Choosing an Independent College Counselor

  • Look for someone supportive whose style is a good match with the  student’s personality
  • The college counselor should ensure the student and parents feel comfortable and respected
  • The consultant should be knowledgeable about a wide range of colleges and universities, understand current admission trends,  and participate in continuing education activities
  • The services to be provided and the fees the college counselor will charge should be clearly established up front
  • Effective consultants are members of professional organizations such as the Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA), and the Pacific Northwest Association for College Admission Counseling (PNACAC), and commit to following principles of good practice and ethics
  • Our ethics pledge
“Jodi has a rare quality that allows her to connect with high school students. Without her coaching I sincerely doubt our son would have received as many admission and merit-scholarship offers.”
- Dave, parent

Why hire an independent college counselor?

The cost of a college education is escalating. Students who live at home and attend a state university can expect to spend $40,000-$60,000 to complete their undergraduate degree. Earning a degree while living away at an Oregon state school is likely to cost $100,000- $150,000 and studying away from home at a private school can cost up to $350,000. Investing  in independent college counseling to ensure your student is thoughtful about his or her school options may be a wise use of funds.
Students report that working with Jodi helped them to:
  • Reduce stress in the student/parent dynamic
  • Hear an unbiased perspective regarding colleges, financial aid, and the search and admission process
  • Determine what types of colleges would best suit them
  • Plan college visits
  • Practice interviewing
  • Become better writers
  • Tell a distinctive story that showcases strengths and what a student would contribute to the community
  • Improve time management skills
  • Finish all applications before winter break
  • Ensure college and scholarship applications were completed by the deadlines
  • Review acceptance and financial aid offers with the family
  • Discuss college finances and comfort level related to loans

Check out these great articles:
The Role of an Independent Educational Consultant 
by Howard and Matthew Greene
12 Key Ways Independent Educational Consultants Support College-Bound Students
by Nancy Griesemer

​Comprehensive college counseling
Serving students in Oregon, Washington, California and throughout the United States
Virtual coaching worldwide or in-person coaching in Portland, Oregon, SW Washington and Tacoma, Washington
info@collegeadmissioncoach.com  
Jodi Walder,  jodi@collegeadmissioncoach.com , (503) 720-7114
Emily Standish, emily@collegeadmissioncoach.com , (503) 267-4605​  
Debra Sankovitz, debra@collegeadmissioncoach.com , (503) 901-0059
Rachel Coleman, rachel@collegeadmissioncoach.com 
Jen Nelson, jen@collegeadmissioncoach.com , (831) 588-1533
Caroline McCulloch, caroline@collegeadmissioncoach.com , (503) 758-5613
College Admission Coach℠, LLC makes no representations, warranties or guarantees about admission to any school. 
Content copyright 2009-2022. College Admission Coach℠, LLC. All rights reserved.
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