Getting into a college is not easy and can be a very competitive process, particularly when applying for a prestigious college. Most students and parents seek help from admissions consulting firms to increase their chances of getting admitted. Yet it is important to realize that not all consulting services are the same. Here is a guide on how to choose the right university admissions consulting service for your needs:Here is a guide on how to choose the right university admissions consulting service for your needs:
Define Your Goals
To get the most out of an admissions consultant, you should determine in advance what you expect from them. Would you like help with overall management of the application process or would you like help with some of the parts such as writing your essays? Establish what type of advice you require in order that you select a service which offers that. By having clear goals, you will be able to select the right admissions consultant.
Research Consultant Qualifications
It is crucial to invest time in learning the qualifications, experience, background and area of expertise of any admission consulting agency you are thinking of hiring. Ideally, you would prefer to engage the services of consultants that previously worked as admission officers at the universities of your interest. A large number of IECs are ex-admissions officers and the others have ample of counseling experience where they have counselled hundreds of students in the process. One should also read reviews and testimonials to know the outcome the company has had.
Assess Consultation Method
Admissions consulting services can be provided through a number of consultation types – online, face-to-face, over the phone, Skype, etc. Understand your circumstances and preferences to know which consultation type is helpful for you. Individual face-to-face consultations may be appropriate for learners who require encouragement or follow-through. Large amounts of self-directed resources on the Web may be suitable for self-motivated learners. Consider what you would like to be communicated before choosing a service, including how often and through what medium.
Compare Services Offered
While some admissions consultants limit themselves to particular aspects of the applications such as essays, many others provide full service including writing of essays, advising on academic schedule, schools to join, strategies in testing, interviews, reviewing of applications as well as in submitting counselor recommendations. What services are best suited to your circumstances needs and how does those services compare among consultants you are considering. This will help decide on an appropriate admissions consultant rather than selecting an unsuitable one.
Verify Pricing and Packages
Most admissions consulting services offer their services at any of these rates, depending on the scope of the job, with some charging hourly while others offer package rates. The price depends on the experience and qualifications of the consultant, levels of services, and the brand image. It is likely to cost more when you seek services of a former Ivy League admissions officer or a leading counseling firm. It is important to cross check on details of the packages in order to identify what is in the main package and what is in the extended package. It is important to make sure that the admissions consulting fits your budget range before seeking it.
Check for Compatibility
Your student should be able to have a friendly and comfortable relationship with the admissions consultant since you will be sharing a lot of information and in constant communication. Some suggestions include; Arrange for phone call, free consultation or an appointment with consultants you are planning to hire to know if the student feels free to ask questions and take advice from the consultant. An admissions consultant who helps your student feel comfortable and focused and makes the student feel good about the process has the right chemistry.
Align Application Strategy
A seasoned admissions consultant will have an idea as to how to sell your student when applying for universities. But, while using such a strategy may be beneficial, it is not always what you may consider best for your student. Explain how the consultant addresses the different aspects of the application and analyze whether it aligns with your preference. Ensuring your consultant knows what aspects (test scores, grades, essays, recommendations, etc) you want highlighted means the right admissions approach for your student.
Check Resources and Networks
The right admissions consultant will stand with your student not only in terms of guidance, but also in terms of resource, networking and lobbying. Find out which of the resources they offer – sample essays, application tracker, school research guides, among others – will be useful in the process. Furthermore, leverage their interconnectivity with the admissions officers and other experts to gain further and more detailed information on the student’s target universities. Availability of resources and networks that an admissions consulting firm has is an indication of the quality of services they will offer.
Consider Post-Submission Support
It is also important to note that many admissions consultants cease their service once the university applications have been submitted. Nevertheless, students require assistance with the process even after the submission of their documents waiting for admission results and choosing among various options. Explain what kind of support your consultant offers during the waiting period and decision making stage. Some advisors can only assist up to the point of submission, and this might not meet your needs if you require further assistance.
Selecting the right university admissions consultant requires some homework but investing the time to assess these aspects will help you get the right service for your student and the target Universities. Specifying your objectives, ensuring a professional’s credentials and ensuring compatibility assist in identifying the appropriate advisor to steer the student through this rigorous process. When choosing an admissions consulting service, your student will be provided with the right guidance to complete and submit the strongest and most promising applications.