College Counseling: The Benefits, The Drawbacks, And What To Expect

With college admissions becoming increasingly competitive, the transition from high school to postsecondary education can be extremely stressful. Many students turn to counseling services for help with everything from preparing high-quality applications to managing the psychological strain of the process. What exactly is college counseling, and how can you decide if it’s worth seeking out?

For some, “college counseling” may refer to the services of high school counselors who assist students with a variety of personal and academic needs. Others may meet with highly paid consultants who offer extensive coaching and assistance with the admissions process. There are also college counseling centers that provide mental health support for students wrestling with the stress and uncertainty of higher education. 

College admissions counseling

In recent decades, admission to higher education seems to have become significantly more competitive, while holding a college degree is often seen as a prerequisite for career success. As a result, many students and families are eager to find any kind of assistance that will provide an edge in getting into the right college or university, including admissions counseling.

High school college admissions counselors

Most high schools in the U.S. have some faculty or staff members whose duties include helping students through the college application process. They’re sometimes referred to as guidance counselors or admissions counselors, and their services are generally available to any enrolled student.

The benefits of working with your high school’s college admissions counselor may include those listed below:

• They’re usually free of charge
• They may be very familiar with the students they’re helping
• Research suggests that effective school counselors can improve college placement
• They can often help with student mental health needs, academic challenges, and career planning as well

Potential drawbacks may include the following:

• They may have less extensive knowledge of the admissions process than college counselors
• High caseloads at some schools may decrease focus on individual students, potentially reducing effectiveness

College counselors

Some parents prefer to hire independent consultants to provide additional coaching beyond what’s offered by the school guidance counselor. Most are graduates of highly selective colleges or universities, and some are former admissions officers with firsthand experience of how applications are reviewed and ranked. 

Below are several possible benefits of working with a college counselor:

• In-depth knowledge and experience of the admissions process
• Focused attention on just a few students per semester
• May have specializations in particular types of degree programs or career paths
• Sometimes allow you to pick and choose specific services 

Possible drawbacks can include those listed below:

• Often expensive
• May have less familiarity with the student
• Some advice provided may be redundant or in conflict with advice from school guidance counselors

What to expect from college counselors

Whether you’re working with your school-provided admissions coach or a consultant, the process typically follows a similar sequence.

Step 1: Identifying target schools

A college counselor will typically begin by asking you about your college and career aspirations, as well as your grades, interests, life experiences, and personal background. They’ll usually prepare a list of schools that are achievable and fit your goals. This portion of the process may begin as early as ninth grade, though many students start later.

Step 2: Mapping your pre-college plan

Admissions counselors may offer some recommendations for making yourself a more attractive candidate to your chosen schools. This can include advice on boosting your academic credentials, such as improving standardized test scores or pursuing advanced placement classes, as well as adopting extracurricular activities that will help you stand out from other applicants. 

Step 3: Counseling through your secondary education career

For the remainder of your time in high school, an effective college counselor may check in periodically to monitor your progress. They’ll often provide reminders and advice to help you stay on track with your plan to develop your CV.

Step 4: Pre-college counseling and coaching

The final phase of college counseling normally consists of guiding you through the process of visiting and applying to your desired schools. This can involve tasks like the following:

• Coaching you on preparing your application
• Helping you prep for interviews
• Advising you on financial aid options
• Reminding you of submission deadlines
• Proofreading your essays and other application materials and suggesting edits

Mental health during the transition to higher education

Research suggests that mental health challenges are becoming increasingly common in students. A recent study found that roughly 60% of the college population may have at least one diagnosable mental disorder. 

The jump from high school to college may be a time when students are especially vulnerable — the average freshman typically experiences increased depression and anxiety symptoms during this time.

Even before you head to college, your psychological well-being may be at risk due to the pressure and stress of the admissions process. As such, effective college counseling may need to involve mental health support. 

