If you feel that your child needs some additional guidance during the university and college application process, choosing the right college counsellor is a crucial step in this complex journey. In an industry with many options available to parents, it’s essential to navigate through the sea of misinformation and make informed decisions. Let’s delve into the current state of the college consulting field, red flags to watch out for, and key qualifications to seek in a trustworthy counsellor.

The Current State of College Consulting: Misinformation and Trends

As the demand for college counselling services rises, so does the prevalence of misinformation. Individuals and companies lacking proper accreditation and qualifications often market themselves as experts, providing inappropriate or damaging advice. This issue is particularly prevalent in regions like Southeast Asia, where a multitude of self-proclaimed private counsellors lack the necessary expertise.

Additionally, large consulting firms, heavily marketing their services, often employ consultants based on their alma mater rather than any counselling ability. Parents need to ask themselves this question: ‘ok, this person went to university x five years ago to study history…..does this qualify them to guide my child through the application process?’. I hope that parents can see the absurdity of this approach. Trends in college admissions change over time, and what worked for one person, sometimes decades ago, won’t be effective today. A qualified seasoned counsellor understands these evolving trends and tailors advice to each student’s unique situation.

Common Red Flags: Recognizing Unreliable ‘Counselors’

Parents should be wary of consultants who create fear by suggesting that a specific school is the sole path to a successful life. Beware of those who promise impossible solutions, such as “Five Steps to Harvard,” and those who have unethical practices like claiming a percentage of a scholarship as part of their fee, encouraging unethical practices like advising students to accept more than one offer from an institution, or taking over portions of the application process from the student. Encouraging students to undertake unnecessary and sometimes bizarre generic projects is also a huge concern. If a counsellor promotes ideas like writing and publishing a book, creating an NGO, or obtaining a research patent, my advice would be to keep looking for someone to work with your child. Working with a student to help them stand out, ethically, in a competitive application process is obviously important, but far too often I’ve seen families and students receive advice that only serves to complicate a situation, and that often damages a students chances of success.

What to Look for in a College Counselor: Qualifications and Trustworthiness

To ensure you’re selecting a qualified and reliable college counsellor, consider the following criteria:

1. Diverse Admit List: A strong counsellor can demonstrate success with various students in multiple countries. A diverse admissions list indicates an ability to tailor their advice to each student’s strengths and goals.
2. References: Ask for references from both students and parents who have worked with the counsellor. Personal experiences provide valuable insights.
3. Appropriate Qualifications: Verify that the counsellor holds a degree in counselling or education. They should also ideally have attended a reputable college counselling program.
4. Professional Memberships: Look for memberships with recognized organizations such as IACAC, IECA, NACAC, etc. These affiliations indicate a commitment to professional standards.

In the world of college consulting, misinformation can lead to unnecessary stress and unwise decisions. Parents must conduct due diligence, ensuring that the selected counsellor is qualified, experienced, and dedicated to being an asset rather than a stressor in the application process. Take the time to discuss your child’s aspirations, concerns, and unique qualities. By collaborating with a trustworthy counsellor, you can ensure that your child receives personalised guidance, tailored to their individual needs, ultimately leading to successful college applications and a positive academic journey.