Our 2024 Guide to Find a College & Career Counselor for You

Summer’s out, and while most teens are basking in the freedom of sunny days and late nights, you have a golden opportunity to get ahead. College applications and career planning don’t take summer vacations, so this is the perfect time for serious students to start thinking about the future! Building the foundations for the coming year is an amazing way to make the most of your time off and have the best standing come admissions in the fall of your senior year. 

You don’t have to navigate this journey alone, though! Finding the right college and career counselor now can set you up for success when school is back in session. Ready to make the most of your summer break? Let’s dive into how you can find the ideal counselor to guide you through this exciting, pivotal time.

Why You Need a College and Career Counselor

The first thing to do when deciding whether you need a college and career counselor is to figure out your ideal goals for your future. Every student has unique and individual paths to success, so it’s important to start from the beginning and build the foundations before you get too far into the details. 

For instance, applying to colleges and planning for a career involves many steps, including selecting the right schools, preparing for standardized tests, writing essays, and exploring potential career paths. What are the ideals for you? What majors or fields of study do you want to pursue? Do you want to live close to home or much farther away? What types of colleges are you looking at applying to? These are all incredibly important to figure out as they will help you identify gaps in your preparation and if you need additional support.

If you’re looking for some extra inspiration to start your journey, try these resources!

To help build a career search foundation, try these resources:

To build a college admissions foundation, get started here:

Now you might be wondering, what exactly does a college and career counselor do? Well, a college and career counselor offers:

• Expert Guidance: Counselors are well-versed in the latest trends and requirements in college admissions and career planning. This can be especially helpful now as many of the trends and policies within the college and career landscape are changing rapidly each year, so having someone who knows and understands what these changes mean can be very helpful in getting ahead of the curve.
• Personalized Attention: Counselors are there to provide tailored advice based on your strengths, interests, and goals. They understand that your journey is unique, so creating a cohesive and personalized plan for your path is key to succeeding every step of the way.
• Stress Reduction: Counselors help reduce anxiety and stress by managing the complexities of the application process. The major decisions involved in college and career development can be extremely stressful, and many teenagers struggle when they embark on their own—so having someone in your court to help navigate deadlines, policy changes, and the small details can make all the difference.
• Increased Success Rates: Students who work with counselors often have higher acceptance rates to their preferred colleges and are better prepared for their chosen careers. Having someone who knows the process and understands the ins and outs of your desired major, university choices, or career paths can help provide solid and helpful advice that will put you on the right path to success much faster and more efficiently.

Having all of these goals in mind, it’s important to find a reputable counselor to work with to achieve your success as you persevere through the ups and downs of the college and career search process. However, these are not the only things to pay attention to when finding a counselor to work with! 

Let’s explore additional aspects to focus on when searching for a counselor that best fits your needs.

1. Credentials to Look for in a College and Career Counselor

Before choosing a counselor, it’s essential to verify their credentials. Membership in reputable organizations can be a good indicator of their professionalism and expertise. Look for counselors who are members of:

• Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA): IECA members adhere to a strict code of ethics and have demonstrated expertise in educational consulting. Counselors who are members of the IECA are among a team of expert educational professionals who understand the needs of students and families and work to uphold equal access and equitable outcomes for students.
• National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC): NACAC members are committed to maintaining high standards in college admissions counseling and receive regular updates on industry trends. NACAC members can also regularly attend college fairs and other professional events, providing a bridge between universities and counseling.
• American School Counselor Association (ASCA): ASCA members are typically licensed school counselors with experience in academic and career advising. You’ve likely interacted with your school counselor at some point in your high school career, so your counselor is likely a member of ASCA!
• Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA): HECA members focus on providing personalized college admissions counseling and have access to ongoing professional development. They work closely with students and families to navigate the complex college admissions process, offering tailored guidance on selecting colleges, preparing applications, and securing financial aid.
• National Career Development Association (NCDA): NCDA members engage in diverse activities, including career counseling and coaching, developing and delivering educational programs, and participating in professional development opportunities such as conferences and webinars. Members advocate for career development policies at various levels and contribute to research and publications in the field. They adhere to a code of ethics and standards, ensuring high-quality services. They often administer and interpret career assessment tools to help individuals understand their interests, strengths, and career options. 

