So I did a little research on Rachel Korn, the author profiled in my last post. Hey, whaddya know! She’s an “independent college counselor,” who you can pay money to help you get into college! What a brilliant idea!
/sarcasm mode turned off
PLEASE do not give anyone money to help you get into college, or help pay for college, or anything else. There are literally dozens of sources who have the same expertise as Ms. Korn, but will help you for free:
- School Guidance Counselors. If you haven’t spoken with your guidance counselor about college, turn off the computer and go see him or her. They have books, magazines, bulletins, catalogs, Web services, viewbooks… a million different ways to research colleges that will work for you. That’s what they’re there for — use them.
- Parents or guardians. I know I rail on parents a lot for being “too involved” in the process, but use them. They’re there for a reason.
- College Admissions Counselors. Yes, I’m paid by Stony Brook University to tell you great things about who we are and what we do. But if you tell me about yourself and your goals, we might decide that Stony Brook isn’t a fit for you… but I know colleges and universities around the tri-state area, and I might be able to hook you up with a colleague at another institution who can help you get what you need. I refer students to other schools all the time. My degree is in counseling, not marketing. (I’m really a terrible salesperson.)
- College Financial Aid Counselors. They get lost in the shuffle sometimes, because it’s always tricky when you talk money, but they’re a phenomenal — and underused — resource. Call them; talk to them about college expenses, and finding alternate ways to pay for college. Maybe you can qualify for a scholarship or a grant or a work-study program that can make the financial aspects of college a lot less daunting. Don’t be afraid of paying for college.
- Libraries. Another free resource, right in your neighborhood. Libraries have the same types of information that your counselors have, plus they might know of more online resources that can aid in your search process. Your local library may subscribe to online databases of career information, or they may offer programs and workshops with people who can help.
- College and University Web sites. I know they can be imposing, but they’re there to provide you information, especially if you go beyond the admissions page. You want to join the dance team in college? Find the club Web page and e-mail the president. You want to get involved in the college newspaper? Find their site and e-mail the editor, or the sports editor, or the arts editor — whatever your interest is. I’d bet they’d love to hear from you.
And that’s just the surface. So save the money you would waste on an independent college counselor and use it for a study abroad program, or to buy books, or to get a new mp3 player. You’ll get vastly more use out of the mp3 player or the books or the trip to England.