When Should I Start Working with an Independent College Counselor?

Aug 4

It’s one of the most common questions I get from families: When should we start working with an independent college counselor?
The short answer? The earlier, the better.

While there’s no “wrong” time to reach out, there is an ideal time, and that’s typically the end of 8th grade or the very beginning of 9th grade. Starting early allows us to build a strong, supportive relationship and create a thoughtful, strategic plan that helps students make the most of high school, not just survive it.

Let me walk you through what that looks like, and what’s possible no matter when you start.

Starting at the End of 8th Grade: The Ideal Scenario

Beginning this journey before freshman year starts allows me to help students choose the right classes for 9th grade—something that sets the tone for the rest of high school. Course selection is often overlooked, but it can have long-term implications for rigor, GPA, and eligibility for certain colleges.

But it’s not just about picking classes. Starting early means I’m there to guide students through:

Extracurricular decisions
Volunteer opportunities
Leadership roles
Summer plans
Standardized testing timelines

And one of the biggest benefits? Organization.
We start tracking activities, accomplishments, awards, and hours from day one. That means when senior year comes around and it’s time to fill out applications, we aren’t scrambling to remember everything, they already have a strong, organized profile built out over time.

Starting Sophomore Year: Still a Great Time

If we didn’t connect in 8th or 9th grade, don’t worry, sophomore year is still a great time to begin working together. At this stage, students are starting to explore their interests more deeply, and they’re often thinking about leadership opportunities or how to make their extracurriculars more meaningful.

During sophomore year, I can help with:

Academic planning to meet college admissions requirements
Exploring potential majors or career paths
Building relationships with teachers (for future recommendations!)
Beginning to research colleges and even visiting a few local campuses
Starting early financial planning to get a realistic understanding of costs and aid options

Starting in 10th grade gives us plenty of time to build a strong foundation and a thoughtful game plan before application season hits.

Junior Year: The Most Common Starting Point

Many families find me around the beginning (or middle) of junior year. That’s when the pressure starts to build; PSAT results come in, college tours begin, and everyone is talking about SATs, essays, and application deadlines.

While I haven’t had the opportunity to guide these students from the beginning of high school, there is still so much we can do together to make their college applications as strong and strategic as possible.

During junior year, my focus is on:

Finalizing a balanced college list
Determining testing plans (SAT/ACT, if needed)
Planning college visits
Creating a resume of extracurriculars
Beginning personal statements and essays
Strategizing for early action/early decision

It’s a busy but rewarding time, and with focused effort, students can still shine in their senior-year applications.

Senior Year: It’s “Game On”

Yes, I still take on students senior year, and yes, it’s absolutely still worth it.

Some families reach out because they suddenly realize how much there is to do. Others simply didn’t know they could have had support earlier. Whatever the case, I jump in with urgency and care to help students:

Complete and polish applications
Edit personal and supplemental essays
Meet every deadline with confidence
Stay organized and motivated through the process
Navigate financial aid, scholarships, and decision-making

It’s a shorter timeline, but with consistent communication and focus, we can still make a big impact.

In Summary: Sooner Is Better…But It’s Never Too Late

Every student’s journey is different. Ideally, I love starting with students at the end of 8th grade so we can walk through high school together, building confidence, clarity, and a competitive application along the way.

But whether you start in freshman year, sophomore year, or even as late as senior fall, my goal is the same: to make the college admissions process less overwhelming and more empowering, for both students and parents.

Because let’s be honest: this can be a tough time for families. Teens are under pressure, and parents just want to help, but it’s not always easy to communicate. One of my unofficial roles? Peacekeeper and mediator. I work with parents and students as a team, helping everyone stay on the same page with less stress and more support.

Ready to Talk?

If you’ve been wondering when to start, the answer is probably now. Let’s talk about where your student is and how I can help you move forward with clarity and confidence.