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When it comes to preparing for college, many students and their families feel comfortable collaborating with a guidance counselor at school. However, there are times when enlisting the help of an independent expert might be beneficial.
Differences Between School Counselors and Independent Counselors
Independent counselors often have diverse backgrounds compared to school counselors. For instance, Sherry Nowak, an Indiana-based college planning counselor, holds a College Planning Counselors Certification from UCLA, specializing in college planning. She is affiliated with the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), a professional body for independent educational consultants, where one of the requirements for membership is having visited at least 100 colleges, ensuring they are knowledgeable about higher education planning.
While school counselors are certainly skilled professionals, they frequently lack the luxury of time. According to Nowak, “To put a big blanket on it, schools don’t have the funds. School counselors wear many different hats – they can’t focus exclusively on college planning and many see over 400 students.” She further notes that many schools have adopted software for students to select their high school courses rather than having counselors directly engage with them to outline required prerequisites.
The Role of Independent Counselors
This is where professionals like Nowak come into play. The initial consultation lasts two hours, followed by regular follow-up sessions, particularly during class scheduling. She prefers to start working with students as early as the eighth grade and offers a four-year counseling package for a flat fee of $400.
Nowak’s fee is considered reasonable compared to typical charges, which can escalate into thousands of dollars. She mentions that most independent counselors typically charge an initial consultation fee of around $1000.
Advice from School Counselors
Concerned about costs before college even starts? Diane Clair, a guidance counselor at Centennial High School in Frisco, recommends utilizing the resources available through the high school guidance department. She acknowledges that “time is definitely a challenge and our student load is closer to 450 to 1 versus the recommended 250 to 1.” However, Clair believes that “students who are proactive and take initiative should get the support they need.”
Whether opting for an independent counselor or relying on the school counselor, Clair emphasizes that the choice of a school is fundamentally about finding the right academic, social, and cultural fit. She states that only the student and their parents can truly determine if a school is suitable, and the best way to assess this is through campus visits. “Walk on campus and talk to people,” Clair advises. “You wouldn’t buy a car without a test drive. You’re investing much more in your college education.”
Local Parents Weigh In on the Counselor Debate
GLF sought the opinions of local parents regarding the choice between private and school counselors. Here are their insights.
If you would like to share your thoughts, please email: Kendel@goodlifefamilymag.com
“We absolutely recommend hiring a private college counselor for kids attending public school. The school counselors often do not know your children well and don’t have the time to provide personalized advice. A private counselor helps keep the child on track, sets deadlines, and assists with essay writing. While we edited the essays and contributed to college selections, having an unbiased third party involved was extremely beneficial.
If your child plans to attend a large state university, hiring a private counselor might not be as critical, but it’s hard to be certain without exploring the options. The private counselor was knowledgeable about many schools we hadn’t even heard of.
I believe private schools may have guidance counselors who can dedicate more time to students, but the effectiveness likely varies by each individual school.”
– Terri Train Greenspan, mother of three (two in college)
“Working with a public school guidance counselor is like relying on an emergency room medic who is overwhelmed with numerous more critical cases than yours. Yes, they are likely competent and intelligent, but they just can’t provide the focused attention that you would receive from a private counselor.”
– Andy Harmon
Bradley is a senior at American University and Zach is a freshman at the University of Texas.
Additional Resources
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- College Prep 101
- SAT Timeline
- Building the Right Kind of Resume
- Nine Amazing Summer Internships
