College Admissions Consulting Top 7 Reasons to Use College Coaching Written by Shannon Vasconceloson November 22nd, 2024 I came to College Coach with close to 10 years of experience in college financial aid offices. I began my career at Boston University, where I counseled students and their parents on the financial aid process and reviewed undergraduate financial aid applications. At Tufts University, where I served as assistant director of financial aid, I developed expertise in the field of health professions financial aid. I was responsible for financial aid application review, grant awarding and loan processing, and college financing and debt management counseling for both pre- and post-doctoral dental students. I have also served as an active member of the Massachusetts Association of Student Financial Aid Administrator’s Early Awareness and Outreach Committee, coordinating early college awareness activities for middle school students; as a trainer for the Department of Education’s National Training for Counselors and Mentors, educating high school guidance counselors on the financial aid process; and as a volunteer for FAFSA Day Massachusetts, aiding students and parents with the completion of online financial aid applications. Learn More About Shannon college admissions consulting, educational consultant, As a new school year gets under way, many families start thinking ahead to a future milestone on their children’s educational journeys – college – and what support they may need to get there. At Bright Horizons College Coach®, we have helped thousands of families to reach their educational goals, and, while the specific reasons for wanting support can vary from family to family, and from year to year, some trends have emerged. Here are the top seven reasons families consider working with Bright Horizons College Coach: Expert College Admissions Guidance: Many students want and need guidance from someone other than mom or dad. (I’ve lost count of how many parents have shared, “My kid just won’t listen to me!”) We have been a trusted partner to families for 25 years and our collaborative team of admissions experts, all former college admissions officers, understand the process inside and out. Expert College Finance Guidance: Getting into college is challenging enough – now you have to figure out how to pay for it! Our college finance experts work with families at all stages of the college finance process – from parents of newborn babies starting their first college savings account through parents of college seniors paying their final tuition bill. And because our finance experts are all former college financial aid officers, they know how to maximize financial aid and scholarship resources, to minimize the burden on families.Building the College List: The right list is key to both successful college admissions and finance processes. The big-name schools get a lot of love, but there are many hidden gems to uncover. We typically recommend applying to a balanced list of 7-10 schools, with a mix of probable, possible, and reach options. An ideal list takes into consideration a student’s academic goals, as well as their financial, social, and personal wants and needs.College Essay Support: Our families consistently share that one of the most valuable aspects of our services is the essay-writing support. Students often stress over what to write about and how to best present their accomplishments. Because parents, and sometimes teachers, can be too close to the student to provide objective guidance, it comes as no surprise to us that this service is one of our most sought after. Because our team has read hundreds of thousands of college essays, we know what makes a great one!How to Be Competitive at Top Choice Schools: What are colleges looking for? How do students stand out in competitive applicant pools? The truth is, there is no perfect formula or secret sauce. However, we know how important it is to make sure that a student’s high school plan (curriculum choices, extracurricular activities, outside interests) aligns with their unique strengths and goals. As former decision makers at a wide variety of colleges across the country, our experts provide the guidance needed to help students maximize their high school experience and present their best selves in their college applications.Organizational Support/Stress Reduction: The college process is a marathon, not a sprint. There are so many moving pieces, decisions, and deadlines along the way. Working with knowledgeable, experienced admissions and finance consultants helps to reduce the stress level, allowing the student to have some fun and gain confidence along the way. Contrary to popular belief, applying to college can be a positive experience! Alternative Pathways: While we’ve supported thousands of students in finding their best fit colleges, we know that a traditional college experience is not the goal for every student. To that end, we also provide assistance in identifying educational alternatives to a 4-year degree, such as 2-year community college programs, short-term certificates, apprenticeships, and more! Regardless of where you or your child is on their educational journey, there are many ways to engage with Bright Horizons College Coach’s support. Check out our YouTube channel and our podcast, Getting In: A College Coach Conversation, for helpful college admissions and finance resources. You can also find us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Check your benefits package to see if you have access to Bright Horizons College Coach’s services through your employer. And, if you are in the market for a private college counselor, check out our website to learn more about our private consulting. 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