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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Do not use College Bound (Potomac, MD).   Overcharge.  Terrible.  Destructive really. [/quote]

Typically, everyone I know who has been happy has picked an individual college counselor---make sure they have at least 10-15+ years experience.  Meet with them to ensure they fit with your goals/personalities/etc.  Get references and check them out (our references were already friends, so we knew we were good)[/quote

While experience and credentials and recommendations are helpful they don’t guarantee good service.

We hired a highly experienced consultant that was recommended by a friend.  They clearly were resting on old information and had no idea what was going on in post/pandemic college admissions nor did they know much about or even respect DC’s choice of majors.

The result was a consultant who tried to mold DC to fit what the consultant thought would get DC into a college the consultant could brag about. They tried to change DC’s choice of major and essays to accomplish that.  Very expensive and complete disaster.

Like colleges, with consultants it’s all about fit. [/quote]
Yes definately about fit.  That's why you interview them and ask questions about how they run the process.  I would run from a Consultant that tried to mold my DC into anything.  A good one will work with your child, their interests and your family's concerns/interests.  Ask about where kids they've worked with go---it should include a balanced list of schools in your area as well as around the country, it should not be all top tiered schools (nobody can ensure that will happen), they should have English majors, CS, engineering, etc.  a wide variety of students.  A good one works with what they are given (IE your DC) and helps your DC find the best fit for them (including all aspects---major, size, location, price, ranking, etc. ). I know I can do about 80-85% of what a CC does---however they have been doing it for years, and a good one will keep up with the trends and what's expected.  They know which schools were TO/moving that way pre-covid and which ones are still that way, etc.  They build their database of knowledge from previous clients and their success and happiness at the schools they choose to attend.  Ours was a great fit and provided a lot of useful information so I did not have to do all the research myself.  And she added several schools to the list that I was not aware of initially and ultimately those were 4 of our top 5 acceptances.  So well worth every penny/. 
But interview and ask for references if needed.  If your kid does not like them, keep searching.  [/quote]

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