Did you try a college counselor or advisor, and was it worth the money?

[Anonymous]

Don't think it is needed OP. Mine got into an Ivy w/o it. We did all of the studying ourselves. You need to have a good meeting with the college counselor. Are you afraid your child hasn't done well enough or what?

[Anonymous]

Not OP- if our HS has sent so few kids to top 60 colleges that there are not data points for many of the schools of interest, other suggestions for where to look?

[Anonymous]

Thanks all. This is OP. You confirmed what I thought - not worth the money. No, DC didn't clean latrines in Guatemala. We're pretty normal. And no, not hung up on Ivy, just was trying to present a picture of what DC is without giving too much info. In-state is probably where we will end up. I also want the best fit for DC, which may not be an Ivy. But when facing some SLACs at $65K a year x 4 or 5 years (as in the case of another DC), which is a huge investment, I just wanted to make sure I had done a proper job of preparing for the application process. If someone had a magic person who was reasonably priced I might consider it - going through the process with another DC was hell. But I'm not getting back any real positive recommendations or suggestions so thanks all for the input.

[Anonymous]

You don't need an advisor, but you need to get actively involved. Start reading College Confidential, College Prowler and buying books on the application process. A parent of a child a year or 2 older than your DC can be a HUGE resource. Attend all college events at your school. Is your child scheduled for the SAT, ACT and subject tests? Get that done now. Once you have scores, you can begin looking at schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks all. This is OP. You confirmed what I thought - not worth the money. No, DC didn't clean latrines in Guatemala. We're pretty normal. And no, not hung up on Ivy, just was trying to present a picture of what DC is without giving too much info. In-state is probably where we will end up. I also want the best fit for DC, which may not be an Ivy. But when facing some SLACs at $65K a year x 4 or 5 years (as in the case of another DC), which is a huge investment, I just wanted to make sure I had done a proper job of preparing for the application process. If someone had a magic person who was reasonably priced I might consider it - going through the process with another DC was hell. But I'm not getting back any real positive recommendations or suggestions so thanks all for the input.

Well, start with the idea of fit first. What type of environment suits your DC? Small, medium, large? Rural, suburban, urban? A more STEM or professional focus or liberal arts? Close to home or is distance not a factor? Visit some local colleges to help DC get a flavor.

Use the Fiske Guide to Colleges or one of the on-line college search engines to start a list based on these (and other) fit factors. College Navigator is a great one. Use the admissions information to help sort your list into reaches, matches, safeties. Pay attention to the mid-range of SAT/ACT scores--this will give an idea of where your DC falls compared with enrolled students.

Now think about money. What can you afford? Is money no object? Or is it a factor? Note which colleges on your list meet financial need only versus offering merit aid. If you need financial aid, make sure you are seeking it from schools that are generous with it. Likewise, if your family could benefit from merit aid, don't bother with schools that offer only financial aid. Run the net price calculators on college's websites. If money is a factor, make sure safeties are not just likely to admit your DC but likely affordable for your family as well.

I really like the book and blog The College Solution.

What was hellish about your experience with DC1?

[Anonymous]

The private college counselor (specialized) was worth the cost with regard to my gifted/ld "twice exceptional" son (he's a college grad, now).

I wouldn't think that it would be worth it, otherwise, especially since your DC is in a private school.

[Anonymous]

The bottom line is that the work needs to be done for your child to be reach his or her full potential. So either you're prepared to do it yourself (extensive research online, meetings, travel, etc) or you pay someone to do it for you.

I would rather do it myself.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Well, Ivy League can be amazing if your career will benefit from that brand name. If not then you are better off saving yourself that pressure and cost.

If a graduate degree matters a lot in the chosen profession, I would go the route of an in-state school and then spend money to go to the top graduate school....

Whose career wouldn't benefit from and ivy pedigree?

