5 reasons NOT to hire a College Planner

by: Shelley Honeycutt

Here are the top 5 reasons NOT to hire a College Planner for your college-bound student. Every student-parent relationship is different, so hiring a College Planner is never the perfect answer for every family. As a professional College Planner for over a decade, I work directly with 28-40 high school students each academic year. Additionally, I donate time to assist disadvantaged youth with the application, financial aid, and scholarship process. I work with students from private high schools, public high schools, and even home-schooled students. Working with students from various backgrounds provides me with a unique perspective of the college process. Over the years, this experience has led me to conclude that not every student needs or will benefit from working with a College Planner. Here are my top observations.

1. Some students are self-motivated and will naturally seek out help from English Teachers and Guidance Counselors. This approach will not only help them navigate the process better, but it will develop self-advocacy and communication skills. 
2. It separates the parents from the long and arduous process, which can create more conflict. Also, when parents do not understand the amount of work involved, it's harder for them to be empathetic. 
3. If the student is applying to a few local colleges, the process might not be that complex. The more competitive the colleges are, the more work that goes into the applications, and you might consider hiring a planner. 
4. There is something to be said if the student cannot navigate the application process, then you must ask, are they truly prepared for college?
5. Some students consider college applications to be a highly personal journey and are not open to having help with the process. 

5 Reasons to consider hiring a College Planner:

1. Having a seasoned College Planner can help reduce conflict. Ask your prospective planner how they will communicate the next steps after each meeting and what systems they have to keep your family organized.
2. Relying on completing the college essay in your 12th grade English class will set you behind. College essays should be written and refined over the summer of 11th grade. 
3. For students applying to competitive colleges, developing a timely testing strategy can be challenging for a family.
4. If you would like to maximize MERIT aid (regardless of income), a professionally developed college list would be recommended.  
5. Working with a seasoned college planner, students learn valuable skills such as time-management, persuasive writing, and how to evaluate their accomplishments accurately.

Many families prefer to navigate the college process independently. Whether you are a curious researcher or a "Do it Yourself" type of family, it is always good to get some direction from experts. With the Pivotal College Years portal, professional college planning resources are just a few clicks away. Always affordable and constantly updated with insider tips by industry professionals for only $12.47. The College Planning Portal features over 70+ short videos, 40 downloadable guides, and access to a LIVE community. 

The PROPEL PLEDGE: Open a Membership, Give a Membership. The Propel Pledge is one way we can help our communities together! For every College Planning membership opened, we will donate a College Planning membership to an underserved high school or youth in our community.