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Who Should You Really Trust in the College Search Process? (Hint: Not Your Mom’s Friend’s Hairdresser’s Cousin's Neighbor)

drewkari97

Picture this: You’re a high school student thinking about college. You mention it at a family gathering, and suddenly, Uncle Bob—who has never stepped foot on a college campus since his 1982 homecoming tailgate—launches into a lecture about how you must go to his alma mater because “it’s the best.” Meanwhile, your mom’s friend’s hairdresser’s cousin’s neighbor swears that her nephew got into Harvard because he wrote his essay about his love for artisanal goat cheese.


Ah, the college search process. Where everyone, from distant relatives to your dentist’s receptionist, seems to have “insider” knowledge on how to get into your dream school.

But let’s be real: When it comes to choosing the right college, you need expert guidance—not recycled urban legends. Here’s a look at where students really turn for advice (and who you should actually listen to).


High School Counselors: The Overworked Yet Essential Guides

High school counselors are the unsung heroes of the college process. In wealthier districts or private schools, students might have a dedicated college counselor who helps them craft the perfect application strategy. At large public schools, counselors juggle hundreds of students, which often means less one-on-one time. Even so, they’re still some of the best sources of information—because unlike your neighbor who “read an article once,” counselors are trained professionals who actually know what they’re talking about.


Teachers & Mentors: The Accidental College Whisperers

Sometimes, a teacher sees a spark in a student before they see it in themselves. An English teacher might encourage a student to apply to a liberal arts college known for creative writing. A math teacher could suggest engineering programs a student never considered. These mentors can be game-changers, offering a push in the right direction (but ideally, not into a major you hate just because you got an A in one class).


College Rankings & Guidebooks: The Glittery Distractions

Many families obsess over rankings, assuming that a higher number automatically means a better school. But here’s the truth: These lists often favor prestige over practical fit. You wouldn’t buy a car just because a magazine called it “#1 in Speed” if what you really need is good gas mileage and enough trunk space for a Costco run. The same logic applies to choosing a college—what’s best on paper may not be best for you.


College Marketing & Recruitment: The Pretty Lies

Ever wonder why, after taking the SAT, you suddenly receive emails from colleges you’ve never heard of, promising that you’d be a perfect fit? That’s because colleges spend big money on recruitment, and they want you to feel special (even though they sent the same email to 50,000 other students). A glossy brochure doesn’t mean a school is right for you—it means they have a solid marketing budget.


The Real MVP: Certified College Counselors

When it comes down to it, the best source of college advice is someone who actually understands you—your academic strengths, interests, and goals. Certified college counselors (the real ones, not the Facebook group “experts” who claim you need a 1600 SAT and to cure a disease to get into college) help students navigate the process with real data, personalized strategies, and experience-based insights.


So, while your mom’s friend’s hairdresser’s cousin's neighbor might have an opinion, your best bet is to trust professionals who do this for a living. College is a huge decision—get advice from someone who actually knows what they’re talking about. When you're ready to start thinking about your journey to college consider us. We can help you with the entire process and help you find the most options that are all Best Fits for you, not for Uncle Bob.


Sign up for a meeting today and let's make a plan. Next Level College Application has got your back.

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