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The easiest and least stressful way to manage the college application journey - for parents and students.
Hey, everyone, and welcome back. Applying to college. Let's be real.
Speaker 2:Yeah. It's
Speaker 1:a bit like trying to solve a Rubik's cube in the dark. Right. Especially for those of you, you know Yeah. Juggling work and family and all of life's curve balls. You know?
Speaker 1:So today, we're diving deep into the world of college admissions advisors.
Speaker 2:Mhmm.
Speaker 1:We're gonna figure out, are they actually worth it? Yeah. You know? Yeah. Were they the secret weapon or just another thing to stress about?
Speaker 1:Holy. Our main source today is this article, is hiring a college admissions advisor worth it?
Speaker 2:Catchy title.
Speaker 1:Very catchy. So let's break it down.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:Right off the bat, this article reminds us Yeah. College applications, it's not just about good grades. Right?
Speaker 2:No. Absolutely not.
Speaker 1:Because this whole
Speaker 2:It's a whole thing.
Speaker 1:Essay writing, applications, interviews Yeah. Financial aid. It's a lot.
Speaker 2:It's a marathon, not a sprint.
Speaker 1:So where do these advisors fit in? Like
Speaker 2:Well, they kind of act as your guide
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Through this crazy maze.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:They provide personalized advice and support every step of the way, helping you build a strategy
Speaker 1:Okay. So they're
Speaker 2:really plays to your strengths.
Speaker 1:So they're like a coach, a strategist Exactly. And a therapist all in one.
Speaker 2:A little bit of everything. Right?
Speaker 1:That sounds amazing.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:But the article mentions different types of advisers. Right?
Speaker 2:You've got 2 main types.
Speaker 1:Oh, okay.
Speaker 2:Independent advisers and then school based advisers.
Speaker 1:Okay. So is it kinda like Yeah. Choosing between, like, a specialist and a general doctor?
Speaker 2:Yeah. That's a really good analogy.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:So the independent advisers, they work privately. They usually have a smaller group of students.
Speaker 1:So it's more personalized?
Speaker 2:Much more personalized. Exactly. Whereas school based advisers are part of your high school's guidance department.
Speaker 1:Yeah. Which makes sense. Like, they're there.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:But they probably have a ton of students.
Speaker 2:They have a huge caseload. Yeah.
Speaker 1:Okay. That makes sense.
Speaker 2:The article actually has a really good comparison table
Speaker 1:Oh, cool.
Speaker 2:That breaks down, like, all the pros and cons.
Speaker 1:So, essentially, with the independent adviser, you get that focused attention.
Speaker 2:You get that 1 on 1 Yeah. Really tailored advice.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:But the school based advisers are still a great resource, especially for, you know Yeah. Just general questions and staying organized.
Speaker 1:Okay. So it's about finding that balance
Speaker 2:Yes. Yeah.
Speaker 1:Between personalized attention Mhmm. Yeah. And then also having somebody that you can access.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:So let's say, okay. Yeah. A family is thinking. You know? Mhmm.
Speaker 1:Maybe an independent adviser is the way to go. Right. What are some of the actual, like, benefits? What do they bring to the table?
Speaker 2:Well, I think one of the biggest things is they simplify the process. Like we were saying, it's so overwhelming. Right?
Speaker 1:That's a lie.
Speaker 2:So many steps. So an adviser can break it down into manageable chunks.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:They can create a custom timeline for you.
Speaker 1:So it's like having a
Speaker 2:Just keep you on track?
Speaker 1:Project manager for college applications.
Speaker 2:Oh, Zach.
Speaker 1:Because let's be real. It's a lot to manage on top of everything else.
Speaker 2:It's like a part time job. Right?
Speaker 1:It is a part time job.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:And I think another thing that's super important is the whole motivation factor.
Speaker 2:Oh, absolutely. Because it's easy to get bogged down. Procrastination is real.
Speaker 1:Yes. Procrastination.
Speaker 2:Especially when you're looking at this mountain of essays and deadlines.
Speaker 1:Yeah. You just wanna put it on.
Speaker 2:So an adviser can actually help you stay focused.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Help you set goals and celebrate those little wins along the way.
Speaker 1:So they're your cheerleader too.
Speaker 2:They are. Yeah.
