Are college consultants worth it?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m not a college consultant. Just helping a kid mostly with essays. Has received interviews from 4 of HYPSM. Crazy how an outside adult looking at essays can help so much.

When I read her first essays, I was like you sure you want to apply to MIT? Because this essays says you don’t want to go there! She had not realized. Just so many more stories like that. I helped her put her best foot forward and wondering if I should do it for $ now. Tbf she had a few not-so-spectacular awards, but her app would have been put into the reject pile based on her essays. It might be worth it to ask someone outside your circle to read essays. The rest you can do yourself!

Huh? Whether a kid gets an interview from HYPSM is predicated on availability of alumni interviewers, not on quality of application (for HYP at least, I don't know Stanford/MIT's processes as well).

Legacy/"developmental admit (aka super rich kids)" will sometimes be able to finagle an interview with an actual admissions officer which is more helpful.

[Anonymous]

Two years ago, We followed similar advice and found an Ivy League student who got into multiple colleges. My daughter vetted him out and found him through some competitions. I have to agree, he was great knew exactly to tweak the essays, and why my college , community essays he guided to what the school has looked for based on his peer students who were enrolled. Also he knew what competitions she should enter, and place at to round up activities.
Results. She got into almost all the public ivys, and waitlisted at a few ivys and finally got into her dream school.

Gpa was great, sat mid range, however he brilliantly guided her in essays and activities. I am sure the competition and activities she stressed in her essays tipped the scale. So find a good student and it works . Saved us a fortune. We were apprehensive at first, but you can find students looking for extra cash.




Sorry, terrible idea.

Have the app reviewed by someone who has seen thousands and knows how to help yours.

It can be as simple as the syntax of the activity list. Not saying that will make a difference or not, but if you are looking to improve...

[Anonymous]

Ugh. Applicants should have to disclose this when they apply and it should be viewed unfavorably. It's just another way to rig the system in favor of wealthy kids.

[Anonymous]

I think the whole, application process is flawed. Everyone applies to the same schools so the difference in stats is minimal. So they are focussing more on awards because of transparency. Especially in ca and tx. I feel like every student focuses more on activities and awards than grades

[Anonymous]

nope - my sister used on last for $15K all in, and her kid went to a school that they easily could have gotten into without paid help.

personally I'm saving my money given the "trump slump" recession.