6 Questions to Ask (And Why to Ask Them!) Before Hiring College Consultant Services
Jan 20, 2022Preparing for college is no joke. For some, it may be a stepping stone in their lives that is inconsequential but for others, the college that they get into can impact their entire professional life. So, don’t slack off in choosing college consultant services. Before hiring college consultants, consider asking these six questions.
What, If Anything, Do You Guarantee?
One of the most important questions to ask college consultants is if they provide any type of guarantee. This may include admission to school (especially top choices) or minimum amounts for scholarships. There are no guarantees in college admissions. Any college consultant that promises admission or scholarships is most likely not legit.
How Do You Stay Knowledgeable About The Academic World?
The academic world is constantly changing through new trends, evolving campus cultures, and updated academic resources. For example, the SAT was updated in 2016 with major structural changes, and the ACT is expected to be available online in the near future. It is important to make sure that your college consulting services have a solid way to keep up with any industry changes.
Do You Ever Visit Campuses or Meet With Admissions Representatives and, If So, How Often?
When someone is giving you advice, you want to know that it is up to date and accurate. If you could really get a feel for a campus by doing online research, you wouldn’t need college consultants. Personal experience is the only way to know how to advise students on the best matches for them. The Independent Educational Consulting Association suggests hiring a consultant that visits at least 20 campuses annually.
What Are Your Qualifications?
Just like any other professional service, college consulting has industry standards. In general, the NACAC, IECA, HECA, and NCAG are the top associations for establishing industry standards for service. You may also want to know what they did prior to being independent to ensure knowledgeable, stable services.
Do You Have a Written Breakdown of Fees and Services?
Before any money exchanges hands, you should know exactly how much you are paying and what you are paying for. If your consultant does not have a written contract prepared to detail the services they provide with a definite cost, you should not send them any money.
How Would You Define Ethics and What Do You Consider Unethical in the Industry?
When your college reputation is on the line, you want to make sure that you are doing everything you can to earn your spot in college the correct way. Any shading dealings in your college admissions could mean big trouble for both your college career and your professional reputation. Make sure that any college consultant services you work with do not complete any college admissions work for you, use personal connections to get you into school, or accept compensation from any school or program for referrals.
Armed with these six questions, you are well on your way to finding the perfect college consultant services for you.
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