A college advisor who aligns with your individual needs and aspirations will make or break your college planning process. Finding someone who is qualified is essential. Here’s a breakdown of key factors to consider when selecting an advisor.
Credentials and Experience
- Look for advisors with a proven track record of success. Ask for references or testimonials.
- Check for affiliations with reputable organizations like NACAC and IACAC (Novella Prep is credentialed and composed of seasoned admissions experts).
- Inquire about the company’s experience in college admissions and with students who have similar goals and academic profiles.
Understand Your Needs
- Clearly define your college goals. Are you aiming for specific types of institutions (e.g., Ivy League, liberal arts, state universities)?
- Assess your strengths and weaknesses in the college application process. Do you need help with essay writing, test preparation, or building a college list?
- Consider your learning style and personality. You want an advisor who you connect with and who understands your unique approach.
Services and Resources
- Determine the range of services offered. Do they provide comprehensive support, including college list development, essay editing, interview preparation, and financial aid guidance?
- Ask about the advisor’s resources and network. Do they have connections with college admissions officers or access to valuable information about specific institutions?
- Consider if the advisor has experience with the specific majors that you are considering.
Communication and Compatibility
- A good advisor focuses on truth and data and is willing to have the confidence to communicate directly to you, even if the conversation is difficult.
- Schedule initial consultations to assess your comfort level with potential advisors.
- Pay attention to their communication style and responsiveness. Are they attentive, supportive, and easy to talk to?
- Ensure they are available to answer your questions and provide timely feedback.
College List Development
- The use of data is paramount. Fit is important, but data such as precedent from high school, GPA, test scores, and other characteristics are critical to factor in to determine eligibility for consideration.
- An expert advisor will help you build a balanced college list, including “reach,” “target,” and “likely” schools.
- They should consider your academic profile, interests, and preferences when recommending colleges.
Essay Guidance
- College essays are a crucial part of the application process. A skilled advisor can help you craft compelling and authentic essays that showcase your strengths and personality.
- Colleges are looking for reasons to admit your child – engineers that are over-engineered or too heavily influenced by the adult voice decrease the probability of admission.
- Powerful essays build out your child’s narrative and align with your child’s aspirations.
Ready to help your child achieve their college goals?
Contact us today for a free consultation and discover how Novella Prep can help your student get into their dream college.