As the admissions landscape at prestigious colleges grows increasingly competitive and the long-term benefits of elite higher education become even more significant, parents are seeking expert support earlier in their children’s educational journey, with many questioning whether they should employ the guidance of a college admissions consultant for their middle school students. While it may seem early, there are many advantages to working with a consultant during the middle school years; doing so can set students who have high aspirations, need extra support, or benefit from learning outside of the classroom on the path to Ivy League admission.
At the same time, parents should approach this choice thoughtfully. Fear and stress do not produce successful Ivy League applicants, so families should seek to hire a consultant who will help their young student discover their interests in a positive and creative environment, rather than one that generates premature anxiety about the distant college admissions process. Additionally, middle school students are in different academic and developmental stages than their high school counterparts, and as such, it is critical to consider how a given consultancy will address your younger child’s unique needs.
When You Should Look for a College Consultant
Not every middle schooler needs a college consultant, but for certain students, early guidance can make a significant difference. First and foremost, if your child is already setting their sights on top-tier universities or if they have specific career ambitions, it is never too early to equip them with the academic and executive functioning skills they will need to thrive in high school and later in their collegiate career.
Given that Ivy League and other top universities want to admit students who are specialists in their intended field, the process of building an applicant profile begins as soon as students step foot on campus in ninth grade. The guidance of a college consultant can allow motivated students to begin identifying and exploring their interests during middle school, giving them a leg up when they start high school—the more they can discover about themselves and their passions before their freshman year, the more prepared they will be to craft a cohesive and compelling profile from the very beginning of their high school career.
At the same time, it is not just high achievers that benefit from working with a college consultant. Middle school can be a challenging time for students, both in and outside of the classroom. Depending on the specific approach and guidance offered, a private consultant can help your middle school student overcome academic and personal hurdles. Working with the right consultant can help students to build their confidence, instill soft skills that will serve them throughout their academic journey, address challenges early, and enter high school with a built-in network of support.
Parents should also keep in mind that just because their 11-year-old is not particularly motivated or high-achieving does not mean that they will always be an average student. Middle school is a stage of dramatic personal growth, and giving students the tools and support they need early could make the difference between an average middle school student and a stellar high school student.
What Kinds of Consultants Are Right for Middle School Students?
Parents should also note that college consultancies vary widely in their approaches, expertise, and the makeup of their team—and not every consultancy is equipped to meet the needs of middle school students. Here are three key qualities that families should look for in consultants for middle school children:
1. Customized Approach
Some middle school students have an idea of where their interests lie, while others may have no idea what they want to study; some may be academically gifted and seeking challenges outside of the classroom, while others may struggle to keep up with their peers; some may excel academically but struggle with organizational skills, communication, or time management. Because of this, it is critical to find a consultancy that offers a customizable and personalized approach to the consulting process. Wherever your child’s skills, interests, and areas for improvement lie, the consultant should be able to create a roadmap that aligns with their unique goals and abilities. In particular, parents should consider their child’s other time commitments and holistic needs and find a consultant that meets both.
2. Personalized Mentorship
At this stage in their development, the relationship between a student and their consultant is critical to their success. If a student cannot connect with their consultant and is not personally invested in their work together, not only will they fail to benefit, but they will also be less likely to work with a consultant in the later stages of their educational journey. Therefore, parents should look for a consultancy that prioritizes holistic mentorship, asking critical questions about their consultants’ experience, approach, and the firm’s mentor- and student-matching process.
3. Emphasis on Soft Skills Development
At this stage, academic rigor is important, but soft skills such as time management, emotional intelligence, communication, and leadership are equally critical. Rather than focusing solely on grades and test prep, the consultant should emphasize character-building, teamwork, and personal growth. Doing so will benefit your student in both the short- and long-term, enabling them to feel more confident in and outside of the classroom.
Questions to Ask Yourself Before Hiring a College Consultant
Before you start searching for a college consultant for your middle school student, it’s important to reflect on what you and your student hope to achieve through this partnership. Here are a few key questions for parents to consider when weighing their options:
- What are my child’s goals and interests?
- What type of support does my child need?
- What are my child’s skills and weaknesses? What are their areas of potential growth?
- How does my child learn best? What excites or motivates them?
- How involved do I want to be in the consulting process?
- What is my budget for college consulting?
- What time constraints do my child/family need to take into consideration?
Working with a college consultant in middle school years can give your child a competitive edge in the college admissions process and beyond. However, the benefits of working with a consultancy are proportional to how well the consultancy aligns with your child’s needs, interests, and learning style. While parents should seriously consider the many benefits of starting early, they should also be intentional about starting the process off with a positive and passion-driven approach.
Originally Published on Forbes.
