College Counselors

[believe2023]

Does anyone have any advice on using a "college counselor" during the application process. I know many people use them, we did not for my first son, but since my second DS is applying to the USNA and the USAFA , I was wondering what others may have done. Thanks.

 

[Cerberi]

The process is well defined. The admissions' page for each SA is clear on the process and this forum combined with the official web pages walk you through the process.

The process is lengthy and requires some additional steps normal colleges don't require, but there is nothing a paid advisor can assist in doing that isn't already spelled out and well defined

 

[AROTC-dad]

Agree with cerberi. All the info you REALLY need is available on the USNA website, from the BGO, and this forum.

Putting your money towards a good SAT/ACT prep course would be likely more effective.

 

[time2]

Most 'college counselors' are probably not even familiar with the specifics of applying to any of the SA's, so they may provide bad advice along with the good. The process is different from a civilian college, but as mentioned above, what you need to do is well-defined and there isn't anyone with 'secret' inside info/pull, regardless of what they claim. Even if you could find someone who offers specific SA advice, you are just paying them to do what you could do for yourself. Each MOC also runs their own process to issue NOM's, so unlikely to find a counselor with specific knowledge of those individuals.

If an applicant depends on someone else during the application process, probably not a good thing to tell your BGO or MOC during their interviews. Part of the application process is having the applicant take their own initiative to get things done.

 

[believe2023]

Thank you all so much, you all said what we were already thinking. We will get some ACT prep classes, his first score, (which he took cold) was pretty good but could go up a few for the SA.

 

[mjm]

I will add that the process changes ....the process is slightly different for my DD 2022 hopeful ( USNA) than it was for my 2018 (USNA) DS 4 years ago. I agree with above posters that money spent on a good SAT/ACT tutor is a better investment!

 

[Old Navy BGO]

probably not a good thing to tell your BGO or MOC during their interviews

+ 1 . I know college advisors are probably more common in certain areas of the country, but wouldn't go over well this old BGO. I expect to see personal initiative, and the application process should be one's own effort. To echo the comments above, it is unlikely that the College Advisor would have a clue about Service Academy Admissions, and could likely lead to some bad advice.

 

[jl123]

Does anyone have any advice on using a "college counselor" during the application process. I know many people use them, we did not for my first son, but since my second DS is applying to the USNA and the USAFA , I was wondering what others may have done. Thanks.

I agree with the previous comments. You don't need a college counselor for a service academy application. The process is complicated, but quite logical and all the information you need is readily available.

A college counselor could be beneficial for civilian college applications, especially if your high school does not have a well staffed college counseling office. Good college counseling helps you focus your efforts, keep on track, and avoid the pitfalls associated with the civilian college application process, which can be opaque and enigmatic.

 

[Humey]

I like using professional college counselors. We used them for my first son (didnt attend academy) and I think she was very helpful. Using one for the academies would only make sense the if the person had a lot of experience with them and if they were hired before Junior year where they can make a bigger difference. All college application processes are logical with the info readily available, but I as professional (taxes) can tell you that logic and information are sometimes not enough. I am not saying one should use a college counselor to get into an academy, but I also believe that the person who has done something 300 times is going to know something more than the person who is doing it for the first time. Not saying it isnt possible, but i doubt it ever happen the other way

 

[jl123]

I also believe that the person who has done something 300 times is going to know something more than the person who is doing it for the first time.

I learned that lesson the hard way when I went cheap on a lawyer for what I thought was a straightforward matter. After $1,000, paperwork screwed up, and less than halfway done, I fired him and hired a $500/hour lawyer who got it done in 3 hours.