PUBLICATION
Let’s start with three very different students:
Tim attended a selective independent school in NYC. While his school had a robust college counseling office, Tim had a unique goal: he wanted to apply to schools in the UK, and explore specialized programs outside the school’s usual network. He also wanted to have a few support services and wanted to find them all under one umbrella. That’s why he worked with Evolved Education Company. His college counselor helped him navigate international admissions, while an Evolved test prep tutor supported his testing strategy and a writing specialist guided him in crafting compelling, tailored essays.
Cara attended a NYC public high school. She was overwhelmed by the college process and unsure of how to start. With an Evolved college counselor by her side, she explored potential majors, learned what school environments suited her best, created a well-balanced college list, and completed her applications with clarity and confidence. When her decisions came in, she had great options—because her applications reflected the best of who she is.
Brian attended a suburban public school, played varsity sports, and received learning accommodations. He wanted to find a college where he could both play sports and receive the learning support he needed. Evolved paired him with a college counselor trained in special education. Together, they broke down the application process into manageable steps. With writing support (sentence starters, exemplars, and outlines) and strategies to manage stress and anxiety, Brian was empowered to submit strong applications and make a confident decision.
So—Do You Need a College Counselor?
The truth is, not every student needs a private college counselor. But many students benefit from one, especially when:
You want personalized support that goes beyond what your school counselor can offer.
You’re exploring non-traditional pathways (e.g., international schools, arts programs, specialized majors).
You need extra help breaking down tasks, managing anxiety, or navigating learning differences.
You want to maximize your options and see opportunities your school may not know about.
What to Look for in a College Counselor
Training: Look for someone who is trained specifically in college counseling—not just admissions or general education. Programs like UCLA’s College Counseling Certificate provide in-depth training in application strategy, financial aid, and admissions trends.
Experience: Counselors who have worked in schools or admissions offices bring valuable insider knowledge. They understand how admissions teams think—and how to stand out.
Process: Students benefit from working within a clear timeline and defined tasks. They need to be guided through the process.
Specialized Knowledge: Whether it’s test prep, learning support, athletic recruitment, or essay writing—your counselor should be able to build a team or strategy that supports your unique path.
At Evolved Education Company, we believe the college process should be empowering, not overwhelming. Our expert counselors work with students across all types of schools—public, private, international, and homeschooled—bringing insight, strategy, and encouragement every step of the way.
To learn more, visit www.evolvededucationcompany.com or email our Director of Consulting Programs, Elian Seidel, at elian@evolveded.com.
We’re here to help your child not just get into college—but find the right one for them