How to Select the Right Admission Consultant for You
While universities do try their best to make the application process easy, it is still a complicated process. Often times families will reach out to an agency, admissions consultant, admissions counselor, or whatever they call themselves, for assistance. Having been a university representative, I have often found agents to be a helpful bridge between the university and the student in simply getting everything done. Not all consultants are the same, have the same areas of expertise or have interests aligned with yours.
The first thing to understand is the commercial aspect of an admissions agency. Makes sense since this is a business after all. Most agents don’t charge for their services. Where do they earn their income? The universities pay them commission for every student that enrolls. How does that matter to you? Simply put, universities pay different commissions and agents tend to promote universities that pay better. I have seen a mediocre university get huge numbers simply because they gave 20% of their tuition in commissions. It’s a bit of an eye opener when you realize that 20% of the cost of your education is going to the agent that filled out your application. Doesn’t seem so free from that perspective.
Having said all of that, you can still use a commission-based agent to your advantage. How? Do your research ahead of time and ask questions. Know what you want to study and know what you want and don’t want in a program. When they present you options, you can judge for yourself what is good or bad. When looking for the right agent, ask questions about what university partners they have, processing times, services they will provide and question their knowledge about the field you want to pursue. In my experience, you find out pretty fast which agencies are good and which aren’t. A good agent will welcome questions and inputs as to what you want.
If you really want to make sure the agent you are working with is on your side, you might want to consider someone that you pay. If you are their source of revenue, then your satisfaction is what they are aiming for. In my opinion that is the correct alignment of interests and it’s the model I work on with my students. Whatever you decide to do, make sure you walk through the door of any agent or service provider with wide eyes and an understanding of what you want.
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About The Author
Sheldon Wallbrown
Creative Aspirations, Head of Admissions & University Relations Sheldon have over two decades working in education in both the United States and India. He has worked with hundreds of students find the educational opportunities that are right for them.