Mine... says random bureaucrat with 2 Ivy degrees Don't bother really with the counselor unless you are feeling too overwhelmed to do the research or want an independent voice as a mediator with your child as they are trying to decide what they think they want when they are 17 years old. Independent/private college counselors don't have any magic powers or influence to sway admissions officers - they just help to sort through thinking about options & do research that you can do on your own (ie. does your kid thrive in big or small environments, what can you afford, where in the country -- then pick 2 reach schools, a few on target schools, 2 safeties). It's no brainer stuff. Don't also get confused with the discussions about the counselors at the private schools in the area - where they are typically actively involved in writing recommendations for kids sometimes - and try to steer kids to help maximize the overall prestige-to-acceptance success rate ratios for the schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thanks all. This is OP. You confirmed what I thought - not worth the money. No, DC didn't clean latrines in Guatemala. We're pretty normal. And no, not hung up on Ivy, just was trying to present a picture of what DC is without giving too much info. In-state is probably where we will end up. I also want the best fit for DC, which may not be an Ivy. But when facing some SLACs at $65K a year x 4 or 5 years (as in the case of another DC), which is a huge investment, I just wanted to make sure I had done a proper job of preparing for the application process. If someone had a magic person who was reasonably priced I might consider it - going through the process with another DC was hell. But I'm not getting back any real positive recommendations or suggestions so thanks all for the input.

Well, start with the idea of fit first. What type of environment suits your DC? Small, medium, large? Rural, suburban, urban? A more STEM or professional focus or liberal arts? Close to home or is distance not a factor? Visit some local colleges to help DC get a flavor.

Use the Fiske Guide to Colleges or one of the on-line college search engines to start a list based on these (and other) fit factors. College Navigator is a great one. Use the admissions information to help sort your list into reaches, matches, safeties. Pay attention to the mid-range of SAT/ACT scores--this will give an idea of where your DC falls compared with enrolled students.

Now think about money. What can you afford? Is money no object? Or is it a factor? Note which colleges on your list meet financial need only versus offering merit aid. If you need financial aid, make sure you are seeking it from schools that are generous with it. Likewise, if your family could benefit from merit aid, don't bother with schools that offer only financial aid. Run the net price calculators on college's websites. If money is a factor, make sure safeties are not just likely to admit your DC but likely affordable for your family as well.

I really like the book and blog The College Solution.

What was hellish about your experience with DC1?

Thanks for the response. DC1 was SN in Fairfax public schools. Choices were self-limiting and the college counselor was overwhelmed with 550 seniors, 550 juniors, etc. We did all the work ourselves and ultimately made the right choice and found the right fit but it wasn't an easy go of it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thanks all. This is OP. You confirmed what I thought - not worth the money. No, DC didn't clean latrines in Guatemala. We're pretty normal. And no, not hung up on Ivy, just was trying to present a picture of what DC is without giving too much info. In-state is probably where we will end up. I also want the best fit for DC, which may not be an Ivy. But when facing some SLACs at $65K a year x 4 or 5 years (as in the case of another DC), which is a huge investment, I just wanted to make sure I had done a proper job of preparing for the application process. If someone had a magic person who was reasonably priced I might consider it - going through the process with another DC was hell. But I'm not getting back any real positive recommendations or suggestions so thanks all for the input.

Well, start with the idea of fit first. What type of environment suits your DC? Small, medium, large? Rural, suburban, urban? A more STEM or professional focus or liberal arts? Close to home or is distance not a factor? Visit some local colleges to help DC get a flavor.

Use the Fiske Guide to Colleges or one of the on-line college search engines to start a list based on these (and other) fit factors. College Navigator is a great one. Use the admissions information to help sort your list into reaches, matches, safeties. Pay attention to the mid-range of SAT/ACT scores--this will give an idea of where your DC falls compared with enrolled students.

Now think about money. What can you afford? Is money no object? Or is it a factor? Note which colleges on your list meet financial need only versus offering merit aid. If you need financial aid, make sure you are seeking it from schools that are generous with it. Likewise, if your family could benefit from merit aid, don't bother with schools that offer only financial aid. Run the net price calculators on college's websites. If money is a factor, make sure safeties are not just likely to admit your DC but likely affordable for your family as well.

I really like the book and blog The College Solution.

What was hellish about your experience with DC1?

Thanks for the response. DC1 was SN in Fairfax public schools. Choices were self-limiting and the college counselor was overwhelmed with 550 seniors, 550 juniors, etc. We did all the work ourselves and ultimately made the right choice and found the right fit but it wasn't an easy go of it.

Ah. Yes, that sounds difficult. I do think outside advice can be really helpful when looking for colleges for kids with SNs. I bet you will find this go-round easier.

[Anonymous]

Private school advising was discussed extensively in another thread. Get a one time consult with K&E and see if it is helpful. Less expensive than Nina marks. I agree you can do it yourself but do you want to? It's a lot of research.

