A family’s decision to work with a college admissions advisor is the first step forward in a high school student’s college application process. Although most college-bound students start thinking about college early in their academic careers, the hands-on application and interview process should always begin with a candid talk with a college admissions advisor. Preparing for the first advisory meeting is crucial to making progress in an admission support program. It’s important that students are genuinely invested in their advisory services and use their sessions to enthusiastically explore college options.

Before the first meeting with a college admissions advisor, high schoolers must spend time and mental energy considering their own interests, skills, academic strengths and weaknesses, and social personality. Additionally, students should have frank discussions at home to help them grasp their ability to afford secondary education. Once a student has gathered this information, a college admissions advisor can guide them toward the right school, not just the one that is the highest-ranked or most popular.

How to Prepare for College Admission Advisory Consultation

During the first meeting with a college admission advisor, students will be asked many “getting to know you” questions. Students should prepare in advance for these questions, even if they think that the answers are intuitive or “easy”. Ahead of their initial consultation, high schoolers should consider the following questions:

1. Describe your academic career. Do you think your grades and test scores are reflective of your ability as a student? Why or why not?
2. What are your academic interests? Do they align with your academic abilities?
3. What are your extracurricular interests? Where do you excel? Where do you fall short?
4. What is your dream school? Why? Do you feel that it would be a reach to be admitted? Why or why not?
5. Do you enjoy any extra support services at school? How have you benefitted from those services? Would you like those services in college?
6. What kind of social experience are you hoping to have in college?
7. What do you think you would like to study?
8. What do you think you would like to do after university?
9. Do you currently have good study habits? How do you study?
10. Do you manage your time well? How do you prioritize your studies, extracurriculars, and social time?
11. What are some “non-resume” interests that you have? How important is it that they are accessible to you when you go to college?

The Next Steps for Admissions Advisors

Once a college admissions advisor has a sense of who a student is, they can begin to roughly draw together a list of schools that they think would be a good fit. Further down the line – after aptitude tests and more interviews – admissions advisors will consult on application and financial aid processes.

Working with a college admissions advisor provides both students and families with a point person for support during the college application process. An admissions advisor is a well of information about colleges, admissions, and financial aid. Advisors can make college recommendations for students based on anything from class size to freshman retention, athletic divisions to specialty majors. Trusting a college admissions advisor by being honest and candid during the initial consultation will set students up for success as they navigate the next stage of their educational careers.

For more information about success before, during, and after college, read Affording and Surviving College, by Mark Lewis. To retain the best in college admissions consultation services, contact Educational Attainment Services today.