College/University Professional
For professionals employed by two- and four-year colleges and universities. Institutions within the United States must be degree granting, non-profit, and regionally accredited. Institutions outside of the United States must be degree granting, accredited, and listed in or recognized by:
- The European Council of International Schools Higher Education Directory
- The Council of International Schools
- The Directory of Canadian Universities
- International Schools Directory
- National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC)
Please note that for colleges and universities, membership in WACAC is available only to those that are non-profit; you should be able to direct us to that portion of your website, if asked for proof of your non-profit status. If you have any questions, please email Membership Chair at wacacmembership@wacac.org. Thank you for your understanding.
Public High School Professional
For professionals based in a public or charter secondary school that is non-profit, regionally accredited or in a district office.
Private/Independent High School Professional
For professionals based in a private or parochial secondary school that is non0profit, regionally accredited or in a district office.
Independent Counseling Professional
For Professionals who are college consultants in private practice who are self-employed or employed by a company providing counseling, admission, or financial aid services to students and/or their parents.
Independent Counseling Professionals must also have:
- A degree (bachelor’s or higher) from a U.S. regionally accredited, not-for-profit college or university.
AND
- Current membership beyond student level with one of the following: Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA), Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), or National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC).
OR
- Full-time college admission counseling experience in a U.S. regionally accredited college/university/secondary school or not-for-profit organization.
Non-Profit Organizations
For professionals who work for a non-profit organization that serves a community and promotes or provides access to higher education. Must have been in business for the past three years.
Community-Based Organizations
Not-for-profit community-based organizations which provide services only to students at the state or local level on an on-going basis for counseling, admission, or financial aid.
Business Professional (non-voting)
For professionals who work for a business that promotes access to higher education. Businesses may provide products or services to college admission professionals or students. For-profit colleges and universities are welcome to join WACAC under this category. Must have been in business for the past three years. This category does not include Independent Counseling Professionals.
District/System
For professionals who are interested in supporting students by promoting and helping provide access to higher education but do not work directly in college admission. Includes teachers, faculty, administrators, and elementary/middle school professionals.
Retired
For retired persons who were actively engaged in providing college counseling and were a WACAC voting member for at least 10 years and not currently employed full-time in the profession.
Student (non-voting)
For students currently enrolled in a degree or certificate program seeking careers in counseling, admission or financial aid services and who do not qualify for membership under another category. Student membership can be renewed twice for a total of three years.