How Often Should We Meet with an Independent College Counselor?
One of the most common questions I hear from families is, “How often should we be meeting with you?” And the honest answer is: it depends.
Every student is different. Every family is different. And every college journey looks a little different, too. That’s why there’s no perfect one-size-fits-all answer, but there are some helpful guidelines to keep in mind based on your child’s grade level, goals, and the kind of support you’re looking for.
Whether you’re just starting to explore the college process or you’re knee-deep in applications, the key is consistency and access to support when you need it most.
There’s No One Right Way, But There Is a Right Fit for You
Some students are incredibly self-motivated and independent. Others need more structure, encouragement, or hands-on support. Some families come to me in 9th grade; others start working with me halfway through junior year. Both approaches are okay, but the level of involvement and frequency of meetings will naturally look different.
Here’s a general breakdown of what I recommend and what most of my families find helpful.
9th & 10th Grade: A Foundation for the Future
Recommended: 2–4 meetings per year
In the early years of high school, we’re laying the groundwork. This is the time to discuss:
Course selection
Extracurricular involvement
Volunteer opportunities
Summer plans
Building a “college-ready” mindset
For most students, meeting twice a year is a solid baseline, once in the fall to plan the year ahead, and once in the spring to reflect, adjust, and plan for summer. Some families prefer quarterly check-ins (4 times per year) to stay more closely aligned, especially if their student is juggling multiple interests or already thinking about competitive programs.
11th Grade: The Research and Planning Year
Recommended: Monthly meetings (or more)
Junior year is when everything starts to feel real. Students are narrowing down interests, diving into test prep, and beginning to build their college list. They’re also starting to consider financial aid, scholarships, and how their high school story is coming together.
Most families find that monthly meetings help them stay on track without feeling overwhelmed. As we move into late spring and early summer, these often increase to twice a month as we begin:
College essay brainstorming
College list finalization
Application planning
Campus visits and interview prep
12th Grade: It’s Go Time
Recommended: 3–4 meetings a month (plus check-ins as needed)
Senior year is a busy season. Between finalizing applications, writing essays, requesting recommendations, submitting financial aid documents, and making final decisions, it’s a lot.
Most of my seniors meet with me three to four times per month from August through November. After applications are submitted, we take a short breather before shifting to:
Financial aid follow-ups
Scholarship applications
Reviewing college acceptances
Comparing financial packages
Making final decisions in the spring
And then…just like that…we’re celebrating!
More Than Just Meetings: Accessibility Matters
One of the most important things I tell families is this: you don’t want to work with someone you only hear from once a month.
The college process isn’t always linear. Questions pop up. Deadlines change. Emotions run high. That’s why it’s crucial to work with someone who’s available outside of your scheduled sessions, someone you can text, email, or call when something comes up. That’s the kind of support I prioritize in my practice.
Parents often tell me they appreciate having someone to check in with between meetings; whether it’s to review a draft, clarify a question about FAFSA, or simply help calm nerves during a stressful week. It’s not just about the frequency of meetings; it’s about being able to trust that you have a partner walking alongside your family the whole way.
Tailoring Support to Your Needs
Some students start early and meet regularly to stay ahead of the curve. Others jump in later and benefit from a more intensive, short-term approach. The best frequency of meetings is the one that fits your student’s personality, timeline, and goals.
If you’re unsure how often your child should be meeting with a counselor, that’s a great conversation to have during a consultation. Together, we’ll come up with a rhythm that makes sense—one that offers accountability, flexibility, and plenty of encouragement along the way.
Ready to find a support system that works for your family?
Let’s chat about where your student is, what they need, and how we can build a plan that fits.
Schedule a free 20-minute consultation to learn more about working with Cooper College