How to choose a private college counselor

A private college counselor isn’t for everyone, but for some students, working with a consultant can help reduce stress during the college application process. Watch the video below for advice on deciding whether to work with a college consultant and how to choose the right one.

Who should hire a college consultant? Students and parents who want a little more help in exploring college options, understanding what colleges are looking for in particular students, and figuring out how to best allocate financial resources may find they can benefit from working with an independent partner in the application process.

Before agreeing to work with a private college admissions consultant, you should check to make sure the counselor is one of the following accredited organizations: either the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) or National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC).

Both organizations have high standards for admission and are made up of  college consultants who have the proper background and information to give you smart, independent advice. Our partners, ECollegeConsulting, are members of the IECA and can provide further guidance in college selection, test preparation, and the education financing process.

Before choosing a college counselor, it’s important to explore your options and make sure you find someone who understands your individual needs and is a member of an accredited organization. For more advice and information about the value of working with a college counselor, check out the podcast below.