2. The Role of Technology in College and Career Counseling

As we’ve continued to move into a digital world, the push for online access to materials and support has become ever more important. This is for several reasons, including more widespread access, easier time scheduling, and more!

Effective counselors leverage technology to:

• Virtual Meetings: Video conferencing tools like Zoom or Google Meet enable counselors to consult with students and families remotely. This is especially valuable for students who cannot meet in person due to distance or other constraints. Digital meetings still allow counselors to discuss college and career plans, review application materials, and provide guidance on academic and extracurricular activities. They also allow for more flexible scheduling, making it easier for students and families to connect with their counselors outside of typical hours, including weekends, earlier mornings, or later evenings after school or summer activities!

• Online Resources: Counselors can provide access to various online tools and resources to support students in their college and career planning. These resources may include websites for researching colleges, practice tests for standardized exams, and career exploration platforms. By leveraging online resources, counselors can empower students to take a more proactive role in their education and career development, providing them with the information they need to make informed decisions.

• Counseling Management Systems: Counseling management systems help counselors and students stay organized throughout the college application or career planning process. These platforms allow users to track important tasks, manage submission requirements, and monitor the progress throughout the journey. By using a counseling management system, counselors can ensure that students meet deadlines and submit complete and accurate application materials, ultimately increasing their chances of admission to their desired colleges or career paths.

• Career Assessment Tools: Digital career assessment tools can assist students in identifying their interests, skills, and values, providing valuable insights into potential career paths. These tools often use questionnaires or assessments to gather information about the individual’s preferences and strengths. This information is then used to generate a list of potential careers that align with their profile. By offering career assessment tools, counselors can help students make more informed decisions about their future career paths, guiding them toward fields that are well-suited to their interests and abilities.

3. Benefits of Working with a College and Career Counselor

Independent educational consultants (counselors) offer several advantages:

• Unbiased Advice: College and career counselors provide unbiased advice as they are not affiliated with any specific school or institution. This allows them to offer objective guidance tailored to the student’s needs without any conflicts of interest. On the other hand, school counselors may have competing responsibilities and obligations within their school environment, which could impact their advice.
• Flexible Scheduling: College and career counselors often offer more flexible scheduling options than school counselors. They can accommodate students’ and families’ schedules, including evenings and weekends, which can be particularly helpful for busy students or families with conflicting commitments.
• Specialized Expertise: Many counselors have specialized knowledge and expertise in particular college and career counseling areas. This could include expertise in international admissions, understanding the nuances of financial aid, or knowledge about specific career fields and their educational requirements. This specialized knowledge allows college and career counselors to provide more in-depth and targeted guidance to students with unique needs or aspirations.
• Additional Resources and Connections: College and career counselors often have access to a wide range of resources and connections within the education and career counseling field. These could include access to college admissions officers, scholarship opportunities, and other valuable resources that can benefit students. By leveraging these resources and connections, counselors can provide students with more comprehensive support and opportunities for success.

4. How to Evaluate a Counselor’s Experience and Expertise

Experience and expertise are also critical factors in choosing a college and career counselor to work with. Consider the following:

• Years of Experience: Search for counselors with several years of experience and a proven track record of success. Additionally, inquire about their success rates as college and career counselors—how many students they have helped get into universities or careers of their choice, how many of their students got into esteemed programs, and so on. Asking these questions will help you understand the impact they have had in their careers and whether they have been successful.
• Specialization: Certain counselors specialize in specific areas, such as working with athletes, artists, or students with learning differences. Since everyone’s needs and goals are unique, finding a counselor who aligns with you will give you the best chance of receiving personalized advice and support.
• Educational Background: Verify if the counselor holds high-level educational qualifications, such as degrees in education, counseling, or psychology. These credentials demonstrate that the counselor has a strong grasp of human behavior, learning processes, and developmental stages, which are crucial for offering effective guidance. Additionally, such qualifications often require counselors to engage in continuous professional development to stay current with their field’s latest research and trends, ensuring that they can provide the most up-to-date and relevant advice to their clients.

