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​

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Recently, our son started working with a college coach.  While this is something we’d never imagined, we are so thrilled by what we’re learning (especially in terms of understanding financial aid and finding the right college for him) that we wanted to spread the word to other families.   As a former high school teacher and college professor, I felt pretty prepared to support him in his college search.  However, after our first meeting with Jodi, we could see that this could be a complete game changer for us. Frankly, we could no longer imagine continuing through the college admissions process without her.  It has taken a huge amount of pressure off of us as we all prepare for his senior year. 
 - Kasi, 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 in-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 a College Admission Coach 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