The Valuable Role of a Private College Counselor

High school guidance counselors are the first resource of college bound students who need advice on so many topics:  how to prepare for the PSAT and SAT, when to take theses standardized tests, how to identify best-fit colleges, how to assess the likelihood of being accepted by a particular college, how to write an effective essay, and how to file successful college applications. 

While high school guidance counselors typically address all of these issues with college bound students, they are often stretched very thin. An article in this month’s “Education Week” cited that, in high schools nationwide, the average student-to-counselor ratio is 482 to 1. To make matters worse, public high school counselors, with a multitude of other responsibilities, reportedly spend only 23% of their time on college admission counseling.

  

Students desiring more personalized attention are increasingly more likely to seek the services of an independent college advisor.  Data from the Independent Educational Consultant Association (IECA) shows a 400 percent increase in the number of independent educational consultants, nationwide, since 2005.  The IECA also reported that about 26 percent of high achieving students (those who scored at least 1150 out of 1600 on the SAT) “admit” to hiring a private college consultant. Many families choose to keep this assistance a private matter.

The services provided by private college counselors are many.  They may help students prepare for the PSAT, SAT (or ACT) and other standardized tests, including SAT II and AP exams.  They guide students in their choice of a high school curriculum, deciding between on-level, honors, and AP courses, and selecting elective courses.  Together with students and parents, advisors develop a list of best-fit colleges and plan strategies for maximizing the student’s chances of gaining acceptance.  Such strategies often include applying early action or early decision, including an impressive resume, and showing demonstrated interest by discussing visits to each college and highlighting each school’s exceptional qualities.  Advisors also help students plan, and later edit, effective application essays and then file impressive applications with the best chance of meeting with success. 

Legitimate private counselors never exaggerate a student’s accomplishments, never write application essays for a student, and never guarantee acceptance to a particular college.

What’s the cost of this personalized attention?  Prices vary greatly in this industry. But according to the IECA, average hourly fees are about $200 while comprehensive package fees can range from a low of $850 to a high of $10,000. That said, there are firms in NYC that reportedly charge up to $200,000 to guide students through the college application process starting in middle school!   

Susan Alaimo is the founder of SAT Smart. For the past 25 years, SAT Smart’s Ivy League educated tutors have prepared students for the PSAT, SAT, ACT, Subject Tests, AP courses, and all high school subjects. Visit www.SATsmart.com or call 908-369-5362.