Each year nearly 4 million American students head off to one of more than 4,000 accredited colleges and universities. Of course, before they pack their bags they have to get past a significant headache: choosing the school that offers the best combination of academic excellence, college life, and affordability and where the student stands a good chance of being accepted. In theory, this is the job of a high school guidance counselor, and many do a fine job in advising students. However, in many systems, the guidance counselor is stretched way too thin, overseeing the academic decisions and job choices of hundreds or even thousands of students each year.
The College Selection Advisor works as a personal guidance counselor, augmenting or substituting for counselors within the school system. If you think of college as an investment of as much as $125,000 for a four years program at a private university, the idea of spending a few hundred dollars for some professional shopping advice makes a great deal of sense. This is a good job for a retired guidance counselor, teacher, or college administrator. The process begins by meeting with the student and parents, gathering information about academic standing, extracurricular activities, and college aspirations. If the parents request it, you may also gather general information about family income and investments to help advice about financial aid.
Based on what you learn in the interview, you will make recommendations on colleges, taking into consideration location, city or rural setting, size of student body, and courses of study. The list will include an assessment of the student’s chances of acceptance, based on academic record, SAT scores, and other criteria.