How Do I Know if I Should Hire an Independent Consultant?
Applying to college is not what it used to be! There is a running joke in my generation that we likely filled out paper apps in pencil, dropped them in the mail, and hoped for the best. At many institutions, a pulse and a high school diploma got you in.
Back in the 90s, I applied to two colleges and was accepted to both. I remember showing up to school on a Saturday to take the SAT but I’m certain there was no preparation. I was a very involved member of band, hung out with some friends in a few clubs, and I had a part time job through most of high school. I didn’t have anyone helping me with the college exploration and journey, so I ended up at a school that was a terrible fit for me. I was a science major and during my first year, a professor suggested that I stay home and have babies! While I don’t regret any of my experiences (after all, they’ve led me exactly where I want to be right now), if I could go back and do anything differently, I definitely would have been more thoughtful about my interests, and explored more options.
The reality is that the landscape of college admissions has changed dramatically. These days, more students are applying to more colleges than ever, and applications to selective institutions have skyrocketed! The most competitive colleges have acceptance rates in the single digits (Harvard acceptance rate was 11.3% in 1995, and was 3.6% in 2024). Additionally, school counselors are overwhelmed, and with an average caseload of 445 students (in Texas), these wonderful folks don’t have the time and resources to spend on college advising. And information about college admissions and requirements is constantly changing (i.e. test optional vs required vs flexible, Supreme Court decisions, FAFSA, etc.). This is where an independent consultant can help.
A great consultant will build trust and a strong working relationship with both the student and the family. While this should be a strongly student-centered journey, it is important to give parents and caregivers some direction on how and when to be helpful. The high school years can be difficult to navigate on a good day, and having an objective expert lead and guide the way can allow parents to take a step back and enjoy those teenage years without worrying about missing something or having to learn an entirely new language. And having an expert to lean on when you need it can reduce your own stress levels!
More specifically, consultants will work with students from beginning to end, including things like developing a realistic and balanced college list, assisting with course planning and extracurricular activities, resume preparation, interview prep, essay topic and development, and helping students understand the process for sending school documents like transcripts and recommendation letters. In short, a great consultant helps a student present their “best” self to colleges, and manages the entire timeline and deadlines for each school.
Does this mean everyone should hire a consultant? Not necessarily. Some things for you to consider include your student’s motivation, how involved you want to be in this journey, how much time you are able/willing to spend to learn everything, and what supports exist at your student’s school. You should also think about whether you might need a specialist (athlete, musician, theater, learning differences, Service Academy, etc.).
Some families choose to hire an expert, in the same way they might hire someone to mow their grass, or enlist the help of a personal trainer at the gym. My husband likes to say, “Could I make my child’s wedding cake? Sure. Am I going to? Absolutely not.”
If you decide to hire someone, your ideal consultant will provide personalized support as well as reliable and current information and trends in college admissions. They should also belong to a professional organization that adheres to ethical guidelines (i.e. IECA, HECA, or NACAC).
Some questions to ask potential consultants:
What is your background and experience?
What is your process and when do you start working with students?
What do your charges include? What is included and what is extra?
i.e. maximum # of meetings, applications, essays, etc.
How do you keep up with trends, academic changes and evolving campus cultures?
Do you attend professional conferences and training workshops regularly?
Will you complete the application, write essays, or complete financial aid forms on my student’s behalf? (they should not)
What professional organizations do you belong to?
Who is on the team/who will actually work with the student?
Where Do I Start?
Start by talking as a family. Reach out to family and friends for referrals, and talk with multiple consultants. This is a close working relationship and your student should decide who they feel the most comfortable with.
This is a big decision! At the end of the day, I always want what’s best for kids, even if it’s not working with me. Make the best choice for you and your family and know we support you 100%.