Fall is almost here and it’s that time to start thinking about school again. If you’re a high school or college senior, you may be thinking about pursing a higher degree and attending college or graduate school. The problem is the application process is daunting and seems like an impossible maze of endless questions: where do I apply, how do I apply, will I get accepted, do I have the right grades, what standardized tests do I take, how many letters of recommendation do I need, how do I write a personal statement, how much does it cost, how am I going to pay for it? Today there are professional educational counselors who can answer your questions and help you with the entire process.
The key is to find an Educational Counselor who can meet your needs. Some specialize in particular areas like college, graduate school, specialty majors or programs, sports teams, or financial aid. Consider the following questions when you’re thinking about hiring someone to help you with your future academic pursuits:
- do I need a college counselor or a graduate school counselor?
- am I applying to a special major or field of study?
- do I need financial aid to pay for school?
- do I have access to a counselor at my school?
Once you’ve answered these questions, you can research your options. Look for a counselor who can find the type of school you are interested in attending or a program of study you want to pursue. You want someone who can answer your questions with knowledge. For instance, if you need financial aid, make sure you find someone who has experience in that area. Similarly, if you’re applying to a special field of study, confirm the person you hire has experience in that area and has had success in the past getting other students into similar programs.
Finally, when you find a counselor you want to remember to get value for your dollar. There are many people who are willing to take your money but who won’t provide the services that you need. Questions to ask the potential counselor are:
- How much do you charge?
- Do you have options for payment like hourly or packages?
- Do you charge for telephone conversations?
- Am I put with one counselor or are multiple people on my case?
- How much access do I have to my counselor over the course of the application process?