Solo Consultant FAQ

SOLO Counselor - FAQ


Know More • Do More • Counsel More

At CounselMore, we understand that navigating the college admissions process can be daunting.


That's why we've created a comprehensive FAQ section on our website to address your most pressing questions. Whether you're curious about how to optimize your use of our educational consulting software, seeking advice on college planning, or wondering how to best engage with our peer-to-peer collaborative environment, you'll find clear, concise answers designed to empower and inform. Our goal is to ensure that every educational consultant and student feels supported and confident at every step of their journey.

  • How long is the free trial? Do I need a credit card?

    2 weeks is your free trial.


    When the trial expires you will choose your plan level based on your Active Student count. Add and remove students one at a time to control your costs.


    No credit card required! And you dont have to come to a demo either but you should because we are friendly and helpful!

  • I don't know what plan I need, how do I decide?

    There is no difference in features between Single Cousnelor Plans. Price is based on Active Student count.


    We are here to help you with big and small questions. 


    Write to us: support@counselmore.com

    Meet with us: Demonstrations are daily


    We believe that nothing in college counseling is done alone and we won't let that start with your software. Reach out to us, we are your colleagues  ready to assist you on your journey.


    If you cannot decide on a plan, know that upgrading is seamless and can be done anytime.

  • Calendly? Acuity? Other integrations?

    Integration with Calendly or Acuity scheduling software is included in the cost of every plan.


    Bring your Calendly or Acuity scheduling account with you to your CounselMore account. Using our training videos or by meeting with one of our tech mentors, easily connect your scheduling app.


    After the connection, CounselMore goes beyond calendar syncing. When a new prospective client makes an appointment, a CounselMore account will be auto-generated for you. That is included in all plans.


    The advanced creating of unique meeting types that auto-gen Assignments is available.


    Other 3rd party app integrations?

    CounselMore allows you to program buttons within your account to create accessibility for your clients. For instance, a a meeting button to your Student Portal

  • Are student assessments, personality tests or career surveys included?

    Yes.

    There are 3 surveys included in the app. 


    Before inviting a student to their portal, you have the option to turn 'On' assessments. The student will be greeted by the surveys when entering the student portal for the first time.


    If you prefer to use surveys later in the intake process, they can be found in the Biographical Banners. The Counselor always maintains control.


    If your practice needs further surveys customization services beyond what is included, such as custom-assessments, custom intake forms,  or 3rd party assessment tools - these customized software development services are available.


    But wait! Have you heard of the Highland Aptitude Assessment?


    If not, then get ready to be amazed!

    Read all about this incredible tool here.


    Contact support@counselmore.com to discuss your specific needs. Our custom software development projects are built in direct collaboration with our customers, keeping their budget in focus.

  • I'm not even an Apprentice yet, I just started. Where do I fit in?

    You fit in right here with us!


    If you are experimenting with the idea of becoming an educational consultant, then likely you are feeling overwhelmed with information and college data.


    Everyone seems to have advice but no clear direction. Yes - we know how it is because we've been there! 


    Many of our CounselMore team members are also educational consultants and college planners with their own practices. We remember what it felt like to be new and completely overwhelmed (and up for the challenge).


    Your first step would be to meet your colleagues. Join our Mentorship circle! Click here to register.

  • I used to have an account, how do I rejoin?

    Welcome back! We're delighted that you have chosen to return and we are ready to celebrate with you.


    Over 100 features have been added to the app so come to a demonstration and take a look at all that's new.


    Register for your new account.


    Bring your historical client information with you to populate your account.


    Jump into your free training program and join us in Community roundtable.


  • I registered, attended a demo, now what?

    Now you're cookin!


    Begin with your complimentary account set up meeting with our Tech Mentors.


    Register for your free live training classes.


    Or choose self study with our step-by-step guide including video tutorials.


    Use the compass button:

    Inside your app on every page there is a compass button. Click the button and take a tour of the features on each page.


    If you aren't sure about a button in the app, scroll over it. We've provided tool tips everywhere to minimize the learning curve.



  • Do you offer association discounts?

    Yes! :)

    And...


    We provide several ways for customers to lower their costs by participating in CounselMore. 


    Member-Evangelist

    Data Detective


    To know if your association offers a discount, please sign into your association membership page on their website.


    We have partnerships with:

    HECA, Higher Education Consultants Association

    NACAC, National Association for College Admissions Counselors

    IECA, Independent Educational Consultants Association

    NASPA, National Association of Student Personnel Administrators

    APCA, American College Personnel Association

    NEA, National Education Association

    NCAN, National College Attainment Network


    Click here to see to a  list of other benefits.

  • I'm on the old Basic plan, what do I upgrade to?

    The Basic plan is a legacy plan that is no longer sold. The Basic plan does not include several features and does not include automations.


    From the Basic plan your level up would be our new tier plans. 


    Look in your Setttings menu

    Goto My Account

    Find price tools there


    Simply choose an Active Student count that fits your practice. Add and remove students one at a time to control your cost.

  • Is the College List Builder sold separately?

    The college list builder is included in every plan. 


    With all our plans you'll enjoy the list builder plus CommApp Guidelines, Chances and student projections. Your Tech Mentor can help you tailor your data portal to create your own custom database in addition to the traditional and uncommon data we offer.


  • I'd like to construct a DIY client program, what are the additional costs?

    None.


    Many of our members have found that scaling their company with CounselMore is easy and fruitful!


    We are here to help you grow!


    Offering that level of service to your clients will require the Professioanl plan.


    There are no additional fees but we encourage you to attend training classes so that you can employ all of the features you'll need.


  • I've got my CounselMore account set up but I need help with tech stuff...

    Yes, it's true we help with that too.


    Before the software - we were a research project.


