The rise of private mentorship programs is reshaping college admissions, but raises questions about equity and access, a concern for many seeking fairness in education.
Story Highlights
- Command Education’s mentorship programs boast a 94% success rate in college admissions.
- Near-peer mentors from Ivy League backgrounds provide personalized guidance.
- Focus on developing soft skills like communication and confidence.
- Concerns arise about accessibility and fairness in private consulting.
Command Education’s Unique Approach to Mentorship
Founded in 2015, Command Education offers a personalized mentorship model aimed at helping high school students develop essential soft skills for college admissions. The company’s near-peer mentors, who are Ivy League graduates, deliver one-on-one guidance, focusing on holistic student development rather than just academic performance. This approach allows students to cultivate time management, networking, and communication skills, which are increasingly crucial in the competitive college admissions landscape.
Command Education’s success is evident, with 94% of students gaining acceptance into one of their top three college choices over the last three admissions cycles. This high success rate is attributed to the personalized attention students receive, as mentors are limited to working with only two to three students per grade level. The program’s emphasis on individualized support ensures that each student receives the necessary guidance to navigate the complex admissions process.
Concerns About Access and Equity
While Command Education’s mentorship model has proven effective, it also highlights a growing concern regarding access and equity in college admissions consulting. The private nature of such services raises questions about fairness, as not all students can afford the costs associated with private mentorship. This disparity suggests a need for broader adoption of similar programs in public schools or support from the public sector to bridge the gap for underserved students.
The rise of private consulting firms underscores the increasing complexity of college admissions, as traditional academic metrics are no longer enough to secure a place in elite universities. As colleges shift towards holistic admissions criteria, mentorship programs like those offered by Command Education become vital in filling gaps left by overburdened school counselors, yet they also pose potential barriers for equitable access.
The Role of Soft Skills in College Admissions
The focus on soft skills development is a key innovation in Command Education’s mentorship model. By emphasizing social and emotional learning, mentors not only prepare students for college but also equip them with skills that are beneficial throughout their academic and professional careers. As colleges continue to seek well-rounded individuals, students with strong soft skills stand out in the admissions process.
This emphasis on soft skills aligns with best practices in student development, as mentors trained in social and emotional learning foster growth and confidence in their students. The effectiveness of this approach is supported by external recognition and admissions data, underscoring the transformative impact of mentorship on student outcomes.
Sources:
Command Education: Student Mentor Match
