Benefits of College Counseling
Benefits of Private College Counseling
Choosing the right college is one of the most important decisions students and families will make. A student’s college experience significantly impacts his or her personal growth and future plans. Finding the right fit, however, is not always easy and can be a stressful process. There are many factors to consider when searching for the right college. That is where a private college counselor plays a vital role.
Private college counselors supplement the work of high school guidance counselors by providing students with personalized, individual attention outside of normal school hours. Nationally, on average, high school students receive A TOTAL of 38 minutes of personal college admissions guidance from their high school counselors.
Private college counselors have the knowledge, expertise, and passion that it takes to assist families in navigating the complicataed world of higher education. Unlike high school counselors, private college counselors are able to research and visit colleges extensively, work closely with students and families to ensure a great match, and help students stay organized and on schedule. Private college counselors also strive to match students to colleges and universities where they can thrive and succeed. Evidence suggests students who work with a private college counselor are more likely to remain at a college through graduation.
Consider this:
- Public school counselors spend 22% of their time on college counseling.
- Private school counselors spend 52% of their time on college counseling.
- At Great College Fit, we spend 100% of our time on college counseling
Counselors serve an important role in advising students as they progress through secondary school and prepare for college. Pre-college counseling generally includes activities that help students meet requirements for postsecondary attendance, pursue challenging courses, and navigate the college admission process.
More things most parents don’t know about college counseling:
A recent NACAC study showed that high school seniors who talked one-on-one with a school counselor were:
- 6.8 times more likely to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- 3.2 times more likely to attend college
- 2 times more likely to attend a bachelor’s degree program
- American high school students, on average, receive fewer than 40 minutes of personal college admissions guidance
- Only 29% of public secondary schools have a dedicated college counselor
- The ACSA (American School Counselor Association) recommended student-to-counselor ratio is 250:1
- California’s student to counselor ratio is 509:1
Source: NACAC’s State of College Admission Report