School counselor, consulting firm or independent counselor: which is right?

Who you would work with

17 counselors on the roster, each with a university credential verified against documents before their page went live.

• Advait Sharma: Data Science & Economics Student, UC Berkeley
• Ella Verde: Business Student, UC Berkeley
• Elsa Wendt: Business Administration Student, UC Berkeley
• Fatima Faisal: Integrative Biology and Political Science Student, UC Berkeley
• Hendry Xu: Computer Science + Math Student, Cornell
• Isabel Hosein: Human Biology Student, Stanford
• Maddie Alvendia Johnson: M.A., Education, Harvard
• Mason Kim: Political Science & Data Science Student, UC Berkeley
• Megana Madhurakavi: Economics and CS Student, Harvard
• Nick Cappelletti: Economics Student, UC Berkeley
• Ryan Cannon: Mechanical Engineering Student, UPenn
• Sabrina Huang: Math and Computer Science Student, Yale
• Samaira Gaind: Economics & Data Science Student, UC Berkeley
• Sebastien Annous: Business Administration Student, UC Berkeley
• Tanisha Patil: Computer Science Student, UC Berkeley
• Tushar Mehta: Electrical Engineering & Computer Science Student, UC Berkeley
• YAN YU: Master of Public Health (2028) Student, Brown

Your school counselor

Free, and part of every application: the counselor writes the school report and often a letter, and knows your school's courses better than anyone. Many look after a large number of students at once, so individual essay time can be limited. Every family should work closely with them whatever else they choose.

Large admissions consulting firms

Firms with many staff can offer test prep, tutoring, summer programs and counseling together. Ask who will actually work with your student, how often, and what each service costs, since packages can vary widely.

Online platforms

Platforms offer self-serve tools and, often, paid sessions with advisors from a large marketplace. They suit students who want occasional help. Ask how advisors are vetted and whether you keep the same one.

Independent counselors and small firms

One person or a small team, with closer attention and a narrower menu. Aristo Scholars is a small firm of this kind: one counselor to one student, each with a verified university credential and a stated cap on students per cycle. We do not do test prep or tutoring, and we will tell you where to go for it.

Questions families ask

Do I still need my school counselor if I hire a private counselor?

Yes. Your school counselor submits the school report and often a recommendation, and colleges read your record in the context they provide. A private counselor should work alongside them.

What does Aristo Scholars not do?

Aristo Scholars does not guarantee admission, write or rewrite any part of an application, claim insider access to admissions offices, or offer test prep or tutoring.