What Makes Empowerly Counselors Different

Have you ever wondered what exactly makes an Empowerly counselor different from other teachers you’ve known? Besides the fact that Empowerly counselors don’t give lectures or assign letter grades, our community is positively unique. So, what’s that secret ingredient?

Let’s go behind the scenes where the magic happens and meet the shining stars who make your dreams possible.

Empowerly counselors have that special “something,” the intangible strength of a high-quality mentor that can bring out the best potential in a student. 

And we’re not the only ones who think so! As one student put it, “This place makes dreams become realities.”

Of course, there’s a common theme here. Empowerly’s team of college counselors is, by profession, a passionate group of people who care about helping students. That’s why they’re in this educational field: to help you succeed.

But a big heart isn’t the only reason our counselors are different. The student experience at Empowerly is tailored to fit your needs and crafted with our utmost care, from start to finish.

Our counselors aren’t just knowledgeable — they’re elite. The best of the best. The cream of the crop. However you want to say it, every Empowerly counselor comes from top-tier backgrounds, including former admissions officers, Ivy League alumni, and seasoned college advisors. (In other words, real-life superheroes.)

Not only that, your student’s individuality is taken into account during this process. You’ll be matched with an admissions expert who has direct experience at top 50 schools and provides the right match for your student’s learning style. Together, we’ll find the right recipe for success.

Did you know that our counselors spend on average 25x more time with students than the average high school counselor? It’s not just about grades here. Our counselors do more than just edit essays or suggest schools; they become strategic partners in our students' success. 

One-on-one sessions over time will zero in on your strengths, build out your successes, and identify all the little things that make you, you — helping you identify and reach your career goals.

We help students shape their entire story, not just polish their essays. Whether you’re starting from scratch or are already a high-achieving candidate, our counselors adapt to where you are. That means support with:

• Extracurricular development
• Summer planning
• Major exploration
• Essay strategy
• Test preparation
• And more!

Whatever your biggest worries are, our team has been in your shoes — and found a way to put the best foot forward.

Although our students work one-on-one with a single primary counselor, they also get to tap into the knowledge of ALL Empowerly counselors. 

All you have to do is ask your counselor to get started. As they say, it takes a village — and Empowerly has your back.

It’s not just about getting into college. Our counselors help students grow into confident, capable young adults so that they can achieve their college admission dreams and beyond. 

Where else can your student learn how to conduct themselves in professional relationships, handle interviews like a pro, and collaborate with adults about their future? Our counselors will help you develop into the best version of yourself — and that is priceless.

It’s one thing for us to say it, and it’s another to hear from the amazing counselors themselves. We asked a number of our counselors what they think makes Empowerly counselors so effective (and well-loved).

“Beyond my time working at Penn and USC, I spent a lot of time doing test prep. I used to work at the Princeton Review,” Jennifer shared. Her test prep involvement included guiding students through sections of the SAT, ACT, LSAT, MCAT, GRE, and grading more than 80,000 essays while a Live Grader Analyst. 

“I’ve become a huge test prep nerd over time. It’s a major component of a lot of students’ admissions packages, so it’s really helpful to understand how that process works. I have a lot of depth experience in strange, unique places a lot of folks in admissions may not have, which helps with long-term planning.” 

In regards to her approach to counseling, Jennifer said, “It’s important to NOT take a one-size-fits-all approach. All students have their different strengths and weaknesses,” she continued. “It really depends on the student – what they need to work on – so as we get to know each other, we figure out what they need to meet their ultimate goals.” 

An important component, she emphasizes, is, “figuring out how to put together a bite-sized plan, so that the student can make steady progress towards their goals. Let’s talk about priority and balance.”

In addition to her many qualifications and knowledge of the field, Barbara brings her best to the table. When asked about her approach to her work with students, she replied that it is the “same as my approach to life. I really value relationships that are based on mutual respect, so that’s how I approach my students.” 

“I’m there as a guide to make sure they get everything done, have great essays, don’t miss any deadlines. But increasingly, through our process together, I want to empower them to take ownership of the process. It doesn’t mean I back out, but I want them to be the drivers of the train,” Barbara explained. 

“The reason for this is at the end of the day (or year) it gives students a real sense of accomplishment and mastery, and allows them to really own the process and feel good about it.” For high school students looking to take some of their first big steps into the world, this approach makes all the difference. 

“I came to the US in the middle of my sophomore year in high school. At the time, I had no support system (my parents didn’t attend college in the US and my school counselors didn’t think me a strong enough competitor for non-state schools).”

“I had to figure out everything on my own — testing, essays, recommendation letters, everything. Luckily, my hard work helped me prove my counselors wrong and won me a full ride to NYU.” 

In turn, the valuable lessons (and failures) from my personal admissions journey were quite useful when it was my sister’s turn to apply. After helping her extensively with the admissions process (she also won several full rides), I realized I had found my niche! I deeply value the admissions process and believe it to be my duty to pay forward just as I did my sister and countless other students after her.”

You can read more of this bite-sized “Coffee with a Counselor” interview series on our blog to gain deeper insight into what kind of mentors Empowerly loves to champion. 

• Coffee with a Counselor: Meet Jennifer L. | Empowerly
• Coffee with a Counselor: Barbara S. | Empowerly
• Coffee with a Counselor: Kate C. | Empowerly
• Coffee with a Counselor: Jeannie W. | Empowerly
• Coffee with a Counselor: Gelyna P | Empowerly
• Coffee with a Counselor: Connie L. | Empowerly
• Coffee with a Counselor: Maame B. | Empowerly
• Coffee with a Counselor: Stephanie W. | Empowerly
• Coffee with a Counselor: Ronnie M. | Empowerly
• Coffee with a Counselor: Alison H. | Empowerly
• Coffee with a Counselor: Jermaine D. | Empowerly
• Coffee with a Counselor: Ajunie V. | Empowerly
• Coffee with a Counselor: Megan W. | Empowerly
• Coffee with a Counselor: Rana H. | Empowerly
• Coffee with a Counselor: Pam P. | Empowerly

Ultimately, what truly sets Empowerly counselors apart is a unique blend of unparalleled expertise, personalized partnership, and a genuine commitment to holistic student growth. From their top-tier backgrounds and specialized knowledge to their compassionate guidance and dedication to long-term development, Empowerly counselors don't just help students get into college – they empower them to become confident, capable individuals ready to tackle future challenges. 

After all, this isn't just about admissions; it's about building a foundation for lifelong success. When you choose Empowerly, you're not just getting a counselor; you're gaining a village dedicated to making your dreams a reality.