Speaker 1:That sounds pretty valuable.
Speaker 2:Mhmm.
Speaker 1:But you know what's probably on everybody's mind right now?
Speaker 2:What's the catch?
Speaker 1:Yeah. What's the catch? This all sounds too good to be true. Yeah. How much does it cost?
Speaker 2:That's the $1,000,000 question. Right?
Speaker 1:It is the $1,000,000 question.
Speaker 2:So the article talks about different pricing models. You know? You've got hourly rates, package deals for specific services
Speaker 1:k.
Speaker 2:And then comprehensive packages that cover, you know
Speaker 1:The whole shebang.
Speaker 2:The whole thing. Yeah.
Speaker 1:So there's different options depending on, you know, what you're looking for.
Speaker 2:Right. And what your budget is.
Speaker 1:But give us a ballpark.
Speaker 2:Yeah. Like,
Speaker 1:what's the average that families are spending?
Speaker 2:So it seems like families spend, on average, about 4,000 to $6,000
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:For these advising services.
Speaker 1:That's an investment.
Speaker 2:It is.
Speaker 1:But you gotta weigh the pros and cons. Right?
Speaker 2:Yeah. Exactly.
Speaker 1:So is it ever, like, not worth it?
Speaker 2:That's a great question.
Speaker 1:Like, are there families who would be better off, you know
Speaker 2:Doing it themselves.
Speaker 1:Doing it DIY.
Speaker 2:Yeah. It's definitely not a one size fits all situation.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:You know, the article makes a great point that it really depends on your individual circumstances, like your comfort level with the process Mhmm. How much support you feel like you need
Speaker 1:Mhmm.
Speaker 2:And what your student is actually hoping to achieve.
Speaker 1:Okay. So Yeah. It's about knowing yourself and what you need.
Speaker 2:Exactly. For some families, the DIY approach is totally fine.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:But for others, an adviser can be, like, a total game changer. So the article mentions a couple of scenarios
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Where an adviser can really make a difference. Okay. Like, let's say you have a high achieving student Mhmm. Who's aiming for those top tier schools. Okay.
Speaker 2:An adviser can help them create an application that really, like, pops.
Speaker 1:So it's not enough to just, like, be good. No. You gotta stand out.
Speaker 2:You gotta stand out. Right?
Speaker 1:Especially when everyone else is amazing too.
Speaker 2:Yeah. You gotta have that extra something, that sparkle.
Speaker 1:Yeah. How do you capture that it factor?
Speaker 2:Exactly. And an adviser can help you pinpoint that. Okay. They can help you find your unique story
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:That angle that makes you memorable.
Speaker 1:I like that.
Speaker 2:And then there are 1st generation students
Speaker 1:Oh, yeah.
Speaker 2:Who might not have, like, that family history
Speaker 1:To guide them.
Speaker 2:With college. Right. So they're navigating this whole process.
Speaker 1:They're kind of on their own?
Speaker 2:Blindly. Yeah.
Speaker 1:That's gotta be tough.
Speaker 2:It is. So having someone to walk you through
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:The deadlines, the jargon
Speaker 1:All the confusing stuff.
Speaker 2:It can make a huge difference.
Speaker 1:That makes sense.
Speaker 2:And the article also brings up students applying to specialized programs
Speaker 1:Oh, yeah.
Speaker 2:Like art schools Yeah. Stem tracks, music conservatories, those sorts of things.
Speaker 1:Those are whole different ball games.
Speaker 2:They are. Yeah. They have very specific requirements
Speaker 1:Mhmm.
Speaker 2:Deadlines. So an adviser who, like, specializes in those areas
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Can be super helpful.
Speaker 1:It's like having a scout. Right?
Speaker 2:Yeah. Like a trail guide.
Speaker 1:Someone who knows the terrain
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:Knows all the shortcuts.
Speaker 2:Mhmm.
Speaker 1:So okay. So we talked about, you know Yeah. Who might benefit from an adviser.
Speaker 2:Right. Right.
Speaker 1:Let's say you're like
Speaker 2:Mhmm.
Speaker 1:Alright. We're gonna explore this option. Okay. The article has some good tips on how to actually find a good one.
Speaker 2:It does. It's like anything else. You know? Yeah. Gotta be thoughtful.
