How should I select a college counselor?
College counselors guide and support students as they navigate the college admission process. Ideally, they have years of experience in the education field and understand the intricacies of the college admission process. The best of them also have detailed knowledge of many local and far-off colleges and universities.
More than a single consultation with them will likely be required. Planning your college career should start long before you even look at an application form, which can take time and effort.
It's also a process that goes much more smoothly with good advice. When choosing a college counselor, consider the following factors:
Experience: Look for a counselor who has experience working with students in your area of interest with similar academic profiles. A person who knows a lot about different universities' law faculties may not be the best advisor to someone interested in a STEM career.
Qualifications: Make sure the counselor is qualified by having a degree in counseling or education and is well-versed in the college admission process. Most competent professionals are okay with sharing their specific credentials with clients.
Reputation: Research the counselor's reputation by reading online reviews, asking for references, and checking to see if they are affiliated with a reputable organization. If you find a college counselor who comes with a personal recommendation from someone you know, so much the better.
Personality fit: Feeling comfortable and communicating efficiently with your counselor is essential. Schedule a consultation to get a sense of their personality and approach. You should feel that your goals and desires are being listened to rather than sold a "one-size-fits-all" solution.
Availability: Consider the counselor's availability and make sure they will have time to work with you throughout the college application process. Remember that numerous students may need their support during the same period.
Cost: Consider the cost of their services and ensure they suit your budget. It's a good idea to think of this in terms of value for money, though: high-priced college counselors may pay for themselves simply by knowing their way around the FAFSA form.
2Sigma School works with many independent counselors. If you are enrolled in a course with us, we can refer you to counselors based on your interests and needs to make it easier to find a counselor that will work for you.