How do students choose which subjects or fields to pursue for higher studies? Do they even get to make this choice themselves?
COVER STORY
How do students choose which subjects or fields to pursue for higher studies? Do they even get to make this choice themselves? The simple answer is that, for most students, their academic path is mapped out by their parents and, in some cases, even their grandparents. Their own preferences are often dismissed because parents believe they know what’s best for their children. ‘You’ll thank us one day for making you take science subjects and become a doctor (or engineer),’ is a familiar refrain for many students. But does this approach always work? Not necessarily. Some students struggle with the subjects chosen for them, leading to poor academic performance and, eventually, a change in career paths.
To prevent such situations, academic and career counsellors play a crucial role. At the school level, counsellors assess students' interests and strengths to help them make informed choices. Academic counselling aims to guide students in selecting suitable subjects, managing workloads, improving study skills, and planning for higher education. It also provides support in overcoming learning challenges and exploring career pathways based on individual strengths and aspirations. Ultimately, it enhances student success, motivation, and overall academic performance.
With the rising costs of higher education and the increasing competitiveness of university admissions, many families are turning to career and admissions counsellors for guidance. As the process becomes more complex, with numerous deadlines, essays, and standardized tests to consider, the expertise of a seasoned consultant can be invaluable. Parents and students seek support to avoid costly mistakes that could impact their future. While hiring a counsellor can be expensive, the personalized guidance they offer is often a worthwhile investment, helping students secure admission to top universities, navigate financial aid, and access scholarship opportunities.
Us speaks with Muhammad Janjua, a seasoned admissions expert with over three decades of experience guiding students into top universities. His extensive background includes working in the Admissions Office at the University of Rochester and receiving acceptance offers from Ivy League universities, Cornell and Penn. Mr. Janjua holds graduate degrees from McGill University and the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management. As the lead Admissions Counsellor at Advizers, he leverages his expertise to empower students to achieve their academic goals.
Paying for university is one of life's biggest financial hurdles. With the average annual tuition fee for private universities in the U.S. exceeding $53,000 and out-of-state colleges averaging over $28,000, the overall cost can easily exceed $200,000 over four years. Similarly, attending top universities in the U.K., such as Oxford or Cambridge, can cost upwards of £26,000 (approximately $34,000 USD) per year. In Canada, attending top universities like the University of Toronto or McGill University can cost around CAD 50,000 (approximately $38,000 USD) per year. In Australia, attending top universities like the University of Melbourne or the University of Sydney can cost around AUD 40,000 (approximately $28,000 USD) per year.
According to Muhammad Janjua, ‘Students need personalized guidance to successfully navigate this complex and increasingly competitive process. School counsellors are a valuable resource, but unfortunately, they are often overwhelmed with responsibilities beyond their control.
Benefits of a career and admissions counsellor
There are many potential benefits to hiring a career and admissions counsellor to guide your child through the university application process. ‘A good counsellor can help students identify their strengths, passions, and goals and develop a tailored strategy to achieve them,' explains Janjua.
University counsellors provide guidance, and without proper guidance, students risk choosing a school for all the wrong reasons, such as its size, popular ranking lists, or other general characteristics. ‘You should choose the places that are best for you. These may or may not be the same places where your family or friends went or want to go,’ notes Janjua.
University counsellors focus on the student's needs. When considering schools, it's essential to look at where a student will thrive and find the right balance between academics and social life. ‘Ideally, you'll attend a school where you'll be happy, where you'll feel comfortable, and where you can see yourself growing and changing in all the ways we hope you will over the next four years,’ says Janjua.
According to the Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA), a professional educational consultant works with students and their families throughout every step of the university process, including high school curriculum planning, university selection, exams, applications, essays, majors and financial aid.
How university counsellors help families?
With thousands of universities around the world, there's a lot of information to sift through, and a knowledgeable university counsellor can help narrow the field down. A university counsellor can help students crystalise goals and prospective career paths before selecting a programme.
A study published by the National Center for Education Statistics, USA, estimates that about one in 10 students change their major more than once, which can ultimately end up costing students and their families extra time and money. A university counsellor can help reduce the tension that can arise between parents and children by bringing in someone from outside the family structure who can objectively help with the process.
Due to the diversity in personality traits and specialties, Mark Sklarow, CEO of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), recommends interviewing two to three consultants over the phone to understand their approach before narrowing down the options and making a final selection.
Things to look for in a consultant include their knowledge and up-to-date understanding of admissions processes, the number of university campuses they have visited, and how they stay informed about various universities. Sklarow also suggests asking how long they have been working as an educational consultant and what they did before entering the field.
Are university advising costs worth it?
Though it may seem pricey, working with a career and admissions counsellor can ultimately help students avoid attending the wrong university for all the wrong reasons or overspending and accumulating thousands of dollars in student loans, says Sklarow.
According to Janjua, ‘A good counsellor can help students develop a compelling personal brand, craft a strong university application, and make informed decisions about their academic and career goals.’ By investing in a career and admissions counsellor, families can give their students the best possible chance of success in the university admissions process.
Depending on where you live and the level of engagement you're looking for, Sklarow says that, on average, hiring a university consultant costs around $5,000 (approximately PKR 1,400,000). However, this cost can vary significantly depending on the consultant's experience, location, and services offered. Some consultants may charge hourly rates, which can range from $100 to $300 per hour (approximately PKR 28,000 to PKR 85,000 per hour), while others may offer package deals or comprehensive services for a flat fee.
While there is no guarantee of admission to a top-choice university, working with a career and admissions counsellor can significantly improve a student's chances. A counsellor's expertise helps students navigate the complex admissions process by providing personalized guidance, identifying strengths, and selecting the right schools based on academic and extracurricular goals. They can also assist with crafting a compelling application, including writing strong essays and preparing for interviews. By investing in a counsellor, families can give their students the best possible chance of success, helping them stand out in an increasingly competitive field.
