Getting into college counseling

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm the ADHD mom and I *wish* I had shared what I had known with a friend: Their son is graduating from a private high school on the west coast. The parents are educators and they have some money for college but also very real financial limitations. Their son was advised by the college advisor at his school to apply to a wide range of schools that... was heavy on out-of-state flagship public universities.

We all know where this is going, right? He got into some of the top programs in the country for his major -- and his parents had to tell him that he wouldn't be able to attend. Luckily they ended up with one (just one!) solid and affordable option, but WOW they got terrible advice from the school counselor, who was focused entirely on where he could get in and not at all on what they could afford.

My friend is kicking herself for not getting a second opinion and for so thoroughly trusting this highly-regarded private school professional. But just didn't know what she didn't know, and felt that she was already paying for this service and should have been in good hands.

Anyway, she didn't want to second guess a fellow educator, and I didn't want to drop unsolicited advice. But... man. Just because people get paid to do a professional job of things or have certain credentials really doesn't mean they know what tf they're doing, and that some of us couldn't really provide valuable service.

For what it's worth, I have a friend who does this on the west coast and does very well. SHe also got into it after her first two teens successfully (on their terms) went through the application process. She came at it from a background first in personal fitness coaching, and then in small business coaching. So while the knowledge base came later, she had a solid foundation of working with with clients to develop clarity on their own goals, priorities, challenges, etc. And because she has that experience and focus, and not just a tendency to default to some generic "what's best," people love working with her and her business is thriving.

Look, with all due respect, sure you did a nice job with your kids, but it makes you an expert on nothing. Many people do a nice job with their kids. It’s all about economics. Recognize your privilege. Unless you’re talking about doing this for poor kids for free, you’re not adding anything of value that isn’t already there.

NP. Look, with all due respect, stop yucking someone else's yum. Four-year-olds can get that; I'm not sure why you can't.

New poster: i am guessing most people look at the cost of attendance at some point. This is in no way a secret nugget you imparted. It’s like telling someone to make sure they can afford: organic food, a home, a vehicle, a vacation, private school, designer items, etc. hopefully people get that along the way of life (to investigate large aNd/or ongoing expenses) and if they don’t, it is usually them being an ostrich (choosing to ignore the $ issue), not actually having zero idea to investigate costs and ability to pay.

This is not about yucking or yumming. It is providing you feedback because it appears you need it.

People don't know what they don't know. Here's one who didn't know that UCs don't give OOS aid. Oops? Here's one who "only" got into a top LAC and was depressed because they didn't get in to Harvard. Oh well? Here's one who only learned late in the game that they couldn't afford to go to their dream school (that they had already accepted the offer to, thinking they could afford it). Must be an ostrich, right? Or here's one who gets into Yale, but whose parents just expect a full ride to show up, and the poster's contemplating taking out 300K in loans vs. taking a free ride elsewhere.

All of the necessary info was out there to avoid those heartbreaks. None of those posters should have been surprised. And yet there they are. Each of these people would have been better served by having someone who could lay things out for them, to help them understand the process, to set up realistic expectations, and to develop some reasonable fallback options. If OP can do that (whether paid or pro bono; I don't really care), and enjoys the process? Great. I'm glad she's exploring making it happen, and I can't understand why people here are dissuading her from it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm the ADHD mom and I *wish* I had shared what I had known with a friend: Their son is graduating from a private high school on the west coast. The parents are educators and they have some money for college but also very real financial limitations. Their son was advised by the college advisor at his school to apply to a wide range of schools that... was heavy on out-of-state flagship public universities.

We all know where this is going, right? He got into some of the top programs in the country for his major -- and his parents had to tell him that he wouldn't be able to attend. Luckily they ended up with one (just one!) solid and affordable option, but WOW they got terrible advice from the school counselor, who was focused entirely on where he could get in and not at all on what they could afford.

My friend is kicking herself for not getting a second opinion and for so thoroughly trusting this highly-regarded private school professional. But just didn't know what she didn't know, and felt that she was already paying for this service and should have been in good hands.

Anyway, she didn't want to second guess a fellow educator, and I didn't want to drop unsolicited advice. But... man. Just because people get paid to do a professional job of things or have certain credentials really doesn't mean they know what tf they're doing, and that some of us couldn't really provide valuable service.

