Independent College Counselor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Independent Contractor | Hourly | Immediate Student Caseload

College Planning Experts is seeking an experienced Independent College Admissions Counselor to work with high school juniors and seniors referred directly to our company.

This opportunity is ideal for an established independent college counselor, educational consultant, or admissions professional who already works with students independently and would like to add additional students to their existing caseload.

This is not an entry-level or training position. We are looking for someone who can step in immediately and confidently manage students through the college planning and application process with minimal oversight.

Compensation & Caseload

• Hourly independent contractor position
• Students are referred directly to you by College Planning Experts
• Hours are limited according to the counseling package purchased by each family
• Counselor is responsible for managing the student's needs and priorities within the allotted package hours
• Primarily working with high school juniors and seniors
• Flexible scheduling based on counselor and student availability
• Immediate availability preferred

Required Experience

We are specifically seeking candidates with significant hands-on experience in college counseling and admissions advising.

Ideal candidates will have:

• 5+ years of direct college counseling/admissions advising experience
• Current or previous experience working independently as a college counselor, educational consultant, or similar professional
• Extensive knowledge of the college admissions and application process
• Strong understanding of Common App, UC, CSU, College Board, and individual college application systems
• Experience developing strategic and balanced college lists
• Experience advising students on application strategy, extracurricular activities, course selection, testing, and admissions positioning
• Strong experience reviewing and providing feedback on college essays and personal statements
• Excellent organizational and deadline-management skills
• Strong communication skills when working with both students and parents
• Ability to work independently without training or day-to-day supervision
• Strong computer and technology skills

Experience with CollegePlannerPro is strongly preferred. Our company uses CollegePlannerPro

to manage students, college lists, tasks, notes, and application progress. Candidates who are already comfortable using the platform will be given preference.

Education & Credentials

College counseling certifications, graduate degrees, and/or relevant counseling credentials are highly valued. Examples include:

• Certificate in College Counseling
• Master's Degree in Educational Counseling or a related field
• Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential
• NACAC/IECA-related professional experience or similar industry background

Extensive direct college counseling experience may be considered in place of specific credentials.

Counselor Responsibilities

You will independently guide assigned students through the college planning and admissions process, including:

• Developing an individualized college admissions strategy
• Identifying each student's academic, personal, and admissions goals
• Creating timelines and action plans based on the student's grade level and application cycle
• Reviewing high school course selection and graduation requirements
• Researching colleges and developing appropriate college lists
• Helping students identify schools that are a strong academic, social, and financial fit
• Refining college lists and determining application priorities
• Advising students regarding SAT/ACT testing and preparation options
• Advising on extracurricular activities and opportunities that support the student's overall profile
• Monitoring application requirements and important deadlines
• Developing application strategies tailored to individual colleges
• Guiding students through Common App, UC, CSU, and other application platforms
• Reviewing applications for accuracy, completeness, and overall presentation
• Helping students effectively communicate their strengths, accomplishments, and experiences
• Advising students regarding letters of recommendation
• Providing admissions interview preparation
• Reviewing and critiquing college essays and supplemental responses
• Monitoring student portals and helping students respond to admissions requests and requirements
• Maintaining accurate student notes, tasks, deadlines, and progress within CollegePlannerPro
• Communicating professionally with students, parents, and our internal team as needed

Who We're Looking For

This position is best suited for someone who is already doing this work.

We are not looking to train someone to become a college counselor. The right candidate should already understand the admissions process and be comfortable taking ownership of an assigned student from the initial planning stages through application submission and admissions decisions.

If you currently operate your own independent college counseling practice, work as an independent educational consultant, or have substantial recent experience managing your own college counseling caseload and would like additional students referred to you, we would especially like to hear from you.

To Apply

Please submit your resume to GSafdari@CollegePlanningExperts.com along with a brief description of:

• Your college counseling/admissions experience
• Approximately how many juniors and seniors you have personally advised
• Whether you currently work independently with college-bound students
• Your experience with CollegePlannerPro
• Your current availability and approximate number of additional students you could take on immediately