This is one of the key reasons why we started FOCUS College Solutions. The counselors we’ve spoken to say they want to start early but just don’t have the bandwidth to do it all. They appreciate the FOCUS system, because it offers an affordable college admissions counseling system that is all online. It’s not a replacement for high school counselors, but instead supplements and supports their efforts – and provides a common framework for students and counselors to check in on every month, allowing discussions between the two to be about specific needs or challenges for that student rather than the basics of the process which apply to everyone. It’s organized around the Common Application, to keep everyone focused on the end goal of submitting a completive college application. We invite you to learn more at focuscollegesolutions.com and would love to hear your thoughts and feedback
Denise Ryan - President FOCUS College Solutions. LLCof WA11:28AM May 02, 2012
where is the best college for a high school student to who wants to be a counselor in the TN, AL area?
Elizabeth Blackof TN9:36PM October 11, 2011
As a college consultant in Denver, Colorado, I know that most high school counselors would like to spend more time providing assistance to students with the college search and college planning. However, due to many other administrative responsibilities, they do not have that time. I believe this is why many families are turning to educational consultants and college planners who have the expertise and the time to assist students with the help they need. HECA is an organization of educational consultants who specialize in college planning. They can provide high school students with help in finding colleges, applications and essays, college visits, interviews, financial aid and scholarships, and advising throughout the college admissions process.
Susie Wattsof CO5:36PM October 20, 2010
It is unacceptable that students in the nation's public schools are unable to get the help and guidance they need. The high student-to-counselor ratios noted come at the same time that family anxiety has grown, the process for applying to college has become more confusing and the decision-making process about who is admitted seems more confounding. The problem, however goes deeper. Those advising college-seeking students should be allowed time away from the high school for professional development, to meet with college representatives and to visit campuses. Unfortunately, few schools allow their counselors time away.
Many families have turned to independent educational consultants. IECs are school and college advisors who work in private practice. A recent independent study pegged the percentage of families hiring IECs as growing from 5% to 26% over the last decade. Independent educational consultants typically see 40 students, attend to professional development and spend as much as 20% of their time on the road visiting college campuses. While IECs can be costly, the growth of the field means that many can be found at widely varying costs, including both hourly and extensive packages that include financial aide advice, career testing and more.
The caution is that IECs are unregulated by the government. Families should look for those who have been fully vetted by the National Association for College Admission Counseling or the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA).
Mark Sklarowof VA8:46AM October 12, 2010
As someone who's been teaching in the public system for over two decades, seeing this and the article about for-profit schools causes a interesting contradiction. I agree with David from NY and the assess made. I have seen it first-hand for my whole career. Every school I've had contact with, regardless of size, seems to have someone who is a guidance "secretary." Back in 1971, they still couldn't provide for the career needs of students (according to David), and NOW they're complaining that they don't have time?
I've always measured the value of people in the public school system by this value: when someone is gone, who needs to have subs? I can tell you, guidance counselors can be gone for a week from school, and there's no need for a sub.
The problem is not time, is the issue of using time. I hold administrative as well as teaching licenses from my state, so I have understanding of a number of areas in education. Mind you, two masters degrees do not make me a professed "expert," but more of a realist. Education is too important to NOT have it be in session all year. Education is a constant process: interrupting it for summer is not condusive to future success. Changing WHEN schools are in session would provide so many more options for flexibility to incorporate "career counseling" as part of curriculum.
If this is about preparing students for future careers--name a career in which the employer gives workers 2-3 months off in the summer. Oh wait, I can name some...teachers and guidance counselors. Teachers and counselors who understand the imporance of what they do don't take summers "off." But having the students we are to serve there for us during that time would make more sense.
I also like the plug for business Paula from Illinios is making. Capitalism lives!
Jeff Tomasof WI10:04AM October 07, 2010
To give their children the best advantage in high school and college, some parents already pay for tutors, club sports, summer camps, and private music lessons. The time is right for seeking out a new professional resource: give your children the gift of a comprehensive career assessment (aptitude battery (most important), interests, values and personality instruments) - for high school students as early as second semester sophomore year. A credentialed consultant knowledgeable about career trends and industries and who spends 1-3 hours with a family can be an invaluable asset. The process is highly personalized and helps a student make a more informed decision. Students who go to college with a career purpose in line with their natural talents and interests do better academically, graduate on time or early, save on college expenses, and become the best prepared - and most desirable - candidates for internships and jobs. A wise move that protects a family's college investment!
Paula Kosin, Career Visionof IL7:21PM September 20, 2010
T see some things havent changed. Class of 71, 226 students. Counseler was useless. I now pay some of the highest school taxes in the US to this school district. They're still useless at Niagara Wheatfield.
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Denise Ryan - President FOCUS College Solutions. LLC of WA 11:28AM May 02, 2012
Elizabeth Black of TN 9:36PM October 11, 2011
Susie Watts of CO 5:36PM October 20, 2010
Mark Sklarow of VA 8:46AM October 12, 2010
Jeff Tomas of WI 10:04AM October 07, 2010
Paula Kosin, Career Vision of IL 7:21PM September 20, 2010
David Edwards of NY 11:16PM September 17, 2010