Navigating the Maze of College Planning Software: A Mostly Unbiased Review.

The point of this article is to cut-to-the-chase for you, on which college counseling software is best at moving you and your program forward.

Evaluate your software for Needs-Awareness & Process Flow

Decoding the Features & Capabilities

CounselMore excels. We have to begin here because anyone's first inclination when comparing two things is to list the attributes of each and compare. However, when comparing these 3 college planning software tools, one carries an extensive list of features, far outpacing the others. Therefore, let's acknowledge this fact and move our focus away from quantity and over to the quality of 'needs-awareness' and 'process flow' ; two things often considered when evaluating technology.  CounselMore provides a comprehensive suite of tools tailored for esoteric needs of college. selection, application, results collection. Unlike CPP and CK, CounselMore's features map to the process of college-bound client in-take to client close-out, complete with admissions-result analytic tracking.

For those who are attempting to manage a large program with limited staffing, CounselMore offers a process roadmap, essential for today's admission-prep demands. This difference is critical for consultants who need reliable, all-inclusive platforms to handle complex tasks. With CounselMore, everything from college readiness plans to student engagement is covered under one roof, which is not just about convenience; it’s about providing a seamless, professional experience to your clients, their families, your program supervisors and yourself.

On a strong foundation you can build anything.

Integration is key.

In today's technology landscape, you are likely to use 7 - 10 different tech-tools in one day, for one job. Therefore, anywhere redundancy can be answered to with compatible integration, will be key to creating an organized service offering. CPP's platform offers some integrations but lacks critical awareness of the counselor's workflow by not offering, verified application requirements and Google Drive integration, which is a setback for consultants who rely on collaborative college research and accessible document management. CounselMore’s integrative approach ensures convenience and elevates the professionalism of your services. The platform's holistic design reflects a deep understanding of educational consultants' needs, equipping you to offer a comprehensive and collaborative consulting experience. With CounselMore, you're prepared to meet any education planning or prep challenge head-on. But it will never be the only tool you use because that isn't the technology landscape we live in. What CounselMore will do that others won't, is integrate across other platforms thus, sewing together previously disparate processes across your organization.

The True Cost of Using CPP

For an independent new comer, hesitant to spend on start up costs, when the future is uncertain, CPP’s introductory price is appealing. The costs of the plans are determined by the number of "active" students. On average, across the country a private college planner will serve 15 - 25 students per graduation year. On average, by the end of the consultant's first year in practice, they will have an active client list of 7 - 10. Therefore, knowing your intentions for growth would have an impact on your choices. A savvy shopper might conclude that their average monthly costs with CPP will likely be $100.

If you intend to maintain less than 10 active students in total, then intro price looks great. You also have the option of toggling your client between "active" and "prospective" to manage your account. This requires turning off an "active" client first and then enabling your "prospect" to allow for editing their account. That sounds cumbersome to me and not the vision I have for my tools. But if you don't mind - then it could work for you!

The initial pricing can quickly become a financial burden as your client base grows. What starts as a cost-effective solution soon escalates into a unprepared significant monthly expense. CounselMore’s pricing is not based on per student fees instead all plans offer an unlimited amount of student records, regardless of active or non-active status, its all unlimited. Oh, I just got it - that's the name; counsel more. Truly, I had not made the connection previously. CounselMore's pricing structure offers clarity and consistency, accommodating growth without sudden price hikes, making it a more predictable option for long-term financial planning. Consider the numbers.

CPP Plans

CounselMore Plans

Unlimited student storage - all inclusive plans - no hidden per student add ons

Price Comparison

With CPP, managing a small client list of 20 students could lead to a $100 monthly fee. At the $100 price point you'd have unlimited students storage, plus the extensive list of features with CounselMore. To reach an unlimited student count with CPP, you're paying the same and getting less. CounselMore offers a transparent pricing plan that actually aligns with the future reality of the service provider. To me, this exemplifies a deeper knowledge of the industry and make me feel more confident about my cost. CounselMore scales with your business, ensuring that you can plan your finances with confidence. Predictability in pricing is a cornerstone of a sustainable and thriving practice, and CounselMore provides just that. With CounselMore, you can focus on expanding your services without worrying about escalating costs.

