College Admissions: Help Is Needed

“Dylan wants to transfer…” I knew Dylan from SAT Prep.  Dylan’s mom, a friendly face I knew from Old Saybrook, had initially inquired about college counseling, but relayed that, having gone through the process with her two older children, she would handle.

 

Dylan applied Early Decision to a school that his older brother attended.  She thought Dylan was a stronger candidate.  Dylan was rejected.  Due to overconfidence, they did not spend a great deal of time crafting a comprehensive college list.  Other schools at the level of his ED school also did not admit him.  But, worse, two colleges that he would have had a good shot at admission had he applied early did not admit him in the regular decision pool.  He attended one of his safety schools and was predictably miserable. 

 

I am hearing stories like Dylan’s with greater frequency. 

 

The college application process is a labyrinth. Students face a barrage of decisions: which schools to apply to, how to craft compelling essays, whether to submit SAT/ACT scores, and how to secure financial aid. In 2025, the landscape is particularly dynamic. 

 

Without guidance, students risk feeling overwhelmed or making uninformed choices. A 2024 study by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) found that students with access to college counseling were 3.2 times more likely to apply to college and 2.1 times more likely to attend a four-year institution. Guidance provides clarity, strategy, and confidence to navigate this high-stakes process.

Why College Guidance Matters

• Personalized College Selection
  With over 4,000 colleges in the U.S. alone, finding the right fit is daunting. Guidance counselors help students identify schools that align with their academic goals, interests, and financial needs. For example, a counselor might steer a student toward lesser-known liberal arts colleges with strong programs in their major or flag schools with generous merit aid. Without this, students may gravitate toward “name-brand” schools that aren’t the best match.
• Navigating Shifting Admissions Policies
  The reinstatement of SAT/ACT requirements at schools like Dartmouth and UT Austin, alongside test-optional and test-blind policies elsewhere, creates confusion. Counselors stay updated on these changes, advising students on whether to submit scores (e.g., if above a school’s median) or focus on other application components. They also clarify deadlines, supplemental essays, and program-specific requirements, preventing costly mistakes.
• Crafting a Standout Application
  A strong application showcases a student’s unique story. Guidance counselors help students brainstorm essay topics, refine their voice, and highlight extracurriculars that demonstrate impact. For instance, a counselor might guide a student to frame their part-time job as evidence of leadership and resilience, rather than just a resume line. NACAC data shows that students with essay support are 20% more likely to submit polished applications that resonate with admissions officers.
• Maximizing Financial Aid and Scholarships
  College costs are skyrocketing, with average tuition at private universities exceeding $40,000 annually in 2025. Guidance counselors demystify the FAFSA, CSS Profile, and scholarship applications, helping families access grants, loans, and merit-based awards. A 2024 X post highlighted a student who secured a full-ride scholarship with counselor support, underscoring the financial impact of expert guidance.
• Reducing Stress and Building Confidence
  The pressure of college applications can take a toll on mental health. Counselors provide emotional support, timelines, and accountability, reducing anxiety. They also empower students to advocate for themselves, whether requesting teacher recommendations or appealing financial aid decisions. A 2023 survey by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) found that 68% of students felt “significantly less stressed” with counselor guidance.

Contact us to learn more.