“I couldn’t have done it without you.” I have heard this from several students this spring when admissions decisions came out.
I appreciate the thought. I really do. But you know what? My students are the ones getting admitted. It is because of their grades, test scores, volunteering, research and everything else that gets them admitted.
Do I help them understand what they need to do to be a competitive candidate for a competitive college or BS/MD program?. Yes.
Do I help them find the right colleges and programs for their particular needs? Yes.
Do I help with the application process so that they present themselves in the strongest possible light? Yes.
Do I help prepare them for the all important medical school interview? Yes.
But make no mistake about it. I don’t get students in. My students get themselves in. And for that I am proud.
Well said. As a private college counselor, I assist students in the same ways that you do, but the misconception that I have some pull to get them into a school is not correct. I can help them be stronger college applicants, suggest colleges that seem like a good fit academically, socially, and financially, but I make no guarantees about getting into any particular school. The college admissions process is too unpredictable to guarantee anything.
Susie,
I get the question also of who I know at certain colleges to help students get in. I make it very clear to people when they ask this that anyone who claims to have insider knowledge is either lying to them or doesn’t understand how the college admissions process works.