Discount offers

In the image above you may have noticed two different prices offered by CPP. The * means a discount is offered to 'association' affiliations, three of them IECA, HECA, NCAG. Everybody loves a deal! An affiliate price means the price paid for one product will lower the cost of the other product. My AARP card does the same. To make this comparison easier I'm comparing CPP's discounted rate with CounselMore's regular rate. CounselMore does offer deeper discounts for most professional association members, non-profit groups and first-responders. I've noticed a * on their page too, it reads "Just ask." So I did and I was offered 15% for my association membership or a 25% discount for having participated in a live demo. I did the math and I'd be paying $132 for the highest single license plan with unlimited students, paid monthly. If I chose to pay annually they'd reduce my cost again by giving me one month free. By paying annually, my monthly expense would be $121/mo. all features included, essay prompts, verified deadlines, Google drive - all of it. That's a $43/mo and $516/annually in savings.

Kick in the pants price

As for CK pricing, I'll need you to hold on to your hat for this reveal. In marketing-speak the CK pricing is an example of putting the value on the price and not the product. Meaning, that if its a challenge to show value, hike up the price because humans naturally believe that if something is priced exorbitantly, there must a a reason! We all believe that premise because we are good-natured and don't naturally suspect deviance. Which is good - don't change! But do be aware of crafty pricing models. CK's pricing model is plainly unreasonable, here's why:

CK pricing

College Planning Beyond the Algorithms

College Kickstart may promise an advanced algorithm, but it over-relies on test scores and early admission statistics. CounselMore acknowledges the multifaceted nature of college applications. It ensures a comprehensive candidacy evaluation, beyond just statistics, crafting a college list that truly reflects each student’s aspirations, potential and challenges. The CounselMore tools guide the counselor before guiding the student. After using the evaluative tools, an actionable prep-plan takes shape. CounselMore tools demonstrate for the counselor and the parent that admissions is not a numbers games but a preparation process, with unpredictable outcomes, a reality check with reasonable conclusions but no guarantees.

Here is my opinion, that you are free to disagree with; I think most educational consultants who choose to use CK are nervous about their ability to evaluate candidate potential and want an admissions 'silver-bullet' to assuage their insecurities while serving demanding parent-clients. Being an educational consultant is not an easy job. I think that an admissions coach, hired by a family would choose to use CK for the convenience of substituting their own judgement for the computer out-put. I don't judge them for it because that would be wrong but also I am one of them! I used CK too! Admissions planning is hard, parents are hard to please and it takes time to build awareness of institutional priorities. By leaning into the software's algorithm for admissions probability and a promised "balanced list", the counselor partially avoids liability but more so lowers their stress. What's unfortunate is that its a costly belief system, not a fact. Feel free to disagree. I found difficulty explaining the data to families - it didn't add up for me. If it does for you - you are much smarter than I am and I beg your pardon for my ignorance.

Beauty isn’t everything.

CK’s reports are slick, glossy and sexy! Pushing their reports across the table definitely made me feel more "professional". The trouble arrives when the client wants the counselor to interpret the results and conclusions. I found that hard to do. CK's reports may be visually appealing, but what I found was that they lack the depth consultants require for effective planning. CK's candidate evaluation is predicated on early admissions results. What's interesting is that colleges are notorious for using early admissions applications as a tool to "craft the class". These applicants may apply by an early deadline but are often deferred to regular admissions considerations. So one of many questions is, are the early admissions comparisons based on EA submitted or admitted or EA deferred? Other questions, among many, might be, how old is the information? is it aggregated across years? are GPAs separated by EA and RD?

Whereas, a CK balanced college application list would tell me that I can apply to more schools early and increase my likelihood of admissions, any experienced counselor would reply to that statement with "Dah." But the reports are sexy.

CounselMore’s reports do a better job but lack that glossy shareholder's report look. There are more visual analytics contained in the app but they are not export-able. Also, the reports cannot be manipulated but I hear this is coming soon. That's not to say that CounselMore's reports aren't aesthetically pleasing they are, but more importantly, they are rich with actionable insights. They empower consultants with the right information to guide students and families through the complex college readiness process. This depth and usability make CounselMore a more practical choice for consultants who need to translate data into meaningful advice.

Building a Strong Foundation

Your choice defines your future. Selecting a software platform is not just a purchase; it's an investment in your practice's foundation. CounselMore provides a solid base upon which you can build and expand your services. The right technology choice today sets the tone for your business's success tomorrow.

Think long-term. CounselMore’s suite of tools is designed to grow with your business, adapting to your evolving needs. It's not just about meeting today's demands but also anticipating tomorrow's challenges. CounselMore's foresight in its design ensures that you're well-equipped for the road ahead, making it a wise choice for educational consultants planning for longevity and success in their practice.

