College Counselor
How to Become a College Counselor
College Counselor Job Details
Skills or Qualities Needed to Become a College Counselor
College Counselor Salary
Influential Professional College Counselors
Leading Organizations for College Counselors
Top Cities for College Counselor Jobs
Other Careers of Interest
How to become a College Counselor
In order to work as a college counselor in a public high school setting, a master's degree in counseling is usually required. Many programs exist specifically designed for the college counseling profession. Several are even on-line or held at university extension campuses and scheduled in the evenings and on weekends. Students in such programs often work part-time in the college career center.
Without a master's degree in counseling, employment in this field is generally limited to private practice (independent contractor college counseling) or working as a paraprofessional in a public school setting.
Without a master's degree in counseling, employment in this field is generally limited to private practice (independent contractor college counseling) or working as a paraprofessional in a public school setting.
What does a College Counselor do?
Independent contractor college counselors and public high school college counselors generally work with high school students who are researching colleges and university options and in the midst of the application process. They facilitate all aspects of a student's college search and admissions process. They also offer advice and assistance in the area of financial aid and scholarships. College counselors meet with juniors and seniors individually and in groups to educate them about their options for post-secondary education and talk to them about the admissions processes. If necessary, they will advise ninth and tenth graders regarding curricular decisions. They are also usually asked to write letters of recommendation for each senior in their counsel.
College counselors also serve as a source of information for students and parents regarding college trends, procedures, and standardized testing. Counselors educate families on their options and guide them toward realistic aspirations and wise decisions. This could take the form of informational presentations, maintaining an up to date College Search Handbook to be given to students and families, and writing newsletters and columns containing test dates, local college events, and financial aid information.
On a more systemic level, college counselors maintain a school profile and records on seniors complete with transcripts and GPAs. Effective college counselors are informed about current issues and trends in higher education, testing, and regarding specific colleges. They are expected to meet with college admissions representatives and facilitate meetings between students and such representatives.
College counselors also serve as a source of information for students and parents regarding college trends, procedures, and standardized testing. Counselors educate families on their options and guide them toward realistic aspirations and wise decisions. This could take the form of informational presentations, maintaining an up to date College Search Handbook to be given to students and families, and writing newsletters and columns containing test dates, local college events, and financial aid information.
On a more systemic level, college counselors maintain a school profile and records on seniors complete with transcripts and GPAs. Effective college counselors are informed about current issues and trends in higher education, testing, and regarding specific colleges. They are expected to meet with college admissions representatives and facilitate meetings between students and such representatives.
What skills or qualities do I need to become a College Counselor?
College counselors must be nurturing and caring individuals who can develop a rapport with young adults. Strong interpersonal skills are required to effectively address the needs of a diverse student population and guide students toward responsible, professional decisions. In addition, college counselors must be organized and able to work efficiently to meet deadlines and be able to guide students and families to do the same. Successful college counselors also have strong communication skills, both verbally and when writing.
How much does a College Counselor make?
Calculating the exact earnings of college counselors is difficult because there are two distinct areas where they can be employed: high schools and in private practice. Those working in high schools can supplement their income by working during the summers. Those in private practice often bundle "packages" together with different rates for students at different stages in their academic careers.
School counselors are presently paid the highest overall salary out of all the counseling fields. Median annual earnings for educational, vocational, and school counselors in 2006 were $53,750. The middle fifty percent earned between $36,120 and $60,990.
School counselors are presently paid the highest overall salary out of all the counseling fields. Median annual earnings for educational, vocational, and school counselors in 2006 were $53,750. The middle fifty percent earned between $36,120 and $60,990.
Who are some influential professionals in this field?
Bill McClintick is the director of college counseling at Mercersburg Academy in Pennsylvania. He was recently elected as president of the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) and will serve a three year term. McClintick has been a member of NACAC for more than 25 years filling a variety of positions including the chair of two important committees and vice president for admission practices.
Diane Geller is the current president of the board of directors for the Independent Educational Consultants Association. Geller co-runs a successful private educational consulting business in southern California.
Diane Geller is the current president of the board of directors for the Independent Educational Consultants Association. Geller co-runs a successful private educational consulting business in southern California.
What are some leading organizations in this field?
The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) was founded in 1937 and is based in Alexandria, Virginia. More than 10,000 professionals claim membership in this organization. NACAC is committed to promoting high professional standards that foster ethical and social responsibility for professionals serving students making choices about post-secondary education. This group offers its members award winning publications, professional development opportunities, and practical research.
The Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) was chartered in 1976 and is based in Fairfax, Virginia. This international organization supports independent educational consultants through professional training and a strict set of ethical guidelines. Membership benefits include liability insurance, discounted workshops and conferences, invitations to college tours, and a myriad of networking opportunities.
The Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) was chartered in 1976 and is based in Fairfax, Virginia. This international organization supports independent educational consultants through professional training and a strict set of ethical guidelines. Membership benefits include liability insurance, discounted workshops and conferences, invitations to college tours, and a myriad of networking opportunities.
What are the top cities for College Counselor jobs?
College counselors are of course employed in all fifty states with larger concentrations of positions available in larger metropolitan areas where there are more students in the midst of the college admissions process. Cities currently with the highest median salaries in the field of college counseling include Boston, Massachusetts, New York City, and Chicago, Illinois. Currently, one of the best cities for aspiring college counselors to find work is New York City. It is followed closely by Baltimore, Maryland and Princeton, New Jersey.
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