The College Fit, Expert Planning & Admission Consultant, Orange County

Explore our answers to commonly asked questions about working with The College Fit. Have a question we haven’t answered below? Contact us now. View our FAQ below.

What Does A College Admissions Consultant Do?

Why use a consultant? College Admission Counselors that belong to HECA are experienced professionals who work one-on-one with students, helping them identify colleges and universities that offer the best matches for the student’s unique needs. As unbiased third parties, consultants keep students on track through every phase of the college application process so parents and students can focus on enjoying this time together.

A HECA consultant can help with:

High School curriculum planning. A consultant can help students make smart choices about their high school courses so that they stay on track for college admissions.
College admissions profile assessment. Although no consultant can guarantee admission to any individual college, a consultant can help your child identify their strengths as an applicant.
College selection assistance. A consultant can assist your child in finding the colleges and universities which best match their interests, personality, needs, and admissions profile.
College entrance exams. A professional consultant can answer questions about which college entrance exams are most appropriate for your student and when to schedule testing. Some consultants also assist with test preparation.
College applications and essays. A consultant works with each student to establish a realistic schedule for staying on top of application details and deadlines. Consultants may also review application elements, including essays.
Majors and Careers. Students often benefit from guidance in choosing majors and careers that are a good fit, as well as information about which colleges offer strong programs in areas of interest.
Financial Aid and Merit Scholarship. Many families worry about how to pay for college expenses. A consultant can help you navigate these concerns and point you in the direction of financial aid and merit scholarship opportunities.

How we are different:

Our philosophy on college admissions is that there are no “good” colleges—they are all good. Finding the right college is like finding the right pair of jeans.

Jeans come in all sorts of colors, lengths, and cuts, which is beyond the multitude of name brands. For some people a high-end pair of black distressed jeans works and for others, a less expensive pair of blue straight-leg jeans works. It all depends on how the jeans fit the unique features of each individual. The same is true for college. Each college has its own programming and unique characteristics, which will not be the right fit for all people.

We enjoy giving students the tools and guidance to be able to do meaningful research and self-reflection to gain insight into what they need in their college experience. This allows students to create a balanced list of colleges and effectively lessens the stress associated with college admissions.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ

Is The Cost of an Education Consultant Worth It?

College planning can be a stressful process if a student has no guidance. Having access to a consultant and a structured, individualized plan can dramatically reduce the stress associated with the college application process. Being able to effectively convey a student’s story to college admission reps results in more favorable outcomes.

How Do I Know If A Consultant Is Qualified?

A qualified consultant will have formal training in college counseling and additional qualifications, experience, and expertise.

Trina holds a Master’s Degree in School Counseling and a certificate in college admissions from UC Berkely. She has worked in college admissions as a counselor for over 20 years and remains current on college admission trends and information.

The College Fit is part of national organizations, including the National Association for College Admissions Counseling, Higher Education Consultant Association, and Western Association for College Admissions Counseling. These organizations keep their members accountable and hold them to high standards of ethics and operation.

Is An Educational Consultant Only For High Achieving Students?

An educational consultant can help a student regardless of what their GPA, curriculum choices, and test scores indicate. Finding a college that fits each student should be the primary function of a consultant.

When Should My Child Start Working With A College Consultant?

The college application process incorporates information based on all four high school years. Starting as early as 9th grade enables a student to make informed decisions regarding curriculum planning and extracurricular activity planning to maximize their opportunities.