Why should I consider an independent college consultant?

Our country is currently in a cycle of budget cuts that have forced schools to make difficult choices. In some school systems, limited dollars for professional staff are allocated to the classroom teacher, sometimes resulting in a reduction in social workers and counselors. This means that excellent high school counselors have increasing caseloads that make it difficult to give some students the time and attention they need.

Social trends also are impacting the rising interest in independent consultants. Families with two wage earners have less time to oversee the college research and application process. Many families have become accustomed to purchasing services of all kinds, from house cleaning to financial advising. The independent consultant has become another of these accepted and valued services.

The changing climate of the admissions world is another reason people turn to independent consultants. Families hear about the competitive climate and want more opportunity to discuss their hopes and concerns.

When should the college planning process begin?

We recommend that students begin the formal college planning process after their second term of junior year, typically in January. This allows us to create an academic profile of the student based on two terms of junior year grades and the results of the PSATs. By creating a timeline starting from this point in junior year, students can take a step-wise approach that prevents the last-minute panic so common in November and December of senior year.

However, to get the most out of high school, families often find it helpful to work with Educational Advocates beginning in freshman or sophomore year. We meet with students two to four times per year to discuss course selections, extracurricular activities and study skills. We guide students in setting academic and personal goals and in thinking about summer internships, enrichment activities and jobs. The objective is not to build a resume for college, but rather to help students get the proper academic plan in place so they can be successful in high school. A secondary goal is to help them explore their interests. High school is an experience that should be enjoyed for its sake, not just as a means toward getting into college. When students are pursuing activities that they truly enjoy they will be happier and healthier and ultimately more successful.

How will I know which colleges can best provide me with support for my learning disability?

The first thing we will do is make sure you understand what your learning disability is and how to explain it. We will review your evaluations so you understand their meaning. Together, we’ll review your strengths and prepare a profile that includes the accommodations and services that you will request in college. Based on that profile, we can match you with the colleges that not only meet your learning needs, but also your personal and social interests. You will then continue researching those colleges. When you visit those colleges in which you are interested, we highly recommend that you make an appointment with the director of the disability support service.