Next to your ACT score, researching colleges is one of the most important tasks you will undertake as you transition from adolescence into adulthood. Researching colleges can be overwhelming and time-consuming. Every college or university has its own entrance requirements and application process, and the complexity of this step is often why engaging college coaching services can make a lot of sense.
At Octagon Mentoring, our college coaching services are the perfect solution for students and their families who find the college search overwhelming and stressful. We offer personalized guidance that can help you navigate the college admission process, investigate schools that align with your values and strengths, and assist you in writing unique personal statements that will help you stand out in a crowd.
What Is Personalized College Search Coaching And How Does It Work?
It may be tempting to think that general guidance from well-meaning uncles at family dinner or a quick search online can yield the best results, and although these resources are a great place to start, personalized college search coaching offers a deeper, customized, and strategic experience. In contrast, general “one-size-fits-all” guidance or self-directed searches may lack the tailored attention that many families find invaluable during the college search process.
When you work with a personalized coach, you meet one-on-one with your coach to discuss your goals and define your ideal college experience. From writing an unforgettable essay to finding the right school environment that will meet your needs socially, academically, and career-wise, your personalized coach will give you tailored direction and advice, helping you avoid common pitfalls and mistakes throughout the application process.
Benefits Of Personalized College Search Coaching For High School Students
Let’s say one of your goals is to hike Machu Picchu. Sure, you can research Peru from afar and talk to people who have been, but when you get there, you’ll want a guide–someone who can help you find the best way to cure altitude sickness, where to pitch your tent, what to carry in your day bag, and how to avoid any pitfalls that could delay or possibly ruin your trip. This is the power of personalized coaching. It’s a personalized approach that leads to success.
Here are a few key benefits of personalized college search coaching:
It’s customized to you. Your personalized coach will conduct a thorough assessment of your academic strengths and weaknesses, values, and career goals. Your coach will use this information to find a college that will fit like a glove. General guidance or brief internet searches might offer recommendations based on what schools are popular or have high rankings rather than finding colleges that would suit you best.
You get one-on-one support from start to finish. From crafting a unique personal statement to helping you stay on top of deadlines, a personalized college coach will help you manage the college admissions process easily and professionally.
You get a holistic approach. Personalized coaching will consider all factors when choosing a college that’s just right for you. From campus culture, location, student life, student body size, and emotional well-being, your coach will use these factors to get to the heart of choosing a college where you can thrive academically and socially.
You get strategic support. Personal college coaches will also work with you to secure financial aid if desired. They can also help you apply for and win scholarships that might ease the financial burden.
You will avoid common mistakes. Technology changes quickly, and so does the college application process. Your personalized coach will know what the latest trends are in the admissions process. The most common mistakes that high schoolers make when applying to colleges have to do with organization, meeting deadlines, and crafting a qualified application that aligns with their core values and uniquely sets them apart from other applicants.
Think of your personal coach like the Machu Picchu sherpas who know every twist and turn of the Inca trail. Like a sherpa, a professional coach can guide you through uncharted paths. Instead of going it alone and finding the process full of worry and doubt, the experience will be one of enjoyment and excitement–as it should be!
5 College Search Tips Every Student Should Know
1. Start Early (But Not Too Early!)
To avoid unnecessary stress, you can start your college search process as early as your junior year. This will give you ample time to think about and articulate what you are looking for in a school and create a plan for where, how, and when to apply.
2. Know What You Want
Spend some quality time thinking about and discussing important factors like the size of the school, location, campus culture, majors offered, and extracurricular opportunities. Make a list of non-negotiables and preferences to help you refine your search. This may sound simplistic, but the more you understand and can articulate what you want, the greater your chance of finding it.
3. Utilize Tools
Use free college search tools like BigFuture by College Board and Coalition for College, which help match you with schools based on your interests, location, and academic profile. Again, these are generalized searches, but they can help narrow your choices or give you a starting point. A personalized college research coach is also a great resource. As we’ve talked about previously, there are many benefits to utilizing this effective tool.
4. Get And Stay Organized
Once you select your schools, create a calendar with key dates, such as application deadlines, SAT/ACT test dates, and financial aid deadlines. This will help you manage the complex college admissions process without missing important steps, especially if you are applying to more than one college (which you absolutely should do!).
5. Put Boots On The Ground
Forbes recently published an article about navigating the college search process for parents and students. One of the practical tips addressed in the article is to get your prospective student on campus. Have them eat at the cafeteria, see the student body, go on a campus tour, and attend a class. In short–get an up-close view of what it would be like to attend the college you are considering. This first-hand experience will be invaluable. Don’t bother visiting colleges you don’t plan on attending–this will only add stress and waste everyone’s time.
We’re a big fan of coaching, and having a trusted coach or guide by your side can only enhance the above strategies for success. At Octagon Mentoring, we offer personalized advice and ongoing support–just what you need to navigate the admissions process successfully.
Is Personalized College Search Coaching Right for Your Student?
Do you want a stress-free college application process full of excitement and joy instead of trepidation and worry? Seek out the support of a personalized college search coach! There are thousands of different colleges and universities within the United States. But which one is the right fit for you? The internet and your family all have opinions, but it’s a personal coach who can get to the heart of what matters most to you and find the environment where you can thrive. Personalized coaches can help you untangle the world of financial aid and scholarships, help you keep track of deadlines, and assist with essays and personal statements. It’s a custom approach that yields a customized result, making their services worth every penny.
If this resonates with you, reach out to Octagon Mentoring. College is a huge investment, so having customized support to help you succeed is priceless. At Octagon Mentoring, we pride ourselves on finding the right programs and schools.
“At the end of the day, our goal is to empower the young person to be the driver of their own life, with positive and healthy support from the family system.” -Andrew Taylor, CEO and Founder
Let us support you on this critical next step! Contact Octagon Mentoring today for more information on our services.
