Anonymous
02/23/2025 21:21
Subject: Please recommend a private college counselor
Anonymous wrote:If you take minimal help it would end up costing about $5000. For that money there are several private counselors who can help your child 1 on 1 and take the stress away from the process.
Most of all it is a time suck. Sure if you have nothing else to do, it is fine side hobby.
You end up reading so much bragging and every little thing that some student has done, that it would be a miracle if FOMO and panic don't sent in. You are signing up for months of induced anxiety that can be avoided by going with a private counselor. There is absolutely nothing that you gain that would not be done by a private counselor.
Just to part of the group is $5k?
I thought it was $79/month?
Anonymous
02/23/2025 21:14
Subject: Please recommend a private college counselor
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Try joining the Facebook group Application Nation by Sara Harberson. There is a monthly fee — around $100 I think. She tackles how to approach everything. There are also paid add-ons which we did not take advantage of (essay editing, activities re-write, LOCI, etc.) but she’s good. Our kid is at Harvard. I think she would have just started her new group in January. BTW, she used to work admissions at Penn.
Also used Sara as part of Application Nation. Kid at a T20. Very satisfied and a fraction of the cost of some of these private advisors. https://www.saraharberson.com/
Used Sara this cycle. So far so good!
Kid in everywhere early other than ED (deferred). We did the essay reviews and application reviews too.
She is nice. But, I would not recommend for T20 admissions. We were advised not to do three particular things in the 2024 cycle. These were things that other parents, students who are at T10 colleges, and a couple of knowledgeable long time posters at CC in these things advised us to include in the application. I pointed this out in detail and asked for advice in light of this feedback. She gave a generic reason why this was only going to hurt the student.
When results came in, two of the AOs explicitly highlighted these things. We had fantastic results by going against her advice, and I am convinced we would not have two HYPSM admits if we followed her advice.
Her generic advice is good but more applicable to large public universities and SLAC's, not T20 privates. It makes sense because she is positioning her soundbite as "America's college counselor," which means she is focused mainly on non-selective colleges. If you are interested in colleges outside of T50, she is not going to be hurting your chances.
She was an AO a long time back and out of sync with current goings on at T20 privates. Simply not good if you are looking for T20 privates.
NP here:
Interesting. I’m also curious about the 3 things.
I did like the Soundbite bc it tied together my kids interests in a natural memorable way.
But there was some generic advice we didn’t listen to (not listing individual high-level sports awards in the honors section; not including a detailed additional info section with info not otherwise listed; changing EC descriptions to be super descriptive sentences (but having limited concrete details/ focus on impact); and using a different strategy on Supp essays).
And the end of the day her strategy is all about making the kid memorable and compelling. Which I do think is the whole point anyway. I learned a lot just by observing.
My kid is into several very competitive early action OOS flagships so feeling calmer as we wait for the rest next month.
Anonymous
02/23/2025 21:12
Subject: Please recommend a private college counselor
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Try joining the Facebook group Application Nation by Sara Harberson. There is a monthly fee — around $100 I think. She tackles how to approach everything. There are also paid add-ons which we did not take advantage of (essay editing, activities re-write, LOCI, etc.) but she’s good. Our kid is at Harvard. I think she would have just started her new group in January. BTW, she used to work admissions at Penn.
Also used Sara as part of Application Nation. Kid at a T20. Very satisfied and a fraction of the cost of some of these private advisors. https://www.saraharberson.com/
Used Sara this cycle. So far so good!
Kid in everywhere early other than ED (deferred). We did the essay reviews and application reviews too.
She is nice. But, I would not recommend for T20 admissions. We were advised not to do three particular things in the 2024 cycle. These were things that other parents, students who are at T10 colleges, and a couple of knowledgeable long time posters at CC in these things advised us to include in the application. I pointed this out in detail and asked for advice in light of this feedback. She gave a generic reason why this was only going to hurt the student.
When results came in, two of the AOs explicitly highlighted these things. We had fantastic results by going against her advice, and I am convinced we would not have two HYPSM admits if we followed her advice.
Her generic advice is good but more applicable to large public universities and SLAC's, not T20 privates. It makes sense because she is positioning her soundbite as "America's college counselor," which means she is focused mainly on non-selective colleges. If you are interested in colleges outside of T50, she is not going to be hurting your chances.
She was an AO a long time back and out of sync with current goings on at T20 privates. Simply not good if you are looking for T20 privates.
Can you say generally what those things were?
+1
Thank you!!
I am not in Application Nation, but I read Sara's book. Let me take a guess.
1. She advised not to report any 4s on APs, just 5s.
2. She advised not to include any pay-to-play summer programs since it suggests privilege.
3. She said not to disclose any learning disability or therapy or any other mental health struggle?
Anonymous
02/23/2025 21:07
Subject: Please recommend a private college counselor
If you take minimal help it would end up costing about $5000. For that money there are several private counselors who can help your child 1 on 1 and take the stress away from the process.
