The college admissions process can be a big source of stress for high school students and their families. The unknowns… the details… the time and energy it takes… It can be very overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be.
A college advisor can be a valuable asset throughout the process, providing knowledge, experience, and tools that make a big difference in a student’s progression, and increase their chances of getting into a dream school. And for many families, it also makes things a lot less stressful. Below are a few reasons you might consider partnering with an admissions advisor.
Admission is more competitive every year.
With more students applying to college and students applying to more college than ever before, standing out from the pack is even more challenging. Having an experienced college advisor in your corner will help you understand what colleges are looking for and how best to present yourself.
High school counselors are overwhelmed.
High school guidance counselors work hard, but they often don’t have the time or expertise to help students navigate the college admissions process. An advisor provides the guidance and support needed to improve your chances of getting into your dream school.
The process is complicated, and there’s a lot to keep track of.
The college application process is full of moving parts, and it can be easy to miss something important. To be successful requires time, organization, and focus. An advisor will help you stay organized and on track, guide you in time management and provide personalized feedback that can help a student’s application stand out.
Choosing the right school is a big deal.
Students often choose schools for the wrong reasons (like size or popularity), without considering their compatibility with that school. A student’s goals and values must align with a school’s for it to be a place they are likely to thrive. A good college advisor can help you figure out what schools are the best fit for the student (academically and socially), and the family (financially, geographically, etc.).
You’ll fight (at least a little) less!
The college admissions process can be stressful for everyone involved. Having someone to guide you through it can make a huge difference in family dynamics. Instead of mom or dad being the taskmaster, the guidance comes from a neutral party, outside of the family, who already knows the drill. An advisor has been through it all, with many students from wildly different backgrounds and with very different needs and abilities. They know the process inside and out and help everyone stay calm and focused.
You’ll stress (at least a little) less!
The bulk of the application work happens during the senior year of high school, which is already a stressful time for students. An already-full schedule of studying, extracurriculars, family commitments, work, etc., is made worse by nerves about graduation and moving away from home, and the additions of college research, application requirements, and essay-writing to the list. An advisor takes a lot off your plate by giving you the information you need, saving you time, keeping you focused and on track, cheering you on and supporting you all the way through the process.
So what do college advisors do?
Provide a road-map and timeline. Advisors help you become a more competitive candidate by helping you get from where you are to where you want to be. Starting early (even freshman year!) gives the student more time to focus on their strengths, bolster any weaknesses, and improve their “story”.
Help develop life-skills. A good advisor fosters a sense of confidence and independence in a student, helping them succeed in college and beyond.
Find the right college for a student. Are the places on your list really going to provide the best education, in the right environment, and prepare you for life after graduation? A good advisor knows what to look for, and can point you toward the schools and programs that fit you best.
Brainstorm and develop essays. A strong essay can make the difference between admission and rejection. Advisors provide feedback that helps a student write the best essays possible.
Course-selection and academic loads. Depending on when you start with an advisor, they can offer advice on classes, choosing between an IB program and dual enrollment, or taking honors vs. AP level courses.
An advisor can also help with:
- Choosing a program or major
- Strengthening applications
- Standardized testing plans
- Extracurricular or enrichment activities
- Personality and aptitude assessments
- Career exploration
- Summer programs and opportunities
- Researching and choosing schools
- Early decision and early action choices
- Application reviews
- Resume development
- College interview prep.
- Athletics recruitment
- …and more.
Looking for a great advisor…? Visit AvalonCollegeAdvising.com to schedule a free consultation.