Consulting is not Counseling
It’s important to be an informed consumer when you are looking for someone to work with on your college applications.
O’Hara College Counseling was started to provide quality college counseling to families and students. COUNSELORS that are certified by their State Education Department have to meet various criteria in order to remain in good standing. A master’s degree in Counseling/School Counseling, internship experiences, background checks, fingerprinting, and professional development are required. Counselors are skilled listeners, understand developmental needs of adolescents, and trained in crisis intervention. As members of professional organizations like NACAC and ASCA, we adhere to clear ethical practices.
On the other hand, anyone can call themselves a CONSULTANT. These individuals may call themselves “college admission consultants” or “college coaches.” Their experience working with young people and education/training can vary widely. There are some very effective and well-meaning college consultants, but as we saw with the Varsity Blues Scandal, there is a slippery slope. Do your homework.
O’Hara College Counseling will never offer guarantees or engage in unethical behavior.