Most of all it is a time suck. Sure if you have nothing else to do, it is fine side hobby.
You end up reading so much bragging and every little thing that some student has done, that it would be a miracle if FOMO and panic don't sent in. You are signing up for months of induced anxiety that can be avoided by going with a private counselor. There is absolutely nothing that you gain that would not be done by a private counselor.
Most of all it is a time suck. Sure if you have nothing else to do, it is fine side hobby.
You end up reading so much bragging and every little thing that some student has done, that it would be a miracle if FOMO and panic don't sent in. You are signing up for months of induced anxiety that can be avoided by going with a private counselor. There is absolutely nothing that you gain that would not be done by a private counselor.
Anonymous
02/23/2025 21:01
Subject: Please recommend a private college counselor
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Try joining the Facebook group Application Nation by Sara Harberson. There is a monthly fee — around $100 I think. She tackles how to approach everything. There are also paid add-ons which we did not take advantage of (essay editing, activities re-write, LOCI, etc.) but she’s good. Our kid is at Harvard. I think she would have just started her new group in January. BTW, she used to work admissions at Penn.
Also used Sara as part of Application Nation. Kid at a T20. Very satisfied and a fraction of the cost of some of these private advisors. https://www.saraharberson.com/
Used Sara this cycle. So far so good!
Kid in everywhere early other than ED (deferred). We did the essay reviews and application reviews too.
She is nice. But, I would not recommend for T20 admissions. We were advised not to do three particular things in the 2024 cycle. These were things that other parents, students who are at T10 colleges, and a couple of knowledgeable long time posters at CC in these things advised us to include in the application. I pointed this out in detail and asked for advice in light of this feedback. She gave a generic reason why this was only going to hurt the student.
When results came in, two of the AOs explicitly highlighted these things. We had fantastic results by going against her advice, and I am convinced we would not have two HYPSM admits if we followed her advice.
Her generic advice is good but more applicable to large public universities and SLAC's, not T20 privates. It makes sense because she is positioning her soundbite as "America's college counselor," which means she is focused mainly on non-selective colleges. If you are interested in colleges outside of T50, she is not going to be hurting your chances.
She was an AO a long time back and out of sync with current goings on at T20 privates. Simply not good if you are looking for T20 privates.
Can you say generally what those things were?
+1
Thank you!!
Anonymous
02/23/2025 20:58
Subject: Please recommend a private college counselor
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Try joining the Facebook group Application Nation by Sara Harberson. There is a monthly fee — around $100 I think. She tackles how to approach everything. There are also paid add-ons which we did not take advantage of (essay editing, activities re-write, LOCI, etc.) but she’s good. Our kid is at Harvard. I think she would have just started her new group in January. BTW, she used to work admissions at Penn.
I am interested in her. How does the monthly fee thing work? Does it cover any one on one support?
If you join early enough, you get 1:1 review of HS courses selected for SR year (she has specific beliefs regarding expected rigor/coursework), review of college list, review of main essay topics. Paid add ons are a 1:1 interview prep zoom call and essay editing. She edits 1 common app activity description as an example so you know how to personally coach your child through the rest. She also reviews the order they list them in and the honors section. People in the group post their edits and you can learn from them. Honestly, the group is simply amazing and such a source of support. Lots of knowledgable parents asking relevant questions and you can see her answers and apply them to your child/situation. She also answers questions you post on the group board. If total privacy is your thing, it's not the right fit. If you don't mind doing this process with likeminded others, it's great handholding with expert guidance. She was exactly what my child, family and budget needed. After having been in the group, I can not imagine going through the process on our own.
I would add one thing: if you are a private type of person, then you can be in the group and learn from other posts and the replies to them, join the discussion, but not reveal a single thing about your child. There are many such lurkers in the group.
Anonymous
02/23/2025 20:49
Subject: Please recommend a private college counselor
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Try joining the Facebook group Application Nation by Sara Harberson. There is a monthly fee — around $100 I think. She tackles how to approach everything. There are also paid add-ons which we did not take advantage of (essay editing, activities re-write, LOCI, etc.) but she’s good. Our kid is at Harvard. I think she would have just started her new group in January. BTW, she used to work admissions at Penn.
Also used Sara as part of Application Nation. Kid at a T20. Very satisfied and a fraction of the cost of some of these private advisors. https://www.saraharberson.com/
Used Sara this cycle. So far so good!
Kid in everywhere early other than ED (deferred). We did the essay reviews and application reviews too.
She is nice. But, I would not recommend for T20 admissions. We were advised not to do three particular things in the 2024 cycle. These were things that other parents, students who are at T10 colleges, and a couple of knowledgeable long time posters at CC in these things advised us to include in the application. I pointed this out in detail and asked for advice in light of this feedback. She gave a generic reason why this was only going to hurt the student.