Speaker 1:You don't just pick the first one you see.
Speaker 2:No. Don't just Google it.
Speaker 1:Right. Exactly.
Speaker 2:It's kinda like finding a doctor. Right? Yeah. You want someone with experience
Speaker 1:Mhmm.
Speaker 2:A good track record
Speaker 1:Mhmm.
Speaker 2:Someone you feel comfortable with.
Speaker 1:So what are some of the key qualities to look for? Like, what questions should families be asking?
Speaker 2:Well, 1st and foremost
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:You want someone who's truly an expert.
Speaker 1:In college admissions?
Speaker 2:In college admissions. Yeah. Like
Speaker 1:They've been there. Done that.
Speaker 2:They know the process inside and out.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:The article recommends looking for advisors
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Who are certified by organizations like IESA or NACAC.
Speaker 1:Hold on. Back up. Back up. Okay. IESA.
Speaker 1:NACAC. What are those?
Speaker 2:Okay. So IESA stands for the Independent Educational Consultants Association.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:And ACAC is the National Association For College Admission Counseling.
Speaker 1:And why are these important?
Speaker 2:So these organizations, they have pretty strict standards for membership.
Speaker 1:So it's like a stamp of approval.
Speaker 2:It is. It's a quality check.
Speaker 1:Okay. So you know they're legit.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:It's like choosing a surgeon Right. Who's board certified.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:You know they know what they're doing.
Speaker 2:Mhmm.
Speaker 1:Okay. What else should families be thinking about when they're, like, interviewing these potential advisers?
Speaker 2:So the article stresses the importance of personalized support. Yeah. You don't want someone who's just gonna give you generic advice.
Speaker 1:Right. You want someone who's invested in your kid.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Someone who takes the time to get to know you
Speaker 1:Sure.
Speaker 2:Your student, their goals, their dreams, their struggles.
Speaker 1:So it's about finding a partner Yes. Not just a service.
Speaker 2:A partner in this journey.
Speaker 1:I like that. Okay.
Speaker 2:And don't be afraid to ask about their track record. They're like, what kind of results have they gotten?
Speaker 1:With similar students?
Speaker 2:With students like yours. Right. Can they give you references, testimonials?
Speaker 1:So it's like checking the reviews
Speaker 2:They did.
Speaker 1:Before you buy something online.
Speaker 2:Mhmm. Mhmm.
Speaker 1:Okay. That makes sense.
Speaker 2:The article also talks about communication style, which I think is huge.
Speaker 1:Oh, why is that so important?
Speaker 2:Well, because you're gonna be working really closely with this person
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Sharing some pretty personal information.
Speaker 1:That's a lot of trust.
Speaker 2:It is, and you're navigating potentially stressful situations.
Speaker 1:Right. There's a lot of emotions involved.
Speaker 2:Yes. So you need to make sure you feel comfortable
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Communicating with them that they're responsive.
Speaker 1:You want someone who listens.
Speaker 2:Exactly. You want someone who makes you feel heard and understood.
Speaker 1:So it's all about building that relationship Is. Based on trust and open communication. Exactly. That makes sense.
Speaker 2:And, of course, don't forget about the money.
Speaker 1:Right. The practical stuff.
Speaker 2:Yeah. Make sure you get a clear understanding of their fees.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:What's included? You know, do they charge hourly by package?
Speaker 1:Mhmm.
Speaker 2:Are there any hidden costs?
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:Transparency is key.
Speaker 1:Transparency is key. Yeah.
Speaker 2:Especially when you're making an investment like this.
Speaker 1:Especially when it's your kid's future.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:Okay. So it sounds like finding the right adviser
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:Is kinda like finding any other professional that you wanna work with.
Speaker 2:It is.
Speaker 1:Do your research. Ask the right questions.
Speaker 2:Mhmm.
Speaker 1:Trust your gut. Exactly. Find somebody you vibe with.
Speaker 2:Yeah. Someone you feel good about.
Speaker 1:Okay. So we talked about the benefits of an adviser
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:The different types of advisers
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:Things to consider when choosing 1. Mhmm. Let's go back to the original question.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:Is hiring a college admissions adviser actually worth it?
Speaker 2:Yeah. So the answer, like, you might expect, is not that simple.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:It depends.
