Admissions Counselor
What if Finding the Right Admissions Counselor Could Make Your Journey Stress-Free?
THE 5 ESSENTIAL QUALITIES
After 8+ years helping students get into their dream colleges (from Yale to Oxford!), I’ve seen firsthand how the right admissions counselor can transform a stressful application season into an exciting journey of self-discovery.
But here’s the problem – not all admissions counselors are created equal. So how do you find an admissions counselor who will truly champion your success? Let me share the five must-have qualities I’ve learned that matter most.
1. Your Admissions Counselor Should Be a Learning Expert, Not Just an Admissions Expert
When I worked in Oxford’s Graduate Admissions Office, I discovered something crucial: the best admissions counselors aren’t just familiar with the process – they understand how students learn and grow, and the best-fit problems for them. They also understand the differences between UK, EU and US/Canadian admissions- it’s a huge difference that some admissions counselors may be unaware of.
Your admissions counselor should bring:
· Current knowledge of admissions trends (things change fast!)
· Real experience in education (I bring 20+ years of teaching to every session)
· Understanding of different learning styles
· Connections within the admissions community
Here’s my secret: I don’t just know admissions – I’m a professor who understands how to teach you to present yourself authentically. That’s the difference between an admissions counselor who gives advice and one who truly educates.
2. They Make It Personal (Because Cookie-Cutter Doesn't Cut It)
Every student I work with gets a completely personalized approach. Why? Because your story is unique, and your admissions counselor should treat it that way!
A great admissions counselor will:
Spend real time getting to know YOU (not just your stats).
· We need to know who you are to make sure you get into the best college for you
· Create a customized strategy that fits your goals
· Help you find your authentic voice
· Never use a one-size-fits-all template
I love discovering what makes each student special. Maybe you’re the teen who taught yourself three programming languages, or the one who started a community garden, or quite simply the one who takes care of your little sister while your parents work. Your admissions counselor should be excited to uncover and showcase what makes you, you.
3. They're There When You Need Them (Especially at 11 PM the Night Before!)
Let’s be real – the college application process can feel overwhelming. Your admissions counselor should be your steady guide through it all.
What responsive support looks like:
· 24-48 hour email responses (I promise!)
· Clear communication with both students AND parents
· Regular check-ins and progress updates
· Availability for those last-minute panics
As your admissions counselor, I become part of your team. When my students text me at 11 PM worried about an essay, I’m there. Because that’s what great admissions counselors do – we show up. Even though we may be in a different time zone to you – we’re here! Customized support is what you’ll get when you choose Dr. Sapna Sehgal College Admissions.
4. They're Essay Wizards Who Help You Keep YOUR Voice
As one of my students, Jon, who is currently attending Pepperdine University in California for grad school said – “Sapna is …Word Magic!”
Your admissions counselor should help you:
· Brainstorm topics that truly reflect who you are
· Structure essays for maximum impact
· Polish your writing while keeping it authentically yours
· Master different essay types (Common App, supplements, scholarship essays, Graduate Personal Statements)
I’ve guided students through thousands of essays, and my favorite moment? When a student says, “I can’t believe I finally have an amazing hook and my whole story in 650 words!”
5. They Guide with Integrity (No Shortcuts, Just Success)
An ethical admissions counselor will:
· Empower YOU to do the work (with expert guidance)
· Set realistic expectations based on data
· Consider fit, not just prestige
· Celebrate every acceptance
· Think about your long-term success
I’ve helped students get into Yale, Columbia, Carnegie Mellon, and 90+ more – always by helping them present their authentic best selves and ensuring they are targeted colleges that are a best fit for them. That’s how real success happens.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Admissions Counselor?
When you work with the right admissions counselor, the journey becomes less about stress and more about growth. You’ll discover things about yourself you never knew, craft essays you’re proud of, and approach interviews with confidence.
Here’s my promise: As your admissions counselor, I’ll bring all five of these qualities to our work together. With my unique combination of teaching experience, admissions knowledge, and genuine love for helping students succeed, we’ll make your college dreams a reality.
Ready to work with an admissions counselor who checks all these boxes? I’d love to be part of your success story.
Book a consultation or email me at info@drsapnaconsulting.com. Let’s turn your college admissions journey into something amazing!
Contact us
Need expert guidance on your college application? At Dr. Sapna Consulting, we specialize in helping students craft compelling personal statements and application essays. Whether you’re looking for a college admissions counselor, a personal essay editor, or a professional admissions essay editor, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Please fill in the form below and we’ll be in touch within 24-48 hours. Alternatively, feel free to email us directly at info@drsapnaconsulting.com, or book a call here.