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

[Anonymous]

Reviving this thread. Anyone willing to make a specific recommendation of a counselor in Montgomery County who they have personal experience working with?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Nope. Use Naviance. Read up on Fiske. Campus visit (on online virtual tour).

Find out what she wants to be, and then work from there.

This is what we did and DS got into his top choice school. The College Confidential threads on particular schools can also be a useful source of information (sometimes current students or admissions reps will go on there and answer questions). A friend paid thousands of dollars for one of the well known counseling outfits for advice and tutoring (Nina Marks I think). Her son got into a school that I would have expected he would get into anyway based on what I know of his record. Seems to me that the best help they got was steering the boy away from schools that were likely beyond his reach and using early decision to apply to a school in his range where early decision is an advantage. We did the same tning just by doing our own homework. Save the money. BTW I was tempted by those essay writing tutors that charge 300 an hour, but my son declined, and it all worked out fine. I was tempted because we really didn't know what a college essay should look like, but we got some books with examples and that was enough. Read the first chapter of Andrew Ferguson's book Crazy U about how these folks prey on nervous parents like us. It will all work out!

I agree that Crazy U is a great book to read.

[Anonymous]

My company offers this as a benefit to employees. If you work for a big company, yours might too. It's not heavily advertised, so maybe ask your benefits rep.

[Anonymous]

I'll play
PP 11:27, you and your husband, did you go to public or private colleges? (most parents believe their experience was the ideal and therefore, ultimately, steer their children in that direction) When you answer that, I'll ask you more questions.

[Anonymous]

PP 11:27. I'll play too, whatever that means. Husband and I both went to private four-year institutions, back when it wasn't so crazy. Based on my experience, which is all I have for now, I think that would be good for my kid too, but I'm open to other options. Mostly just overwhelmed at the process of figuring out a good fit, and maximizing opportunities for my kid.

[Anonymous]

11:27 again. Privates are not my forte. I help with picking publics in/out of state. Good luck ~

[Anonymous]

My sister used Marks Educational for her DD starting in sophomore year. She was in a Big 3 private. DD was directed to target Cornell based on her interests and got in on the state side of the school. Using DCTAG saved $10,000 a year on tuition, so even if my sister sprang for the $10,000 package Marks package (not sure if she did), there were savings in the end.

My sister turned to Marks when her older DD, who attended the same Big 3, didn't make it into a top tier school despite excellent grades, very high SATs, HYP legacy from both parents, and lots of on point extracurriculars. Although by far the better student, her younger sister ended up at the more competitive university.

My sister thought it was worth it, but I too would be interested in hearing other experiences both positive and negative.

[Anonymous]

Thank you. I'm the PP (11:27) who revived this thread and I'd love to hear from others who have used Nina Marks, or any of the other counselors in Mo Co. Bruce Vinik? The people at Prep Matters?

[Anonymous]

Spent $6000. Not worth it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Spent $6000. Not worth it.

Could you expand on this? What did you get or not get for your $6000?