For what it's worth, I have a friend who does this on the west coast and does very well. SHe also got into it after her first two teens successfully (on their terms) went through the application process. She came at it from a background first in personal fitness coaching, and then in small business coaching. So while the knowledge base came later, she had a solid foundation of working with with clients to develop clarity on their own goals, priorities, challenges, etc. And because she has that experience and focus, and not just a tendency to default to some generic "what's best," people love working with her and her business is thriving.

Look, with all due respect, sure you did a nice job with your kids, but it makes you an expert on nothing. Many people do a nice job with their kids. It’s all about economics. Recognize your privilege. Unless you’re talking about doing this for poor kids for free, you’re not adding anything of value that isn’t already there.

NP. Look, with all due respect, stop yucking someone else's yum. Four-year-olds can get that; I'm not sure why you can't.

New poster: i am guessing most people look at the cost of attendance at some point. This is in no way a secret nugget you imparted. It’s like telling someone to make sure they can afford: organic food, a home, a vehicle, a vacation, private school, designer items, etc. hopefully people get that along the way of life (to investigate large aNd/or ongoing expenses) and if they don’t, it is usually them being an ostrich (choosing to ignore the $ issue), not actually having zero idea to investigate costs and ability to pay.

This is not about yucking or yumming. It is providing you feedback because it appears you need it.

People don't know what they don't know. Here's one who didn't know that UCs don't give OOS aid. Oops? Here's one who "only" got into a top LAC and was depressed because they didn't get in to Harvard. Oh well? Here's one who only learned late in the game that they couldn't afford to go to their dream school (that they had already accepted the offer to, thinking they could afford it). Must be an ostrich, right? Or here's one who gets into Yale, but whose parents just expect a full ride to show up, and the poster's contemplating taking out 300K in loans vs. taking a free ride elsewhere.

All of the necessary info was out there to avoid those heartbreaks. None of those posters should have been surprised. And yet there they are. Each of these people would have been better served by having someone who could lay things out for them, to help them understand the process, to set up realistic expectations, and to develop some reasonable fallback options. If OP can do that (whether paid or pro bono; I don't really care), and enjoys the process? Great. I'm glad she's exploring making it happen, and I can't understand why people here are dissuading her from it.

1. No proof the apps submitted out outcomes would be different

2. No proof these families didnt know the list was too reach heavy or the dream one was too expensive

We are talking about different things. You’re equating those posts with people being ignorant. I completely disagree. None say, “gee, I had zero idea what the schools cost. If only I knew beforehand!!!”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm the ADHD mom and I *wish* I had shared what I had known with a friend: Their son is graduating from a private high school on the west coast. The parents are educators and they have some money for college but also very real financial limitations. Their son was advised by the college advisor at his school to apply to a wide range of schools that... was heavy on out-of-state flagship public universities.

We all know where this is going, right? He got into some of the top programs in the country for his major -- and his parents had to tell him that he wouldn't be able to attend. Luckily they ended up with one (just one!) solid and affordable option, but WOW they got terrible advice from the school counselor, who was focused entirely on where he could get in and not at all on what they could afford.

My friend is kicking herself for not getting a second opinion and for so thoroughly trusting this highly-regarded private school professional. But just didn't know what she didn't know, and felt that she was already paying for this service and should have been in good hands.

Anyway, she didn't want to second guess a fellow educator, and I didn't want to drop unsolicited advice. But... man. Just because people get paid to do a professional job of things or have certain credentials really doesn't mean they know what tf they're doing, and that some of us couldn't really provide valuable service.

For what it's worth, I have a friend who does this on the west coast and does very well. SHe also got into it after her first two teens successfully (on their terms) went through the application process. She came at it from a background first in personal fitness coaching, and then in small business coaching. So while the knowledge base came later, she had a solid foundation of working with with clients to develop clarity on their own goals, priorities, challenges, etc. And because she has that experience and focus, and not just a tendency to default to some generic "what's best," people love working with her and her business is thriving.

Look, with all due respect, sure you did a nice job with your kids, but it makes you an expert on nothing. Many people do a nice job with their kids. It’s all about economics. Recognize your privilege. Unless you’re talking about doing this for poor kids for free, you’re not adding anything of value that isn’t already there.

NP. Look, with all due respect, stop yucking someone else's yum. Four-year-olds can get that; I'm not sure why you can't.

