The Benefits of Hiring a Private College Admissions Consultant

Aside from the significant emotional, social, and career implications that proper college selection has on the future of young adults, choosing to attend college is undoubtedly one of the single most significant financial decisions that individuals will make during their lifetime - four years at many private colleges currently costs well over $150,000. Unfortunately, despite the staggering costs and detrimental impact of enrolling in the wrong college, many students choose their college without adequate research, analysis, and understanding of why they should attend any given institution. While most students will likely know their chosen school's US News and World Report ranking, what most don't tend to know is whether or not this school is truly a good "fit" for them.

It makes financial sense to invest a small amount at the beginning of the process to make a correct college choice and avoid the much more costly result of both paying for an extra year of college and missing out on a year of earned salary and work experience. By hiring a college consultant, you are protecting yourself from having to face the very costly financial, emotional, and social consequences of not finding the right college the first time.

But the benefits of hiring a professional college counselor extend well beyond simply finding the right colleges - a professional college consultant will also advise a student on how to build their experience and extracurricular background, on how to write outstanding admissions essays, and on how to best communicate who they are to the college admissions office. In today's competitive and complex environment, these factors can be significant in increasing the likelihood that a student will get accepted to a college of their choice.

One might ask, "What about high school guidance counselors?" It is true that there are many high school guidance counselors who can meet the needs of some or all of their students, and as a whole they are certainly a group of dedicated, well-informed individuals. Unfortunately, the reality is that with an average national ratio of hundreds of students for each high school guidance counselor, many simply do not have enough hours in the day to help students with individualized college counseling. Moreover, many only have the time to familiarize themselves with the local or in-state schools that they deal with most frequently; they often do not have the time to familiarize themselves with highly selective colleges or colleges outside of the state or local area that may be better suited for a given student.

Finally, and not to be underestimated, it is important to recognize that the work involved in finding and applying to the right college often creates a great deal of stress for both the student and their parents. The student is trying to balance the college search and application process with schoolwork, extracurricular activities, friendships and just being a teenager. Finding the right balance can be extremely difficult. At the same time, parents understandably worry about ensuring the best future for their child and put additional pressure on the student when they least need it; a good college consultant or college counselor can help the student with their college search and application process without playing the role of a nagging parent. This benefits both the student and the parents.

Professional College Consulting of America is ready to help you and your family through this challenging, but exciting process.