What the Heck Do Independent College Counselors Do?
Do you remember your high school guidance counselor? If you were a reasonably serious student, the answer’s probably “yes.” They helped you choose courses for the following academic year. Maybe they suggested some colleges to apply to. They may have even intervened in social troubles and wiped a tear or two along the way. Today’s public school counselors, however, are responsible for 405 students each year, on average. According to NACAC, this number far exceeds the maximum 250-to-1 ratio recommended by the American School Counselors Association. As a result, many families turn to folks like me, independent college counselors.
If you’re unfamiliar with the roles that independent college counselors play, here’s the top three ways I assist high school students and their families.
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Independent College Counselors Provide Academic Guidance.
Sometimes advanced students require a long-term strategy for course selection, allowing them to bypass prerequisites to take more AP courses. Other times, struggling students need advice on whether and when to abandon an AP or Honors course. Whatever school-related question your family might have, experienced independent college counselors can provide answers. They can also explain the implications for college applications down the road.
As parents, you might also need guidance on how and when to speak to your child’s teacher or principal; to engage the services of a neuropsychiatrist in the event of a suspected learning disability; or to motivate your own child to fulfill their potential. I'm a former teacher who’s worked in both private and public high school settings. This perspective has shaped me into an independent college counselor who can provide you with reasoned and reassuring guidance.
Independent College Counselors Provide Extracurricular Advice.
Not sure whether your child should prepare for the SAT or the ACT? Need ideas about summer or out-of-school activities that will help ignite your child’s intellectual curiosity or develop their professional goals? Independent college counselors should be able to advise you on many aspects of your child’s life outside the classroom.
At Crimson Coaching, we go one step further. In many ways we’re a “one-stop shop.” We tutor students for standardized exams and mentor them through the creation of amazing impact and research projects. The benefits of staying in-house with multiple services is that we get to know multiple facets of your child. When the time comes for them to write their college essay during senior year, we'll know them better than a college essay coach who has just met. They also will feel more comfortable revealing their authentic selves to someone they’ve known for years, leading to a stronger essay in less time.
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Independent College Counselors Suggest Colleges Tailored for Your Child
Naviance, Scoir, and other software used by many school counselors spit out college lists based on the admissions data of previous graduates of your child’s school. This software predicts where your child might be accepted based not necessarily on your child’s unique abilities, but on how he or she compares to their high school’s alumni. As Jeff Selingo and Ron Lieber discuss in their respective books, Who Gets In and Why and The Price You Pay for College, this narrow focus eliminates potential great fits for your child, including colleges that might be willing to offer merit aid to students from a high school whose graduates normally don’t attend there.
As the sole independent college counselor at Crimson Coaching, I get to know each and every student and family so that your college list is well researched and tailored just for them. I ask lots of questions, and help parents and kids navigate through their sometimes unsure answers. But in the end, they’re overwhelmingly happy with their balanced college list and their eventual choice.
Two days ago, I received this note from Ellen, with whom I worked last year:
“Good evening Dr P. I just wanted to reach out as we are currently visiting Rebecca … for parents weekend and wanted to let you know how much this has been absolutely the right choice for her. …The school is supportive academically as well as with the sports and the accommodation. Most importantly, she is very happy. It’s a really great school. Continue to send people here to visit. Thank you, you gave us a wide range of choices and we know that visiting the schools made all the difference. “
Whether your child’s in eighth grade and getting ready to choose courses for high school, or in eleventh grade and gearing up for the college selection process, Crimson Coaching independent college counseling may be just what your family needs to provide rational, empathetic guidance throughout the years to come. To find out, schedule a complimentary half-hour consultation here or shoot me a quick email here. I’d be delighted to hear from you!