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, 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 counselors typically address all these issues with college bound students, they are often stretched very thin. The average student-to-counselor ratio in New Jersey is 348 to 1, according to the latest statistics of the American School Counselor Association. 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 with the average student receiving 38 minutes of personal college counseling over four years.
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 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 personalizing each application. Advisors also help students plan, and later edit, effective application essays and then file impressive applications with the best chance of meeting with success.
What’s the cost of this personalized attention? According to a New York Times article, Inside the Pricey, Totally Legal World of College Consultants, one New York City company charges $1.5 million and begins working with students as early as 8th grade. Of course, this is at the higher end of the financial spectrum. Collegebound Review, in Hillsborough, NJ, charges $4,995, offers a complimentary initial consultation, and is known for personalizing essays and applications toward each specific college. While legitimate advisors can never guarantee acceptance to any particular college, they can certainly help students stand out to college admissions officers.
Susan Alaimo is the founder and director of Collegebound Review that, for the past 25 years, has offered PSAT/SAT® preparation and private college advising by Ivy League educated instructors. Visit CollegeboundReview.com or call 908-369-5362
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