Are College Consultants Worth It? A Closer Look At College Admissions Consulting
In an increasingly competitive college admissions landscape, many families find themselves asking, "Are college consultants worth it?" As college admissions become more complex and competitive than ever, seeking out a reliable and knowledgeable expert can be a huge asset. Here are the top reasons to hire a college consultant:
The Benefits of Hiring a College Consultant
1. Expertise and Experience
The admissions landscape changes quickly, and today’s process is in stark contrast to that of 10 years ago. Did you know that 34 schools have an acceptance rate of 10% or lower according to US News? Or that universities like Stanford are re-instating standardized test requirements for next year’s application cycle?
College consultants are knowledgeable experts who stay up-to-date on important trends and requirements. They’ve reviewed countless applications and know what the top colleges are really looking for, meaning they’re better positioned to help you craft an application than most teachers, parents, or mentors.
2. Personalized Guidance
While the internet contains incomprehensible amounts of information, it can’t come close to providing the type of personalized, in-depth, and focused support of a college consultant. Even high school counselors, who serve an average of 464 students according to the American School Counselor Association, have difficulty meeting student needs with as much attention as a college consultant.
3. Reduced Stress
According to the Princeton Review, 73% of students report high levels of stress associated with college application. This stress can feel overwhelming, and often leads to procrastination, stifled creativity, weaker applications, and unhappy students.
Working with a dedicated college consultant helps create timelines, track progress, approach applications methodically, and stay ahead of target, all while reducing stress and anxiety.
4. Enhanced Application Quality
With professional guidance, powerful editing, and one-on-one support, students who work with college consultants consistently produce higher quality applications and achieve greater success.
What Sets AMH College Consultant Apart
With years of experience at major college consulting firms, Ashley was troubled to see the large caseloads and robotic approaches of other consultants, many of whom manage 80-150+ clients. With a focus on student-centered pedagogy and the desire to provide the most comprehensive support to her students and families, Ashley founded AMH College Consultant. Here, we pride ourselves on:
Student-Centered Pedagogy
Our approach centers on the belief that students are unique individuals with specific strengths and needs. During our sessions, we foster a collaborative environment where students feel empowered, confident, and supported. This framework help builds connection and trust, and ultimately lends itself to developing compelling personal narratives throughout applications.
Small Caseload
AMH College Consultant commits to working with only 15-20 students each year. With a small caseload, Ashley is able to provide unparalleled support and dedication to her students and families. When she’s not in student meetings, she is following up on school events, calling admissions offices, or syncing about progress with parents.
Art Education Background
As an artist and art educator, Ashley has a keen eye for compelling storytelling. With a belief that essays are the key differentiator for successful applications, Ashley helps her students refine their creative writing practices to produce beautifully-composed and compelling college admissions essays.
Strategic Planning
At every step, AMH College Consultant relies on data and trends to support extracurricular strategy, course planning, letter of recommendation selection, etc.
Conclusion
Selecting a college consultant is an incredibly important decision that requires trust and strong rapport. If AMH College Consultant feels like a good fit for you, please reach out to Ashley at ashley@amhcollegeconsultant.com.
We look forward to hearing from you!