New poster: i am guessing most people look at the cost of attendance at some point. This is in no way a secret nugget you imparted. It’s like telling someone to make sure they can afford: organic food, a home, a vehicle, a vacation, private school, designer items, etc. hopefully people get that along the way of life (to investigate large aNd/or ongoing expenses) and if they don’t, it is usually them being an ostrich (choosing to ignore the $ issue), not actually having zero idea to investigate costs and ability to pay.

This is not about yucking or yumming. It is providing you feedback because it appears you need it.

People don't know what they don't know. Here's one who didn't know that UCs don't give OOS aid. Oops? Here's one who "only" got into a top LAC and was depressed because they didn't get in to Harvard. Oh well? Here's one who only learned late in the game that they couldn't afford to go to their dream school (that they had already accepted the offer to, thinking they could afford it). Must be an ostrich, right? Or here's one who gets into Yale, but whose parents just expect a full ride to show up, and the poster's contemplating taking out 300K in loans vs. taking a free ride elsewhere.

All of the necessary info was out there to avoid those heartbreaks. None of those posters should have been surprised. And yet there they are. Each of these people would have been better served by having someone who could lay things out for them, to help them understand the process, to set up realistic expectations, and to develop some reasonable fallback options. If OP can do that (whether paid or pro bono; I don't really care), and enjoys the process? Great. I'm glad she's exploring making it happen, and I can't understand why people here are dissuading her from it.

1. No proof the apps submitted out outcomes would be different

2. No proof these families didnt know the list was too reach heavy or the dream one was too expensive

We are talking about different things. You’re equating those posts with people being ignorant. I completely disagree. None say, “gee, I had zero idea what the schools cost. If only I knew beforehand!!!”

Maybe you can restate your thesis; it's not clear from what you've posted above. Why shouldn't OP try becoming a college counselor?

[Anonymous]

Here’s where I disagree with a few previous posters. A lot of parents have unrealistic expectations. They are surprised by outcomes when they shouldn’t be.

No one lays it out there and tells them that their top stats kid is a dime a dozen because their major choice sucks and they should’ve made other decisions 18 months ago. Or no one says that your top stats kid is indistinguishable and hasn’t really done anything exceptional and really should be aiming for T35-75 or so instead of T10.

If you can afford to, do what you love. Volunteer or if you can, get a paid gig! Either way, do it if you really, really love this. I suspect - like most of us- you would be annoyed with the parents.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m a longtime poster here. Have 2 kids in college - both T20. I learned a LOT here and didn’t hire a counselor for them and they had very successful cycles (in last 2 years).

I really enjoy reading about this field, listening to a ton of podcasts etc. And, this past cycle I helped 3 (friends & family) get into T10/Ivies. Helped with narrative development, essays, EC development, Supp brainstorming- all the way to LOCIs.

Have undergrad and professional degrees from T10; semi-retired from a professional career.

Does anyone know how I would get into real private counseling? Should I go back to school for this (which seems kind of pointless)? Should I just get IEC certified? Hang up a shingle? What is the best way -besides word of mouth?

WTH?

If I'm going to spend my money on a college counselor consultant, she had better have done better with her own kids than just two T20s. Like what? Vanderbilt or WashU? No, i want you as my consultant if everyone knows your kids are wheeny losers, but are now at Princeton. Or your kid was the class stoner and clown, but is now at Stanford. But if your kid is at Cornell or ED'd full pay to Chicago, those are flashing red lights. We all could end up having to make the best of that kind of result, but that isn't the kind of thing anyone longs for. Keep your day job

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Here’s where I disagree with a few previous posters. A lot of parents have unrealistic expectations. They are surprised by outcomes when they shouldn’t be.

No one lays it out there and tells them that their top stats kid is a dime a dozen because their major choice sucks and they should’ve made other decisions 18 months ago. Or no one says that your top stats kid is indistinguishable and hasn’t really done anything exceptional and really should be aiming for T35-75 or so instead of T10.

If you can afford to, do what you love. Volunteer or if you can, get a paid gig! Either way, do it if you really, really love this. I suspect - like most of us- you would be annoyed with the parents.

If you think your bread and butter will come from an influx of people who are willing to pay to have you say lower your expectations, and that’s your business model, GL.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Here’s where I disagree with a few previous posters. A lot of parents have unrealistic expectations. They are surprised by outcomes when they shouldn’t be.

No one lays it out there and tells them that their top stats kid is a dime a dozen because their major choice sucks and they should’ve made other decisions 18 months ago. Or no one says that your top stats kid is indistinguishable and hasn’t really done anything exceptional and really should be aiming for T35-75 or so instead of T10.

