Is College Counseling Right For ME?
Is hiring a private college consultant really worth it?
My answer is, if you have the right one, absolutely. I’ve spent years getting to know some of the best college consultants in NYC, so I put together some recommendations to consider if you’re in the market for a top college advisor:
1) START EARLY
Lots of college consultants fill up fast, so if you want to work with the best, you have to plan ahead. It’s never too soon to do some research and meet with a couple of different options. Since admissions committees are looking for depth over time (joining a bunch of clubs junior year won’t work!), good advice early on can make a big difference three or four years down the line. Consultants, even the best ones, are most effective when given enough time.
2) LOOK FOR A RECORD OF SUCCESS AT YOUR TOP SCHOOLS
Go with a consultant who is familiar with the specific schools (or types of schools) you’re interested in. And, of course, has a high level of success at getting kids admitted! Experience in the field is a must, but that experience should also be with schools of interest to you and your child. And here’s a little secret: consultants specialize. Is your child an artist or an athlete? Need learning support? Looking to study abroad? The best consultants will let you know their track records regarding certain schools, programs, or special situations.
3) LOOK FOR AVAILABILITY
Does he or she work weekends? What about nights? What about remotely? Your college advisor is going to play a vital role in planning your child’s future, so you’ll want to make sure that he or she is going to be available when your child needs him or her most.
4) LOOK FOR THE RIGHT MATCH FOR YOUR CHILD AND FOR YOU
You’ll be spending lots of time with your college consultant, at a time that can be stressful for you and your family, so it is vital that you “click.” Important questions to ask yourself: Do you feel comfortable with your consultant? Does your child? Do you and the consultant care about the same things? Do you work in a compatible way? A common mistake is to work with someone with whom you aren’t comfortable just because you’ve heard such great things about him or her. Make sure that you meet with the advisor who will be working directly with you and your family (this is especially important if you work with a bigger firm!). At the end of the day, you want someone committed to your child’s success and happiness.
TA is here to make sure your child's grades and test scores are the best they can be, but if you’d like to explore working with an advisor who can give you deeper insight into college admissions, book a time with us and we can walk you through your options. Give me us call at 646-638-3504 or email one of our program directors at director@tutorassociates.com.
