Why Distance College Counseling Works
Isn’t it true that when admission officers evaluate student applications they really don’t know the students applying to their universities? Other than an interview that some colleges offer, acceptance decisions are based on transcripts, test scores (at most colleges), and recommendations, but more importantly, a written document that is generally submitted online, the college application.
In order for students to portray themselves in the best light, their GPA’s, test scores, resumes, essays and recommendations must paint the best possible picture. The demand for college admissions guidance is so widespread that to accommodate more students, distance college counseling is necessary.
College counseling professionals guide students through their admissions process on the telephone, through email, via fax, video-conferencing and Skype. Distance does not seem to be a factor in getting to know applicants. Online learning and countless virtual programs are growing rapidly with much success. Students are at ease with the distance format. Between personal web pages, social media, texts and emails, online communication is a comfort zone for most people and many students prefer communicating online.
Distance College Counseling and Electronic Communication is the way:
• Most university applications continue to go paperless
• Online college applications, passwords, pin numbers, and secret
questions to login are standard.
• Numerous professors post assignments, readings, lectures and
syllabi online
• Colleges send out admission decisions online and high schools are
using programs where students receive online reports
• Face to face college counseling meetings are generally conducted in
front of a computer.
It is likely that college applications will become even more distinct in the coming years. Video uploads, personal blogs and url’s are recent additions to college applications and some colleges conduct interviews via
Skype. College Consultants guide students to present applications that are unique, simultaneously exploring creative possibilities in photo uploads, displaying computer graphic skills, musical backgrounds and links to personal pages.
Many high school, transfer and graduate students have such busy schedules, they prefer connecting with colleges and counselors online rather than face to face. Amid homework, jobs, athletic activities and other extracurricular activities, students generally like communicating their questions and input online. If college counselors can get a clear, honest and accurate picture of students from their college applications without face to face meetings, then it is likely that admissions officers will as well.