Applying to College? How Much College Counseling Help Do You Really Need?

The college admissions process is more complex and competitive than ever—but that doesn’t mean every family needs a full-time college coach. Some students thrive with a do-it-yourself approach, while others benefit from expert guidance at key points along the way. Here’s how to figure out what your student actually needs.

When DIY Might Be Enough

For many families, ad hoc or "on demand" support might be enough, especially if:

• Your student is highly organized and self-motivated

• You have access to a strong school counseling department

• You’re comfortable researching schools, deadlines, and forms together

• You’ve been through the process with an older sibling recently

Free online resources, virtual college fairs, and school-provided tools like Naviance or SCOIR can go a long way for students who know what they want and how to stay on track. You can also purchase on-demand support from Fenix, used hourly, sold in 5-hour packages at progressive discounts.

When It Makes Sense to Get Structured Help and a Complete Plan

There are times when expert guidance can save time, reduce stress, and make a real difference. Consider outside support if:

• You feel overwhelmed by the number of tasks and deadlines

• Your student needs help identifying best-fit schools

• Essays and personal statements feel like a major hurdle

• Financial aid and scholarship applications seem confusing

• You want to maximize your student's options without missing key opportunities

Even just a few sessions can bring clarity and momentum to the process.

Tailoring Support to Your Needs

You don’t have to choose between doing everything yourself or hiring a consultant for the entire journey. Many families benefit from:

• Hourly sessions for specific challenges (like essays or the FAFSA)

• Packaged programs for step-by-step support

• Workshops to get started or get unstuck

The goal is to find a level of support that matches your family’s comfort level, availability, and budget.

Final Thought

College planning isn’t one-size-fits-all. The right amount of support depends on your student’s goals, confidence, and capacity to manage the process. Whether you go full DIY or get targeted guidance along the way, the key is knowing when to ask for help—and who you can trust to provide it.

Fenix Consulting offers flexible options for families at every stage of the journey. Let us help you find the approach that fits just right.