There’s no denying that a bachelor’s degree can help with furthering your career. However, for many students, the college application process is often daunting and overwhelming. The good news is that with the help of a college counselor, students can better fulfill their college readiness, academic, career, and personal dreams. Continue reading to learn three ways college counselors help students.
1. To overcome academic challenges.
Many high school students deal with academic challenges that often impact their learning and overall schooling experience, which leaves them at a disadvantage when looking to further their education in college. It’s no secret that many top colleges prioritize high school students who earn good grades. Poor grades lower your chances of getting admission into an A-list college and students who want to land the college of their dreams are often encouraged to make straight A’s in high school—which ultimately gives them a comparative advantage over other applicants.
Thankfully, students can take advantage of various counseling opportunities to overcome academic challenges and improve their overall chance of attending the college of their dreams. Several counselling companies offer exceptional counseling services to students facing academic challenges such as lack of concentration, anxiety, and more.
For many students, the anxiety of taking tests impacts their performance, regardless of how much time they spend studying. Professional counselors recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for students dealing with test anxiety. CBT focuses on helping students experiencing test anxiety to overcome negative thoughts. Alternatively, a counselor may refer a student to a psychiatrist, who can help students overcome behavior issues, feelings of isolation, or anger issues that stem from living with a learning disability. Don’t hesitate to speak to a counselor educator or a professional therapist if you suffer from these challenges.
2. To plan for college.
Getting into college requires thorough planning and sheer hard work and a college counselor can help students develop a roadmap for achieving their professional goals. Many college applicants can get overwhelmed and frustrated with the college application process. If you’re in this situation, consider speaking to a college counselor to help facilitate the entire college application process.
They can use their knowledge and skills to provide personalized college admission counseling to help you land and prepare for the college for your dreams. Besides college counseling services, they can also provide education services like reviewing college essays and answering whatever questions students may have.
3. Applying for financial aid.
Families in the United States spend a substantial amount of money paying for college education for their students. While degrees from top colleges are worthwhile, many low-income students can’t afford the hefty price tag of acquiring them. Generally, many families require financial aid to afford the costly college tuition.
Financial aid refers to college funding received from sources that don’t involve family, personal savings, or earnings. It usually takes the form of scholarships, federal or private loans, grants, and work-study jobs. Low-income college students can use financial aid to cover most college expenses, including tuition and fees, books and supplies, accommodation fees, and transportation. College counselors offer low-income students advice on accessing funds to pay for college. Federal and state agencies, high schools, colleges, foundations, community organizations, and corporations offer financial aid to prospective college students.
All in all, college counselors help students succeed in school and encourage them to pursue their interests. As a potential college student, a counselor can also help you create a plan to pay for your college education. So, don’t hesitate to ask your high school counselor about financial aid that may be available to you. They can help you proofread your financial aid application and facilitate the entire process.