Getting mental health counseling in high school

In many cases, the same person helping you with admissions can also help you manage the resulting stress. Many school counselors are trained to provide mental, behavioral, and emotional support as well as assist with your academic path. 

Your school might also have a dedicated therapist who can provide more comprehensive mental health treatment. Either way, research suggests that school-based mental health programs can be effective at reducing symptoms associated with anxiety and depression. 

College counseling services for undergraduate mental health

Entering college usually brings with it a variety of changes and new sources of stress, which could be why your freshman year can be a particularly high-risk period for developing mental health disorders. If you think you might be experiencing symptoms, it’s often a good idea to talk with a counselor at your school. 

Virtually all colleges and universities offer some form of on-campus mental health services. Counselors working there will generally be familiar with the particular pressures, uncertainties, and stressors that affect college students, and research suggests that they typically provide effective psychological care. 

How to decide if you should seek mental health care at school

There’s no universal rule that can tell you when to get psychiatric help, and you don’t necessarily have to have a mental health disorder to benefit from therapy. That said, understanding some of the common warning signs of mental illness could help you recognize when it’s time to seek assistance. You might want to seek therapy if:

• You’ve experienced major changes in appetite or sleep patterns
• You experience little or no motivation or desire to engage in most activities
• You get little or no pleasure from things you usually enjoy
• You’re finding it hard to focus or think clearly
• You’ve withdrawn from friends and family
• You feel disconnected, numb, or unreal
• You’re experiencing frequent mood swings or prolonged negative moods
• Your ability to function in school, work, hobbies, or the activities of day-to-day life has dropped
• People you trust have told you that your behavior is strange or concerning

Research indicates that many students are hesitant to seek mental health counseling, often due to concerns about stigmatizing attitudes from others or a reluctance to believe that they could be mentally ill. However, consulting a school counselor or other source of mental health support could prevent your current feelings of stress and unhappiness from developing into a more serious problem. 

What to expect from school-based mental health counseling

Your counselor will usually begin by asking what you’re there to discuss and what you’re hoping to get from counseling. They may also ask some general questions about your experiences in school, your home life, and your general health and well-being. 

Next, they’ll typically work with you to come up with a plan for managing your symptoms. This may involve open-ended talk therapy sessions, as well as techniques for emotion regulation and behavior change that you can practice in daily life. 

College counselors may be able to provide more extensive and specialized care, including diagnosing mental health disorders and delivering long-term psychotherapeutic treatment. In contrast, high school counselors tend to offer more brief and generalized coaching and counseling. Your counselor at college may also be able to refer you to the student health center for needs like medication management.

College counseling resources for students

In addition to dedicated school counselors and admissions consultants, students can access a wide variety of free resources to help them with the transition to college:

• College admissions offices: If you have questions about a specific school’s policies, requirements, financial aid, or other admissions-related matters, you can often get the answer by calling or emailing their admissions office.
• The U.S. Department of Education: This government agency administers federal student loans and grants, making it a helpful source of financial aid information.
• College Navigator: Created by the National Center for Education Statistics, the College Navigator can help you rapidly compare schools using various metrics to help you choose where to apply.
• BigFuture: This free online college planning guide is designed to give students guidance on selecting schools, planning for college, and determining how to pay for education.
• FinAid: FinAid is another tool students and their families can use to research their financial aid options.
• American Depression and Anxiety Association: The ADAA Directory can help you find a licensed mental health provider in your area if you’re not getting enough help from your school counselor.
• American Psychological Association: The APA offers its own free online database for locating treatment.

Another potentially useful resource is online therapy with a licensed mental health professional. Thanks to the inherent flexibility of remote therapy, it’s often quite easy to schedule, making it appealing to those whose school-based services are overbooked and understaffed. 

Scientific evidence increasingly suggests that online treatment can be effective. For example, a 2023 meta-analysis found that online cognitive behavioral therapy usually significantly reduced anxiety disorder symptoms in college students.