    When we were performing observational research of hundreds of educational consultant service delivery processes, we saw that many of us work in silos and it's often challenging to reach out for tech-help or business services.


    That's why we have partnered with the incredible team at Short Story Marketing. They offer free evaluative services, a monthly tech-club, website creation, brand, logo, business cards - you name it!


  • I'm not good with technology, I'll need help . How do I get help?

    This is a great question!


    Within your 2 week trial you will work through your free training program. 


    Check out the training schedule and book each of your classes now. You can review the list of regularly scheduled live classes by registering for a trial, clicking the Settings menu in the top right hand corner of your CounselMore app. The first screen that opens is your training board. Click the reservation button to make your reservations.


    You may attend trainings as many times as you like. 


    When you need assistance, there is a Help button in the header of your app. Submit a general care ticket or an urgent ticket.


    If you need to speak to someone right away choose the option to Get Live Help Now. There are 15 minute zoom appointments available everyday.

  • Do parents use CounselMore?

    Yes they do. 

    And the student super use it!

    72% student portal engagement!



    Many choose to purchase CounselMore software and learn our methodology for college readiness and campus fit. It's easy to evaluate your candidate and chart their course. Register for an account and meet with us for you complimentary account set up - we will walk you through the process and you'll be your own counselor in minutes!


    Our friends at TeenLife have a little more to say about this topic. Read more here.

Your college planning process - In hand


  • Our easy training program moves your understanding forward quickly.
  • Your service delivery is simplified with customizations and automations.
  • Custom data defaults for each type of list and data you won't find anywhere else.
  • Integrated appointment scheduling.
  • Google Drive integration - to meet the tech natives on their terms.


"My families absolutely love the simplicity of the student portal!"

-Lelaine Paik, Lelaine Paik Educational Consulting

Effortless client intake

1 Client Inquiry

Inquiries can automatically show up in your CounselMore account as Prospects.


Respond to client inquiries with a customized invitation to the Parent Portal, providing immediate engagement and value.


2 Get Personal

Parents complete biography, upload unofficial transcripts, high school profiles, and other parent brag sheets.


Review the information from the Parent Portal as your initial screening.

3 Next Steps

Schedule your first call or in-person meeting.


Keep private notes, construct a preliminary college list, send your contract - all in a matter of minutes.

Readiness

Candidate Shaping



Use the candidate shaping tools to build the character profile, plan course progression, propose college lists, summer programs or gap year search.

Assessments & College Shopping

Use the simple college shopping list to help parents and student narrow their focus and find common ground.

Pre Packaged

Assignments

Bring your own comprehensive service package or use the CounselMore college readiness package to apply a plug-and-play set of assignments.

Happiness is peace of mind

Be the Best Student Planner you can be!

Never miss a deadline.

The App Tracker is customizable, per student or across students.

Realtime updates on app-task status with text and color coding. Track Submitted, Accepted, Declined, Waitlisted, Withdrawn, Scholarship, applied-major and more. Then look back on your results year over year.

Student / Parent Portals

  • Higher Education Consultants know their students:
  • Give them a Portal they will love to use.
  • Allow parents to participate in the process without steering the process.
  • Student/Parent tech support is not the counselor's job, it's ours.
  • Visual candidate evaluation tools show students how they measure up.

Application Tracker

  • 1 click essay prompt to Google doc makes essay drafting easier.
  • Deadline ED/EA strategy is easier to navigate when the options are there to compare.
  • Application season can feel like you're spinning your wheels. Make traction. Point to the details and move forward.
  • Admissions outcomes and awards recorded.
  • Notifications, due dates and portal tracking encircles the issue of procrastination.

College research & List Builder

  • Included in every plan, proprietary college information resource.
  • College lists by topic for your list writer's-block.
  • Summer Program & Gap Year search.
  • Export a list as frequently as a student changes their major.
  • Review subjective admissions probability.


Single Counselor Plans

Single Counselor: Apprentice / Associate

Apprentice / Associate is a stepping stone for a new practice or smaller programs.

For professional college planners looking for a simple, elegant management solution. Make no mistake, get everything you need, in one place, on day-one. Access all of the college information needed for list building and manage the dynamics of parent collaboration. Each plan includes a complete listing on College Counselors Near Me.

.

Single Counselor: Professional

For growth-minded professional college planners who need to streamline and automate. With the innovation necessary to run a complicated college planning process with ease, the Single Counselor Professional plan turns the repetitive into automated routine. Lean on the scaffolding necessary to organize the delivery of services and the policies related to working relationships. Each plan includes a complete listing on College Counselors Near Me.

Need a team Solution?


Work collaboratively or independently, as one unit with Multi Counselor.​


Assign students to counselors and reassign when needed.

Keep invoicing separate and confidential or each counselor bills their own. Teamwork requires flexibility, that includes your software.


Never miss a deadline or draft. We've scaffolded the core College Counseling Process into routines and automations with plenty of space for your signature service.


Consistently send congruent communications and branding.


No more copying and pasting files and folders. Google Drive Integration sends all (or just some) of your materials directly to your student on the platform they used most, Google.

Multi Counselor plan

Support


Not Tech Savvy? No worries, we're here.


Part of our Counsel With Confidence mission is to support and educate you, our college counseling colleagues.


​Meet our not-judgy tech mentors and surprise yourself with how tech savvy you've become!


Long time college counselor or learning the ropes?


Reinventing your career or revitalizing an educational program, CounselMore is specifically designed to support your success. It's literally woven into the software.


College planning comes in all shapes and sizing, CounselMore tailors to your most comfortable fit.

NEXT STEPS

Register for your Free Trial today.

Reserve your first training session.

Perfect your practice.

Start Your Free Trial
Share by: