What are the responsibilities and job description for the Admissions Counselor position at PrepStart?
Company Description: PrepStart is a college admissions consulting company that pairs high school students one-on-one with experienced, decorated counselors. The team focuses on helping students craft strategic, standout college applications that highlight their strengths and stories. Counselors guide students through the entire admissions process, including school selection, essay development, and application timelines. PrepStart emphasizes individualized attention, high-quality guidance, and clear communication with students and families.
Role Description:
- Run recurring 1-1 sessions with students across 9th to 12th grade, covering course selection, extracurricular direction, scholarship programs, summer programs, and long-range positioning
- Build balanced, realistic school lists grounded in each student's profile, goals, and family constraints
- Guide students through personal statements and supplemental essays, from brainstorming to final edits
- Advise on application strategy including Early Decision, Early Action, honors and scholarship programs, and major-specific pathways
- Communicate proactively with parents, set expectations clearly, and keep families oriented on what comes next
Qualifications/Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree from a highly selective institution, or equivalent track record of placing students at those schools
- 2 years of direct experience advising high school students on college admissions, whether independent or through a counseling firm
- Demonstrated results: specific students you supported and where they were admitted
- Strong writing and editing ability, especially personal statements and supplemental essays
- Fluency with the Common App, UC application, and major scholarship and honors program processes
- Reliable weekly availability for scheduled 1-1 sessions, including some evenings and weekends, especially during application season
- Familiarity with competitive summer programs, research placements, and extracurricular strategy
- Professional communication with both students and parents, and comfort managing parent expectations directly