Why Hire An Independent College Counselor

Are you considering hiring Lauren to partner with your child in their college process? 

While not strictly necessary for every student, independent counselors provide specialized support that many school-based counselors simply don't have the time to offer. 

Here are some of the reasons people choose to work with Lauren.

1. Personalized Attention and Availability

High school counselors are often stretched thin, managing hundreds of students at once. Even in a smaller environment, counselors are often wearing many hats in a school and are thinking about the entire grade. An independent counselor typically works with a smaller caseload, allowing for more one-on-one time and accessibility outside of school hours, including evenings, weekends, and throughout the summer. 

2. Strategic Application Planning

Admissions are more competitive than ever, especially at top-tier institutions. An independent counselor can help you: 

• Identify "Best-Fit" Schools: Beyond just rankings, they help find colleges that match your academic, social, and financial needs.

• Craft a Compelling Narrative: They assist in brainstorming and refining college essays to highlight your unique personal story.

• Organization: They provide structure and a clear roadmap, ensuring no important dates or steps are missed.

3. Specialized and Deep Expertise

Lauren is both a former admissions officer and has worked with thousands of students across diverse and specific student populations, such as: 

• Athletes and Artists: Navigating recruitment processes or portfolio requirements.

• Learning Differences: Finding colleges with strong support systems for neurodivergent students or those with specific medical needs.

• Financial Aid and Scholarships: Identifying schools that are more likely to offer generous merit aid or helping with complex financial aid forms like the FAFSA and CSS Profile. 

4. A partner to the family, not just the student

The college application process can be a major source of tension between students and parents. An independent counselor acts as a neutral third party, taking over the role of "project manager" and reducing the need for parental nagging. 

5. Keeping Up with Trends

The admissions landscape changes rapidly, with new test-optional policies and shifting priorities at various institutions. Professional counselors stay current by attending national conferences and visiting dozens of campuses each year.