When applying to very selective schools.
“Brand name” schools, typically the ones that populate most “top 25” listings, are increasingly difficult to gain admission to. Many top schools routinely reject applicants with perfect SAT/ACT scores. It’s important to realize that the students in the reject pile are often as qualified statistically as the small number of successful applicants – the difference often lies in activities, interests, enthusiasm, and “intangibles.” Communicating these personal characteristics effectively is critical to success.
When the student’s strongest points aren’t SAT scores and GPA.
In any situation where a student is applying to a school where his or her academic statistics don’t fall into a range that makes admission highly probable – what might be called a “reach” or “near-reach” school – it is important to present the non-academic achievements and talents in the best possible way. An experienced counselor can help the student use essays, recommendations, supplemental materials, and other data in the most effective manner to increase the probability of admission.
When a guidance counselor is inexperienced or unavailable.
Parents often assume that the school’s counseling staff will assist their children in navigating the tricky details of the college search and application process. Indeed, private “prep” schools and some public magnet schools often have counselors of great skills and experience in working with applicants to the most selective colleges. In many other public and private schools, however, the counseling situation is problematic.
