When during your child's high school career should you reach out to an Educational Consultant for professional guidance on the college admissions process?

Typically, I begin advising students at the start of their junior year. This allows sufficient time to develop a relationship with the student and family, discover their priorities and preferences for colleges, and assemble a well balanced college list. Commencing work during the student's junior year allows time to counsel on choice of major/career, make suggestions for adding depth to the student's extracurricular involvements, and truly support their efforts through the entire college search and application process.

In some instances, a family will begin working with an Educational Consultant earlier on, perhaps during freshman or sophomore year. This is appropriate when a student requires curriculum advisement or perhaps assistance planning summer enrichment activities. It is also appropriate to begin work earlier in high school when a student is seeking admission to a highly selective and elite university.

Truly there are no right or wrong answers. It really depends on the needs and wants of the student and family. However, I do caution families not to wait until fall of senior year to reach out to an Educational Consultant, as many will be already fully booked for the season.

If you feel professional expertise is needed for your student, contact Mears College Consulting LLC today.