organizations. Most organizations have ethical and competency requirements for membership, which can help ensure the safety of your choice. In the same vein, avoid anyone who guarantees admission or completes any part of the application on the student’s behalf. These practices are deceitful and go against students’ best interests. No one is able to know or guarantee admissions results ahead of time.
Check out U.S. News for more great tips for choosing a consultant.
How are you different from other independent college counselors?
There are many wonderful independent counselors! As I bring many unique assets to the students I work with, families choose to work with me specifically for a number of reasons. For instance, I have decades of experience and training in education, community, and athletic settings across the US and Canada. This experience includes supporting hundreds of students through college planning and admissions at a top-ranked, IB World School in Minnesota before becoming an independent counselor.
When should students begin working on college planning?
Generally, we can start together as soon as there is an interest in next steps after high school or at the beginning of Grade 9. The ideal starting time depends on where students are attending high school and where they plan to apply.
If you plan to apply to any schools in the United States, then it’s best to start our work together in Grade 11 at the latest. The earlier we begin, the more options and better outcomes students have when admissions decisions start coming in. I am happy to accept students applying to the US in their Grade 12 year, depending on caseload space.
Note: The post-secondary planning process and timeline differs from country to country. Canadian students applying to US universities almost always wish they’d started earlier. US students typically hear about being ready for university from family, friends, and school staff before they’ve even started high school. International students are often shocked to see how many different schools there are and how time-intensive and complex the application process is in the US.
If you’re looking to apply only within Canada, then we can start as soon as are ready but typically don’t need to begin before Grade 12. If you live in the US and considering Canadian schools, we should begin in Grade 11. While Canada’s post-secondary process is more straightforward, there are important responsibilities for US students to address in Grade 11.
Are you able to help students figure out how to pay for college? Do you offer guidance in finding scholarships or applying for financial aid?
Definitely! For cost-conscious families especially, we’ll want to discuss college costs and financial need early in the college search process. By finding colleges that are likely to be more generous with financial aid for your specific situation, we can save thousands (even tens of thousands!) from the future tuition bills. The rising cost of college is a top reason why families seek out independent college counselors. Families realize the benefit of using an experienced guide like myself to ensure college plans are thoughtfully and deliberately laid out as it is one of the largest financial expenditures they’ll face.
Are you an education agent?
No, I am not an education agent. Accordingly, I do not accept commission or any other incentives for placement at specific universities, per my professional organizations’ ethical codes. As a fully independent college counselor, I work directly for the students and families who hire me.
Can you guarantee admissions?
Without a doubt, I will not guarantee admission to any schools or programs. Be wary of any consultant or counselor who promises or guarantees admission, as doing so opposes the ethical code of the industry’s professional organizations and shows a lack of true understanding of the college admissions landscape.
I can assure you that our work together, especially comprehensively through a package, will produce successful outcomes. The results of comprehensive work together will result in a well-researched list of schools, the strongest possible applications for admissions, and multiple offers to choose from.
Do you do career counseling for students?
Absolutely. Before we can look at ‘where’ students are interested in going to college, it’s important that they can articulate ‘why’ they are going to college. The pursuit of a career interest usually ranks high on students’ lists. As a licensed School Counselor with a master’s degree in educational psychology, I have taken graduate-level career counseling coursework and continue my training in adolescent career development theory and practice.
What is it like to work closely with you?
In short, students that work with me receive calm, comprehensive, experienced guidance through one of the most exciting times of their lives. As students I work with realize they are in good hands, they feel free to explore, dream, and make plans without the stress and anxiety that too often accompanies college planning without a guide. You can read about the experiences of students and parents who have worked with me. Or reach out and learn for yourself!
“Thank you for helping me through the college application process. I’m finally done and none of it could have happened without your help. You were an amazing resource for all of my questions and concerns and I’m really thankful for the help you’ve given me.”
KVP Student