The role of counsellors in guiding students’ journey to higher education

Message from the Outreach Director
Arpit Solanki, Director, Admissions and Outreach, Krea University

As the Director of Admissions & Outreach, I have witnessed the critical role that university guidance counsellors and school principals play in supporting students’ journeys to higher education.

You are, in every sense, the primary mentor, guiding and shaping each student’s path. Your work — understanding the unique strengths and aspirations of each student, helping them identify suitable institutions and assisting with financial planning — is invaluable not only to students but also to universities like ours. Together, we ensure that students make informed, strategic decisions, connecting them with educational opportunities that align with their goals.

Every Step Counts
A crucial part of this process is your deep understanding of how each university evaluates applicants. Every institution has distinct selection criteria and many prioritise different qualities and achievements. Some may focus heavily on academic scores, others might reserve seats for students with achievements beyond academics, while some emphasise leadership qualities or specific talents.

By knowing what universities are looking for, you guide students towards institutions where they will be seen for their unique strengths and contributions. Your ability to evaluate the compatibility between a student’s profile and an institution’s requirements often makes the difference in their admission success. This insight supports not just the individual student but also enables universities like ours to find applicants who are the right fit for our programmes and community. I have seen you spending days and nights refining the applications, guiding them on essays or personal stories, or handholding students in their scholarship procedures.

Finance Matters
Financial planning is another area where your expertise is indispensable. Many students and their families are navigating the complexities of scholarships, loans, and grants for the first time. Your guidance in understanding these financial options — whether it’s explaining the components of financial aid packages, or identifying specific scholarships — helps families make financially sound choices. In addition, your familiarity with various funding opportunities, from government assistance to institutional scholarships, opens doors for students who may otherwise find the cost of higher education overwhelming. As we strive to offer support to qualified students from diverse backgrounds, we deeply appreciate your role in bridging these opportunities.

Career Pathways
You also provide essential support in career and programme exploration, giving students a clearer understanding of potential career paths. Through personality assessments, skills evaluations, and discussions on career trends, you help students identify fields where they are likely to excel and find fulfilment. This guidance ensures that students consider not just the here and now but also the longer-term implications of their career choices, making higher education a stepping stone to lifelong success. By helping students choose programs that align with their strengths, you contribute to a fulfilling and focused university experience for every admitted student.

Personal Touch
Your expertise, dedication and personal touch bring students closer to discovering where they belong and what they want to achieve. University guidance counsellors are the bridge between students’ aspirations and their academic futures. As an institution that values holistic student development, we recognise the depth and importance of the role you play. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to your students and for the invaluable partnership we share in building brighter futures.