Hello all, I’ve decided that I want to hire a private counselor to help my DD as she contemplates transferring after freshman year. Please don’t advise that we don’t need to hire someone - I feel that we do - though to what level, I am not sure. The problem I’m having is that very few firms have reviews online or provide references! It’s astonishing. I’m writing here in hopes that someone can make a recommendation.
Reason for transfer: DC will be attending state flagship honors college with a merit scholarship in the fall as a freshman - it is not highly ranked - will likely want to try to transfer to a school with a stronger national reputation.
On my list are a few firms that specify college transfer as a service offering on their websites (College Coach, College Transitions, Marks Education, Sparks Admissions, Top Tier) but no independent counselors (yet). So far, I ruled out one based on the initial phone call - all the others seemed “fine”, but it’s tough to judge based on a 30 min call. Costs vary quite a bit, but all are pricey to ridiculously pricey.
Appreciate sharing of any insights or recommendations from those who have used one. Pls message me with specific names.
Is there a particular reason your DC is leaving the school (assume it’s U Chicago)? For example, if the transfer reason is mental-health related or related to a disciplinary action, people might be more able to suggest private counselors they are aware of who have helped students facing a similar situation. Or if your student is looking to transfer to a certain region of the country?
As posed, your question is a little like asking what restaurant makes good food.
I would start by getting local recommendations from friends and work colleagues, perhaps even the high school GC.
I don’t think you need someone that markets/specifies that they do college transfer counseling. Of course there are differences between an initial vs transfer college app process, but an experienced counselor should be able to do both. Some counselors will charge a package price, some hourly and charges can vary by geography. Hourly rates from $150-$250 are common, some go much higher.
I won’t give you all the typical advice posters give to a student starting college with the intent to transfer. When completing transfer apps the most important thing is that your D has persuasive academic reasons when writing the application essay and speaking with the transfer AO. Wanting a school with a higher ranking/national reputation is not a persuasive reason to transfer. Have her attend transfer student info sessions where possible…some schools have those now. Good luck.
thanks for your reply MWfan192. I wish I had people to ask but I know no one who has used a private counselor - that’s why I turned to CC. I realize wanting to go to a more highly ranked school is not a reason to state on the transfer application - that said, I would bet that a good number of transfer students are doing it for just that reason!
@GnocchiB thanks for your reply. You asked “Is there a particular reason your DC is leaving the school (assume it’s U Chicago)?” No, not UChicago - reason for transfer is as stated in my OP. “As posed, your question is a little like asking what restaurant makes good food.” A little different, I asked if anyone had any specific recommendations or could comment on the 5 firms listed. I can easily find lists of restaurants that make good food; can’t do the same for college counselors!
Perhaps you can ask @Hanna about how to evaluate transfer admission private counselors. She has her own practice of this sort, but focused on students who have issues like disciplinary expulsions from their previous colleges, rather than those who are just trying “to transfer to a school with a stronger national reputation.”
Have you tried Yelp? Also if your city has a parent’s Facebook page you could ask there. Our little town in California has several private counselors that people recommend on the facebook page.