Speaker 1:There's that word again?
Speaker 2:Right. There's no magic formula here.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:No guaranteed return on investment.
Speaker 1:So it's about weighing the pros and the cons.
Speaker 2:It is, and deciding what makes sense
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:For your unique situation.
Speaker 1:Because every family is different.
Speaker 2:Every family is different. Right. Their needs are different. Their budget, their comfort level Mhmm. All of that plays into it.
Speaker 1:That makes sense.
Speaker 2:So for some families
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:An adviser can be, like, a lifesaver
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Providing that expertise, the guidance, the support. Okay. For others, it might just be an added expense.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:That doesn't really, like, translate into results.
Speaker 1:So be informed.
Speaker 2:Be informed.
Speaker 1:Go for your research.
Speaker 2:Don't re
Speaker 1:And make a decision that feels right for your family.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:Okay. So no easy answers. Yeah. But a lot to consider. Mhmm.
Speaker 1:This article definitely gave us a lot to think about.
Speaker 2:It did.
Speaker 1:But before we wrap things up, I wanna touch on something that I know stresses a lot of families out.
Speaker 2:What's that?
Speaker 1:The whole money part of college.
Speaker 2:Oh, yeah. The financial piece.
Speaker 1:Yeah. That's huge. K. Article didn't go into too much detail about that, so I'd love to get your take.
Speaker 2:Yeah. It's a big piece of the puzzle.
Speaker 1:It's a big one.
Speaker 2:And it can feel super overwhelming.
Speaker 1:Oh, especially with costs going up and up and up.
Speaker 2:Yeah. It's intimidating.
Speaker 1:So don't just ignore it and hope for the best.
Speaker 2:No. Definitely not. You gotta be proactive. Research different schools. Look into their financial aid policies Oh,
Speaker 1:yeah.
Speaker 2:And have honest conversations as a family Mhmm. About what's realistic
Speaker 1:Mhmm.
Speaker 2:What you can actually afford.
Speaker 1:So it's like having a financial game plan
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:Just like you would for anything else. Okay. That makes sense.
Speaker 2:So you're not caught off guard.
Speaker 1:Right. Are there any resources that you recommend
Speaker 2:Oh, yeah.
Speaker 1:For families who are Absolutely. Feeling lost
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:Or intimidated by the whole financial aid
Speaker 2:thing. Your high school guidance counselor is a great starting point.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:They can walk you through the basics Mhmm. Help you navigate the FSAA Yeah. The CSS profile, those kinds of things.
Speaker 1:Which can be a nightmare.
Speaker 2:They can be. Yeah.
Speaker 1:Okay. That's a great tip.
Speaker 2:And then there are tons of online resources too. Oh, yeah. Like the federal student aid website. Yeah. The college board website.
Speaker 2:They're full of Yeah. Calculators, tools, articles, all kinds of things.
Speaker 1:So knowledge is power.
Speaker 2:Knowledge is power.
Speaker 1:The more you know
Speaker 2:The more prepared you are.
Speaker 1:You're better.
Speaker 2:Exactly. I like that. K. And remember, there are often, like, creative ways
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:To make college more affordable.
Speaker 1:Like what?
Speaker 2:Think about state schools Yep. Community colleges
Speaker 1:Mhmm.
Speaker 2:Dual enrollment programs. Explore all the scholarship opportunities out there.
Speaker 1:So think outside the box.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:Don't be afraid to get creative.
Speaker 2:Mhmm.
Speaker 1:So it's about finding the right fit
Speaker 2:It is.
Speaker 1:Academically and financially.
Speaker 2:Yeah. You want your student to graduate with a degree, not a ton of debt.
Speaker 1:That's the goal. Right. That's the dream.
Speaker 2:And that's why those family conversations are so important. Okay. Talk about expectations, priorities
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Budget constraints.
Speaker 1:Be open and honest. Exactly. Okay. Great advice.
Speaker 2:So we've covered a lot of ground today.
Speaker 1:We have. From The ins and outs of hiring an adviser Mhmm. To the financial planning.
Speaker 2:It's a lot.
Speaker 1:I know. Right? Yeah. It can feel like a lot. But, hopefully, you know, you're walking away with a better sense of what it takes
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:And all the resources out there.
