In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel takes a deep dive into one of the most important questions in the college admissions process: What’s the difference between a school counselor and an independent college counselor? Thomas explores when and why families may want to seek outside help, how to ensure school and independent counselors work in harmony, and the key advantages of taking a proactive approach to admissions guidance. 

Key Takeaways: 

• The Role of School Counselors: School counselors work hard and care deeply about student success. Any work with an independent counselor should complement—not replace—the guidance of your school counselor. Respect and collaboration with your school counselor are essential. A strong relationship can lead to a great recommendation letter and additional support in the admissions process. 
• The Different Kinds of School Counseling: In large public schools, counselors often have overwhelming caseloads, making outside help invaluable in the admissions process. In smaller public, charter, and private schools, counselors tend to have dedicated staff for the admissions counseling process, making it easier to access guidance. However, they still balance multiple responsibilities, large caseloads, and often conflicting priorities. 
• Limitations of School Counselors: Counselors must serve entire student populations, balance school relationships with universities, and often don’t have the bandwidth for deep, personalized strategy work. 
• Strategic College Planning: Outside counselors can help with detailed aspects of the application process, including essays, recommenders, extracurricular strategy, and overall positioning for top schools. 
• Why Some Schools Disapprove of Private Counselors: Certain schools may discourage outside counselors for various reasons. Families should understand their school’s stance and decide what’s best for their specific situation. 
• Who Benefits the Most From Outside Counselors?: Students aiming for competitive schools, students without strong school counselor support, and those needing additional advocacy may benefit most from outside counseling.

Counseling can make a huge difference in the college admissions process. While school counselors are dedicated and doing their best, their priorities and responsibilities extend beyond just one student’s success. That’s why it’s crucial for families to take control of their child’s college journey. If you have the resources, consider investing in outside counseling or dedicating time to independent research and strategic planning. Don’t rely solely on your school counselor—proactively seek the best guidance to maximize opportunities.

Most importantly, keep pushing forward! Every student’s journey is unique, and learning from others’ experiences can be incredibly valuable. 

We invite you to share what has worked (or hasn’t) for your family on Instagram and TikTok at @admittedlyco—your insights could help others navigate the same challenges. Give us a follow, drop a comment, and let’s keep the conversation going!