If you can afford to, do what you love. Volunteer or if you can, get a paid gig! Either way, do it if you really, really love this. I suspect - like most of us- you would be annoyed with the parents.

Plenty if people will lay it out there, here, a2c, college confidential, hell even grok will be honest with you. They just don't expect to get paid for it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Here’s where I disagree with a few previous posters. A lot of parents have unrealistic expectations. They are surprised by outcomes when they shouldn’t be.

No one lays it out there and tells them that their top stats kid is a dime a dozen because their major choice sucks and they should’ve made other decisions 18 months ago. Or no one says that your top stats kid is indistinguishable and hasn’t really done anything exceptional and really should be aiming for T35-75 or so instead of T10.

If you can afford to, do what you love. Volunteer or if you can, get a paid gig! Either way, do it if you really, really love this. I suspect - like most of us- you would be annoyed with the parents.

If you think your bread and butter will come from an influx of people who are willing to pay to have you say lower your expectations, and that’s your business model, GL.

I think the premise of this thread is ridiculous. "I have two kids who got into great schools PLUS I read DC Urban Mom and listen to a bunch of podcasts, So I can help you!"
OP: You have anecdotal information from a few from one or two admissions cycles. The idea that you are now a pro is delusional.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Here’s where I disagree with a few previous posters. A lot of parents have unrealistic expectations. They are surprised by outcomes when they shouldn’t be.

No one lays it out there and tells them that their top stats kid is a dime a dozen because their major choice sucks and they should’ve made other decisions 18 months ago. Or no one says that your top stats kid is indistinguishable and hasn’t really done anything exceptional and really should be aiming for T35-75 or so instead of T10.

If you can afford to, do what you love. Volunteer or if you can, get a paid gig! Either way, do it if you really, really love this. I suspect - like most of us- you would be annoyed with the parents.

If you think your bread and butter will come from an influx of people who are willing to pay to have you say lower your expectations, and that’s your business model, GL.

I think the premise of this thread is ridiculous. "I have two kids who got into great schools PLUS I read DC Urban Mom and listen to a bunch of podcasts, So I can help you!"
OP: You have anecdotal information from a few from one or two admissions cycles. The idea that you are now a pro is delusional.

With AI, who is even paying for college counseling in a few years? Right? Look at the post with the various AI essay tools (one of them blew me away).

I'd get some real work experience as a reader or working for a large college consulting firm first. Don't pay for degrees or anything bc they might be obsolete with AI.

[Anonymous]

OP here.

Coming back quickly today to say I got a pt seasonal position as a reader at a T25 (the pay is horrific! but I did use my own connections and legacy to get this low-paying "gig"), and I've also been volunteering with a great counseling and mentoring organization since mid-June.

Thanks everyone for the feedback and great suggestions! I took it all to heart.

I'll be back to you all at the end of the application season next year.

GL to all 2025-2026 applicants.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here.

Coming back quickly today to say I got a pt seasonal position as a reader at a T25 (the pay is horrific! but I did use my own connections and legacy to get this low-paying "gig"), and I've also been volunteering with a great counseling and mentoring organization since mid-June.

Thanks everyone for the feedback and great suggestions! I took it all to heart.

I'll be back to you all at the end of the application season next year.

GL to all 2025-2026 applicants.

If you are legacy at some point would you consider advocating for more pay? Think about the implications of paying AO’s and readers terrible wages.

[Anonymous]

Having helped my kids with their applications over the last few years, I have absolutely no interest in being anywhere near the massive dysfunction that is the college admissions process. A process that seems deliberately designed and administered by people wishing only to maximize the anxiety and stress for the students they claim to be “helping.”

[Anonymous]

Volunteer and help kids who don’t have the same kind of family support in the college admissions process that the children of many of the posters here have had.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Volunteer and help kids who don’t have the same kind of family support in the college admissions process that the children of many of the posters here have had.

This.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here.

Coming back quickly today to say I got a pt seasonal position as a reader at a T25 (the pay is horrific! but I did use my own connections and legacy to get this low-paying "gig"), and I've also been volunteering with a great counseling and mentoring organization since mid-June.

Thanks everyone for the feedback and great suggestions! I took it all to heart.

I'll be back to you all at the end of the application season next year.

GL to all 2025-2026 applicants.

Congrats, OP! I love that you’re taking a shot at it, and I hope this next step is fulfilling and gives you clarity about the steps beyond! Good luck!