What exactly does a college counselor do? Do they add value to a college application? Are they worth the money? And why does it feel like everyone is gatekeeping their college counselor? Is there some big secret?
As both a public high school counselor and a private college counselor, I see both sides: why some families choose to hire a counselor and why others don’t. In my opinion, a college counselor is like the Energizer Bunny of the application process—keeping you motivated, helping you map out a plan, and making sure you meet your deadlines. Think of us like math tutors or coaches, just without the math or the athleticism.
But do you need one? No.
Can the college application process be confusing to navigate alone? Absolutely.
Are there forums (cough Reddit, College Confidential) that will send you into a spiral, making you feel like you need to drop thousands of dollars, create a fake identity, and start a nonprofit just to get into college? 100%.
The truth is, the media often puts families into a scarcity mindset—making them feel like their student has no chance of getting into college unless they do X, Y, and Z. That’s simply not true.
Here’s my take:
If you're organized, self-motivated, and comfortable advocating for yourself, you can navigate this process solo. In fact, if you're a student reading this and want a starter pack to help you get going, shoot me an email at info@caffeinatedcounselor.org, and I’ll hook you up!
But if you're someone who needs structure, accountability, or just a trusted guide to cut through the noise, then hiring a counselor might be a smart move. Maybe you want someone to help you set realistic, achievable goals, or maybe you just need someone to tell you the truth about what really matters in college admissions.
Either way, you’re not alone in this process.
Caffeinated by an oat milk cappuccino.
