Frequently Asked Questions
What is college counseling?
College counseling is support for students and their families to help them through the college application process. The college application can be incredibly stressful, confusing, and difficult to navigate, and a college counselor’s job is not only to make it a bit less stressful but also to help high school students figure out where they want to go to college and beyond. This can look like personal coaching, essay editing, and everything in between.
Note that college counseling is NOT:
- A guaranteed acceptance into a specific college/university
- Ghost-writing or making up qualifications
- The magic key to a “perfect” application
Why do I need a college counselor?
At the end of the day, the reality is that you don’t need a college counselor. Many students get through the college application process successfully without a college counselor.
However, a college counselor can be incredibly helpful in navigating the confusing and stressful college application process. A college counselor will keep you organized, encourage you, and help you show yourself off to your fullest potential, providing personalized 1-on-1 support. An experienced college counselor can also spot gaps in your application and share expert tips and tricks about college applications that will improve you application. Ultimately, the best college counselors will help you maximize your chances of getting into your dream school.
Why are you the right college counselor for me?
In short, I am an experienced college counselor who will give you honest feedback, helpful tips and tricks, and personalized attention. I have been working with students for over a decade. My students have successfully matriculated to the University of Pennsylvania, Columbia University, Johns Hopkins University, Georgetown University, Vanderbilt University, and others. Perhaps most importantly, I will always share honest thoughts and reactions, especially as we navigate the often confusing and even misleading world of college admissions. In addition, I have developed practical strategies with proven results over my years of experience working with dozens of students. Finally, I deeply care about the success of my students, to, through, and beyond college, and I provide personalized, high-touch support to all of my students.
To learn more about me and my philosophy on college counseling, please read the About page to learn more.
Is it too late/early for me to work with a college counselor?
It is never too late to work with a college counselor! In particular, even if you have already started the college application process, a college counselor can help make sure you are on the right track, answer any questions, and fill any gaps in your application plan. Given how stressful the college application can be, a successful college counselor should help guide you in the right direction and relieve stress.
It is also never too early to speak with a college counselor, although the advising will look different depending on what stage of the process you are in. If you are a rising freshman or sophomore (Gr. 9-10), a college counselor can help prepare you for the college application process in advance through academic advising, extracurricular guidance, and resume review. If you are a rising junior (Gr. 11), a college counselor can continue to support you by also helping develop a standardized testing plan. Finally, if you are a rising senior (Gr. 12) or at the tail end of your junior year, a college counselor will guide you in your college application process. Please refer to the Services page for how I can best support you.
How much do your services cost?
Please contact me here or at dan@cc.bydankim.com for more information about pricing.
I'm afraid I won't be able to afford your services.
Financial aid is available on a case by case basis. Please reach out to me directly at dan@cc.bydankim.com, and I’d be more than happy to discuss!
I have other questions that aren't answered here.
Please contact me here or at dan@cc.bydankim.com with any other questions, and I’d be more than happy to answer!