Wednesday, August 5, 2015

Working With The Educational Consultant

By April Briggs


Pursuing higher education entails getting advisory help. Many turn to an educational consultant to do the job. Those specializing in planning for college will set you on the right path; and if you need placement for a learning disability, you can find this as well.

Every student has a type of college or university in mind and is concerned about selecting the right one. You can alleviate this concern by using a specialist. You will discuss what you have in mind, show your qualifications, and reveal aspects of your personality that pertain. Only then can your preferred environment be determined. Each student has an ideal match or two. Given the vast number of schools in the US alone, it is a sifting process to be sure. A consultant can save a great deal of time and energy in your educational pursuit.

Ask your consultant about residential facilities at the very start. It will narrow down the field considerably if you want to live away from home during the school term. While you do have to return home during holidays and perhaps summers, it is a great convenience to many. It promotes social interaction and is a unique first-time experience for young adults.

Trends change and priorities shift. A consultant will have his or her ear to the ground. He or she will convey what is happening now and what one can expect to find at the college level. This is what experience is all about: making a good match based on current reality.

A consultant will spend hours with the student to get to know them. They interview the student and study the person's education, personality, qualifications, interests and more. They get to know the student and their family well. They may also talk to other teachers and counselors to assess a student to determine their best needs.

Many students have special needs and requests. A learning disability will narrow the field to only those schools that have adequate programs and facilities. It is important to find the right place for a better experience and outcome. Sometimes special testing is required to get in, and a good consultant will prepare you for this process.

There is, of course, a fee associated with educational consulting unless the advisor is employed by your high school. You will find both flat fees and hourly rates. If you qualify for a discount or pro bono services, you should make this factor known to the consultant. No doubt family income will be the determining issue. In any case, do your research to find the best advisor in your area for higher education counseling.

A top counselor has the training and experience to set you on the right path. They should specialize in higher education and be able to keep your interests in mind. Thus, they are an ideal combination of caring and concern melded with experience in the field. Often they have a master's or doctor's degree. While they may be associated with a professional organization, they should be a free agent and not attached to a particular institution, As a result, they can be more objective when offering advice and school choices.




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