Why CounselMore is the Preferred ChoiceI think it's about more than features. CounselMore's robust platform outperforms competitors, but its value extends beyond its feature set. The platform reflects a deep understanding of the educational consulting landscape. It's built to foster the success of both new and seasoned professionals alike. The tech support team is accessible and friendly. My onboarding experience was with a live-person over Zoom and I attended a peer-to-peer study hall to ask questions of other users. I didn't know all of this was included in my plan and it was a happy surprise.

A vote for CounselMore is a vote for the growth of the profession as a whole.

When you choose CounselMore, you're selecting a partner that is invested in your success. The platform’s comprehensive resources, supportive community, and continuous innovation create an environment where consultants and students thrive. It's a choice that pays dividends in the quality and impact of your consulting services.

The Story Behind the Success

CounselMore's rise is noteworthy. While the origins of CounselMore may primarily interest industry insiders, they underscore a commitment to customer-centric development. The company's growth is rooted in its responsiveness to the needs of educational consultants. This attentiveness has resulted in a platform that truly understands and addresses the complexities of college consulting. CounselMore's evolution is a testament to the company's dedication to continuous improvement and excellence.

From the founders' firsthand experiences to the collaborative development process, CounselMore’s trajectory consistently focuses on community and innovation. The platform's expansion is a direct result of its ability to meet and exceed the nuanced demands of educational consulting. The growth story of CounselMore is intertwined with the success stories of the consultants and students it serves. Its mission to empower consultants with robust tools is evident in every feature it offers.

The Ultimate ROI Showdown: CounselMore vs. College Planner Pro vs. College Kickstart

Authenticity matters.

In the dynamic world of college admissions planning, the tools you employ can significantly impact your practice's success. CounselMore is designed by counselors for counselors to understand the intricacies of the admissions process. It offers a specialized suite of tools that align with the industry's specific needs.

Real-world applications.

Sarah, a new counselor, values authenticity and wants a tool that comprehends the nuances of her field. CounselMore's specialized focus gives her the confidence to navigate college admissions planning quickly. Its process flow mirrors real-world college preparation planning, making it an invaluable asset for her budding practice.

A practical choice.

David, a counselor juggling multiple roles, finds College Planner Pro's generalist approach appealing initially. However, he quickly realizes it lacks depth in features for college prep planning, unlike CounselMore. He’s looking for an all-in-one tool where he can manage different services, and CounselMore's suite of college readiness assignments and candidate shaping tools are precisely what he needs.

CounselMore: The Gold Standard

Authority is earned. CounselMore has established itself as an industry leader, recognized for its comprehensive features like a proprietary college database and robust search capabilities. Its authority comes from its dedication to research and development, responding to the evolving needs of educational consultants.

Used worldwide, CounselMore isn't just a tool; it's part of a larger community of professionals. It fosters networking and professional growth through events like the Mentor Circle and Study Hall. This community support is invaluable for professionals like Karen, who rely on a network of peers to stay informed and innovative.

CounselMore offers competitive pricing with a clear emphasis on value. Its range of features and scalable plans accommodate practices of all sizes. CounselMore’s affordable plans mean that consultants like Emily, who is budget-conscious, can access a premier set of tools without compromising on the quality of service she provides to her students.

The Contenders in Review

College Planner Pro has a reputation for reliability and functionality. Yet, it doesn't offer the specialized focus that CounselMore provides, which is crucial for a field that demands expertise. Counselors like Robert, oriented toward efficiency and personalized service, find CPP's lack of customization a significant limitation.

College Kickstart specializes in data-driven features but falls short in providing a holistic toolset. For counselors like Emily, who seek a more comprehensive view of their student's needs, CK's limited scope is a significant drawback. Its high cost also raises concerns about the return on investment, especially compared to the value provided by CounselMore.

Final Thoughts

CounselMore has proliferated by putting customers first and continuously studying their needs. You're not just buying software; you're building a practice. The right choice in technology can either propel you forward or hold you back. CounselMore stands out as a partner invested in your growth, offering tools and community support that translate into real-world success for you and your students.

This comprehensive comparison has given credit where I believe it is due and highlighted the significant advantages of CounselMore over its competitors because that's what I found. You may find differently and if you do, please share that with me. I can be reached at support@counselmore.com Attn: Marc Gray.  I found that CounselMore's customer-first approach, robust feature set, and community support, as the most authentic, authoritative, and valuable tool for educational consultants. It’s the preferred choice for those who seek a comprehensive, specialized solution that understands and caters to their unique needs.

Don't settle for less when it comes to the tools that will define the future of your college counseling practice. Choose CounselMore for its comprehensive solutions, specialized features, and supportive community. Make the decision today to invest in a platform that understands your needs and grows with your success.