5. The Importance of a Personalized Approach

Another aspect of finding a strong college and career counselor is to see if they can provide a personalized approach to their counseling approach. Every student is unique, and a one-size-fits-all approach does not work in college and career counseling. We as individuals have distinct strengths, weaknesses, interests, and aspirations that must be considered during the admissions process, so finding a counselor to help us throughout the ups and downs is highly important! For instance, some students might excel academically and need help identifying prestigious universities and scholarship opportunities. In contrast, others may require more support to build a strong application or overcome test anxiety. A good counselor will:

• Assess Your Strengths and Interests: Through assessments and discussions, counselors can help you identify your strengths, interests, and career aspirations. They should get to know you as both a student, professional, and individual, so ensuring that you can have a successful conversation with the counselor about your goals and interests will be the most important way to ensure they can best support you.

• Develop a Customized Plan: The counselor will create a personalized roadmap for college applications and career planning based on your goals. They should be able to consider all of your goals when building out your specific plan and should consider your workload, learning styles, and motivation levels as you move forward on your college and career planning journey.

• Provide Ongoing Support: A counselor should provide ongoing support throughout the entire process, from the initial planning to the final decisions. Since every student’s motivation levels vary, it is crucial to find a counselor who can support you and your family through all the ups and downs of the admissions journey. College admissions and career searches can be incredibly stressful for you and your family, so it’s essential to find a counselor who works to make the process easier.

6. Questions to Ask Potential Questions

The next step we recommend on our list is scheduling preliminary consultations with potential counselor candidates! As you begin to schedule conversations with experts in the admissions and career counseling field, be sure to ask questions to ensure they are the right fit, such as:

• What is your approach to college and career counseling?
• How are you updated with the latest college admissions and career planning trends?
• Can you provide examples of students you have helped in the past?
• What is your availability for meetings and consultations?
• How do you involve parents in the counseling process?
• How do you adapt to changes and challenges when helping a student?
• What are your favorite parts of helping students through college and career planning?

7. How to Maximize Your Counseling Experience

Finally, to get the most out of your counseling experience, follow these tips:

Be Open and Honest: Share your true interests, concerns, and goals with your counselor. Have an upfront conversation about what you’re looking to accomplish while finding your best-fit university or career, and provide more insights into your learning and motivational styles (including the ups and downs and how you combat challenges). These are all incredibly valuable learnings for counselors as they can adapt and adjust their approaches accordingly!

Stay Engaged: Be actively involved in meetings and follow your counselor’s recommendations. Counseling sessions are ultimately beneficial for you, so ensure that you seek the most advice and support possible. Additionally, provide your counselor with helpful information about your workload as you complete tasks and take the initiative in your growth as a student and professional.

Ask Questions: Feel free to ask questions if you’re unsure about any part of the process. There are no unnecessary questions, so be sure to ask if you have difficulty or need extra support during more challenging tasks. Your college and career counselor will help you every step of the way, so creating an open forum will help you get the most out of your time with them.

Stay Organized: Staying on top of deadlines, requirements, and documents is crucial to ensuring a smooth application process. While your counselor can offer assistance, you must establish a system that keeps all your materials organized and ready for submission ahead of deadlines. By staying organized, you can avoid the stress of scrambling for items at the last minute and give yourself the best chance for a successful application process!

Selecting the appropriate college and career counselor can significantly impact your educational and professional future. By evaluating qualifications, experience, individualized approach, and other factors, you can identify a counselor who will offer the guidance and support necessary for your success!

Need Additional Resources?

To further assist you in finding the right college and career counselor, here are some additional resources:

• IECA Member Directory: IECA Website
• NACAC Member Directory: NACAC Website
• ASCA Member Directory: ASCA Website
• HECA Member Directory: HECA Website
• National Career Development Association
• https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/
• https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/demystifying-college-admissions/id1441840536
• https://smithteaches9to12.com/podcasts-for-career-exploration-for-high-school-students/

Final Thoughts

The journey to college and a successful career is one of the most important paths you will undertake, and the effects of your decisions will continue throughout your high school years and well into your adult professional life. A knowledgeable and supportive college and career counselor can make this journey smoother and more successful, allowing you to find a career or university that helps you discover your passions and achieve stronger professional development for your dreams and goals. And who wouldn’t want that?

Need additional support in your journey? Empowerly is here for you every step of the way! From initial high school course planning to internship support and everything in between, our expert team will guide you and your family through the rocky admissions process and help you find a college and career path that suits your goals. Schedule a consultation with our team today to learn how we can help you increase your chances of college admission by 11x!