For most, the fall signifies the start of football season and the exciting events surrounding Halloween. For seniors, though, fall begins arguably the most important time of their life: the college application process. Not only do college admissions determine one’s future, but the process can be incredibly stressful, especially when it involves applying to a multitude of schools. A recent phenomenon is the hiring of independent college counselors. These counselors help students navigate the college application process and are utilized by many students here at Grosse Pointe South.
Shannon McCarron is a local college counselor, and has assisted many students at South. McCarron believes that it is still important to have a relationship with a school counselor despite her involvement. Her guidance is a more individualized approach tailored to a student’s specific needs.
“My mission is to help kids find their perfect college match,” McCarron said. “I do that by helping them research schools that align with their academic, social and financial needs.”
While independent college counselors are available to help students, many can’t afford to hire them. According to South counselor Troy Glasser, he can accomplish the same goals with the help of a program called naviance. Glasser believes that naviance is a wonderful college research tool, and with a school counselor’s guidance, a student can gain more than enough knowledge to assist them in applying to the schools of their choice.
“With my experience in counseling, I don’t believe that getting a college counselor is necessary to succeed,” Glasser said. “Parents get nervous and think ‘if the Joneses do it, then I have to do it.’”
Despite the hefty price tag, many students choose to go through hiring an independent college counselor. Student Kate Kalmink ’27 is an example of this. She started seeing her counselor, Avra Maxwell, at the end of Sophomore year and believes that, without Maxwell’s help, she would not be able to find a good fit for college.
“I am the first child so my parents don’t really know how any of the college stuff works,” Kalmink said. “I’ve heard from my cousin that they’re [college counselors] a helpful tool for finding colleges and getting advice.”
While the college application process is stressful, both school counselors and independent college counselors are there to make the journey easier. Glasser highlights the importance of sitting down and talking about your options with someone, whether that be with a school counselor or an independent college counselor.
“There is no magical formula that’s going to get the kid in from a college counselor,” Glasser said. “It comes down to how well you do on your high school courses.”