[Anonymous]

I am a college counselor. Here are the main reasons why people hire me:

-Picking a college list - you don't need a professional for this. Buy the "Book of Majors" book if your child has a specific intended major, to get ideas, do some visits. and cross compare with Naviance. The main important thing to remember is that you need a true range of reaches, middles, and safeties. I find that parents are oftentimes not honest with themselves about which schools are reaches, but as long as you are realistic, you will be fine.

-Strategizing - when to pull the ED card, etc.

-Managing the process- some parents really just don't want anything to do with it.. And that is ok! I get it.. If I could pay someone to do frustrating parenting tasks, I probably would too. It can be easier for the parent/child relationship to let someone else be the bad guy, do the nagging, etc.

-Essays - essay work comprises the bulk of my time. When I start working with most families, they often tell me that their child will hardly need any essay help, is a great writer, etc. Let me tell you, I see more awful essays than anyone could believe! These are kids with good grades, good scores, good high schools, etc, and are on the route to good colleges- but so many of them would have just been in real trouble without me. I am really not sure why so much of their writing is so poor, but it is what it is. So, I would say this is the one particular area where it might be worth spending some money. You don't have to pay my rates, but pay someone something to really read through your child's essays carefully- both for grammar AND content. Your child's school counselors will not have the time or resources to read and nitpick over revisions to every single essay, and a lot of them really need this kind of editing.

Good luck to all of you!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:AP Calculus and during summers your child built latrines in Guatemala. You don't need a college counsellor, you need a party planner - Your child is IN!

Sorry - you said, please no snark, but it was too easy!

Obviously, you love your child very much and like good parents you want only the best for your children. If you feel life is not worth living without a degree from a top 20 school then by all means hire a college counsellor. Wilson high School used to have a woman who was great.

However, for most mortals life doesn't begin or end based on Ivy League acceptance letters.

Your child exceptional and I'm serious this time! AP Calculus in high school is a significant achievement Hundreds of great colleges across the country would love to accept your child without forcing he/she to stand on their heads and spin like a top. They may also offer interesting and unusual programs of which you are not even aware.

Be kind to yourself and to your child - look beyond the bubble and you just may find happiness. However, if only the will do, I've given you a contact person who can package your child perfectly and get those acceptance letters rolling in.

Sorry for the early snark - wishing your family well in this difficult year ahead.

Anyone who struggles so much with the distinction between object and subject pronouns really has no business weighing in on the educational aspirations of others.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am a college counselor. Here are the main reasons why people hire me:

-Picking a college list - you don't need a professional for this. Buy the "Book of Majors" book if your child has a specific intended major, to get ideas, do some visits. and cross compare with Naviance. The main important thing to remember is that you need a true range of reaches, middles, and safeties. I find that parents are oftentimes not honest with themselves about which schools are reaches, but as long as you are realistic, you will be fine.

-Strategizing - when to pull the ED card, etc.

-Managing the process- some parents really just don't want anything to do with it.. And that is ok! I get it.. If I could pay someone to do frustrating parenting tasks, I probably would too. It can be easier for the parent/child relationship to let someone else be the bad guy, do the nagging, etc.

-Essays - essay work comprises the bulk of my time. When I start working with most families, they often tell me that their child will hardly need any essay help, is a great writer, etc. Let me tell you, I see more awful essays than anyone could believe! These are kids with good grades, good scores, good high schools, etc, and are on the route to good colleges- but so many of them would have just been in real trouble without me. I am really not sure why so much of their writing is so poor, but it is what it is. So, I would say this is the one particular area where it might be worth spending some money. You don't have to pay my rates, but pay someone something to really read through your child's essays carefully- both for grammar AND content. Your child's school counselors will not have the time or resources to read and nitpick over revisions to every single essay, and a lot of them really need this kind of editing.

Good luck to all of you!

Thanks PP. I am OP (exhausted from first round of this). If you don't mind saying, can you state your fees, or give an industry example? I was recently reading a 2 year old article in the Washingtonian about Ms. Marks. Then it said her fees were $700 an hour and $10,000 if you buy her package. Andy Ferguson cites in his book, Crazy U of $40K in New Jersey/NYC as being common. Not that rich!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not OP- if our HS has sent so few kids to top 60 colleges that there are not data points for many of the schools of interest, other suggestions for where to look?

If you are one of the larger school systems, the career counselor has access to the data for the whole system and they can look up that data for you. If you have a friend with a child in HS at one of the larger HS, ask them to look for you- to give you a ballpark.