What Parents Need to Know About Educational Consultants and College Admissions

High school counselors spend an average of 235. They help provide direction for students on their
minutes working with their college-bound students onapplications and essays. This assures students that
the college search and planning process. Most highthey are adhering to deadlines set by their high
school counselors work with more than 350 students.school and colleges.
Few high school counselors are able to visit colleges6. They assist students and families in finding schools
or attend conferences because their schools do notthat are affordable. They also provide information on
have the budget for them to do so.financial aid and scholarships.
Many parents do not feel they have the ability to7. They are not limited in the number of hours they
serve as a guide to college for their teenager. This iscan work with students. This allows them to be
a real concern for families. What's a student to do?available when students need them, with the
Many are turning to educational consultants who areanswers they need.
helping to fill this gap. They have the expertise to8. They want to help students find colleges that are
assist college-bound students with the college searchcommitted to seeing their students graduate in four
and application process. They also have the passionyears, rather than the usual five, six or more. This
and the time.can save parents a considerable amount of money.
Here are nine reasons why an educational consultant9. They are members of professional organizations
could benefit your college-bound student:like the National Association for College Admission
1. They are experts in the college admission processCounseling (NACAC) and Higher Education Consultants
and visit colleges and universities extensively everyAssociation (HECA) and attend state and national
year to determine the unique qualities in each school.conferences to continue their professional
2. They help students with the college search and aredevelopment.
not just interested in brand name schools, but wantA college education is one of the most expensive
to find colleges that fit your student's academic andinvestments a family will make. It should be obvious
personal needs.that more time and thought needs to go into the
3. They do not have an emotional attachment tocollege search and admission process. Most
your child and this allows them to provide unbiased,educational consultants charge affordable fees and
professional advice.are very generous with their time. Many families
4. They get to know students on a personal basisbelieve that hiring an educational consultant is the
which enables them to help students becomebest investment they have made.
stronger college applicants.