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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]We have 2 college kids, one at a Top 100 (did not hire a consultant) one at an Ivy (hired consultant). Although it would seem I'm arguing to hire a consultant IF the goal is a Top 20 school, my answer is: it depends.

For the sake of argument, let's say the goal is a Top 20 school (which we all know is a crapshoot at a large level anyway):

[b]The initial barrier to entry is grades (3.9+ GPA)[/b] and standardized test scores (generally 1500+ / 34+). Not sure a traditional counselor does much on the grades piece BUT a testing tutor can be a huge help - we hired one for both of our kids outside of the counselor and this is the #1 recommendation I would make if you want to spend $$ on any part of this process. Both of their SAT scores went way up working with a tutor.

As far as the counselor, IMO it depends on how hands on/hands off the parent wants to be/can be and more importantly how much the child is willing to allow their parent to be involved.

If the parent has the time/desire to be hands on and the child is OK with it, IMO the parent can learn a ton through podcasts, what's posted online/in social media and (yes... I'm about to say it) using AI as a research tool. That involves a really big time commitment, but it is doable. And obviously saves a boatload of $$.

If the parents don't have time, and more importantly it would benefit the relationship between parents/children for parents to be out of the picture, a consultant can be very helpful. We as parents did not want to compromise this piece, and based on what we know about our kids and heard from them, we chose a consultant for one child but not the other.

Not sure any of this is helpful, but like so much else in this process, do what you feel is in the best interests of your child recognizing, when it comes down to it, there is only so much anyone can control. Even when you put a lot of $$ into it. [/quote]

GPA can be lower from connected private and public high schools that colleges know never grade inflate and only under a handful of kids get above 3.9. From our school (a private feeder), 3.6 can get you into Chicago, 3.8 you’re very comfortably in at Penn or Dartmouth and at 3.9 you have an above 50% chance at HYP if SCEA bc they each take 1-2 kids from the school and only 3-4 kids get above 3.9.[/quote]

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