Speaker 2:Mhmm.
Speaker 1:Before we go
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:I wanna go back to something we talked about earlier.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:The whole idea of, like, fit.
Speaker 2:Oh, fit. Right?
Speaker 1:We talked about finding the right adviser.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:But what about the right college?
Speaker 2:Yeah. That's the ultimate goal. Right?
Speaker 1:It is.
Speaker 2:And the article talks about that too. Sure. It's not just about academics. It's about finding a place where your student can really, like
Speaker 1:Thrive.
Speaker 2:Thrive. Yes.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:So think about their personality, their learning style
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:What kind of social environment they like.
Speaker 1:Do they want a big school?
Speaker 2:Small school. Exactly.
Speaker 1:City. Country.
Speaker 2:It's all about finding a place where they can be themselves.
Speaker 1:Yeah. Where they feel comfortable.
Speaker 2:Comfortable where they can pursue their passions
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Make connections, grow as a person.
Speaker 1:It's not just about getting in. No. It's about, like, finding where you belong.
Speaker 2:It's about belonging, and fit is a two way street. You know?
Speaker 1:Oh, I like that.
Speaker 2:It's not just the college choosing your student.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:It's about your student choosing the college.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:So this whole application process Yeah. It should be a chance for them to really think about what they want, what their values are, what they're looking for.
Speaker 1:I like that it puts the power back in their hands. Exactly. It's not just about chasing the name brand school. No. It's about, like, finding your people.
Speaker 2:It is. And an adviser can be super helpful with this too.
Speaker 1:Okay. How so?
Speaker 2:Well, they can help your student articulate their vision. Right?
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Help them figure out what they want, what's important to them. Yeah. Identify schools that match those values.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:And then craft applications that really demonstrate, you know Right. That connection.
Speaker 1:So it's about more than just filling out forms. It is. It's about, like, telling your story.
Speaker 2:It's about showing who you are. Yeah.
Speaker 1:Makes sense.
Speaker 2:And remember, fit can change. You know?
Speaker 1:Oh, yeah.
Speaker 2:Your student might discover new interests during this process.
Speaker 1:Right. They're figuring themselves out.
Speaker 2:Exactly. So encourage them to be open Yeah. To be flexible
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:And trust their gut.
Speaker 1:Yeah. That's so important.
Speaker 2:It's all part of the journey.
Speaker 1:It is.
Speaker 2:And in the end, the most important thing is that your student ends up at a college Mhmm. Where they feel challenged, supported, and inspired.
Speaker 1:Couldn't have said it better myself.
Speaker 2:So I think that's really what we hope you get from this deep dive.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Applying to college can be scary
Speaker 1:It can be.
Speaker 2:But it can also be a really exciting time.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Remember to stay informed, ask questions, and advocate for your student.
Speaker 1:And enjoy the ride.
Speaker 2:Enjoy the ride. Exactly.
Speaker 1:I love that. Great advice.
Speaker 2:Well, it sounds like there's some great resources out there Yeah. To help make this whole process a little bit easier.
Speaker 1:Definitely. You know, if you're feeling overwhelmed
Speaker 2:Mhmm.
Speaker 1:And you want a little extra help Mhmm. Maybe check out AI powered college counseling platforms.
Speaker 2:Oh, that's interesting.
Speaker 1:There's one called College Journey.
Speaker 2:Oh, okay.
Speaker 1:It's designed to provide personalized support and guidance.
Speaker 2:Like a virtual adviser?
Speaker 1:Yeah. It's like having a college adviser in your pocket.
Speaker 2:That's cool.
Speaker 1:They even have an AI guide named Alice Okay. Who can help you with everything from choosing the right school to writing those awesome essays.
Speaker 2:Sounds like a great option for families who are looking for a more affordable and, you know, accessible way to get that guidance.
Speaker 1:Definitely.
Speaker 2:Awesome.
Speaker 1:Well, that wraps up our deep dive into the world of college admissions advisors.
Speaker 2:It was a good one.
Speaker 1:Hope you found it helpful.
Speaker 2:Yes.
Speaker 1:And remember, you got this.
Speaker 2:You do.
Speaker 1:Until next time. Keep exploring, keep learning, and keep diving deep.
Speaker 2:See you.