When results came in, two of the AOs explicitly highlighted these things. We had fantastic results by going against her advice, and I am convinced we would not have two HYPSM admits if we followed her advice.
Her generic advice is good but more applicable to large public universities and SLAC's, not T20 privates. It makes sense because she is positioning her soundbite as "America's college counselor," which means she is focused mainly on non-selective colleges. If you are interested in colleges outside of T50, she is not going to be hurting your chances.
She was an AO a long time back and out of sync with current goings on at T20 privates. Simply not good if you are looking for T20 privates.
Can you say generally what those things were?
Anonymous
02/23/2025 20:43
Subject: Please recommend a private college counselor
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Try joining the Facebook group Application Nation by Sara Harberson. There is a monthly fee — around $100 I think. She tackles how to approach everything. There are also paid add-ons which we did not take advantage of (essay editing, activities re-write, LOCI, etc.) but she’s good. Our kid is at Harvard. I think she would have just started her new group in January. BTW, she used to work admissions at Penn.
Also used Sara as part of Application Nation. Kid at a T20. Very satisfied and a fraction of the cost of some of these private advisors. https://www.saraharberson.com/
Used Sara this cycle. So far so good!
Kid in everywhere early other than ED (deferred). We did the essay reviews and application reviews too.
She is nice. But, I would not recommend for T20 admissions. We were advised not to do three particular things in the 2024 cycle. These were things that other parents, students who are at T10 colleges, and a couple of knowledgeable long time posters at CC in these things advised us to include in the application. I pointed this out in detail and asked for advice in light of this feedback. She gave a generic reason why this was only going to hurt the student.
When results came in, two of the AOs explicitly highlighted these things. We had fantastic results by going against her advice, and I am convinced we would not have two HYPSM admits if we followed her advice.
Her generic advice is good but more applicable to large public universities and SLAC's, not T20 privates. It makes sense because she is positioning her soundbite as "America's college counselor," which means she is focused mainly on non-selective colleges. If you are interested in colleges outside of T50, she is not going to be hurting your chances.
She was an AO a long time back and out of sync with current goings on at T20 privates. Simply not good if you are looking for T20 privates.
Anonymous
02/23/2025 20:26
Subject: Please recommend a private college counselor
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Try joining the Facebook group Application Nation by Sara Harberson. There is a monthly fee — around $100 I think. She tackles how to approach everything. There are also paid add-ons which we did not take advantage of (essay editing, activities re-write, LOCI, etc.) but she’s good. Our kid is at Harvard. I think she would have just started her new group in January. BTW, she used to work admissions at Penn.
Also used Sara as part of Application Nation. Kid at a T20. Very satisfied and a fraction of the cost of some of these private advisors. https://www.saraharberson.com/
Used Sara this cycle. So far so good!
Kid in everywhere early other than ED (deferred). We did the essay reviews and application reviews too.
Anonymous
02/23/2025 20:23
Subject: Please recommend a private college counselor
I would avoid college bound in Potomac.
Anonymous
01/17/2023 21:00
Subject: Please recommend a private college counselor
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Try joining the Facebook group Application Nation by Sara Harberson. There is a monthly fee — around $100 I think. She tackles how to approach everything. There are also paid add-ons which we did not take advantage of (essay editing, activities re-write, LOCI, etc.) but she’s good. Our kid is at Harvard. I think she would have just started her new group in January. BTW, she used to work admissions at Penn.
I am interested in her. How does the monthly fee thing work? Does it cover any one on one support?
If you join early enough, you get 1:1 review of HS courses selected for SR year (she has specific beliefs regarding expected rigor/coursework), review of college list, review of main essay topics. Paid add ons are a 1:1 interview prep zoom call and essay editing. She edits 1 common app activity description as an example so you know how to personally coach your child through the rest. She also reviews the order they list them in and the honors section. People in the group post their edits and you can learn from them. Honestly, the group is simply amazing and such a source of support. Lots of knowledgable parents asking relevant questions and you can see her answers and apply them to your child/situation. She also answers questions you post on the group board. If total privacy is your thing, it's not the right fit. If you don't mind doing this process with likeminded others, it's great handholding with expert guidance. She was exactly what my child, family and budget needed. After having been in the group, I can not imagine going through the process on our own.
Anonymous
01/17/2023 20:47
Subject: Please recommend a private college counselor
Anonymous wrote:Try joining the Facebook group Application Nation by Sara Harberson. There is a monthly fee — around $100 I think. She tackles how to approach everything. There are also paid add-ons which we did not take advantage of (essay editing, activities re-write, LOCI, etc.) but she’s good. Our kid is at Harvard. I think she would have just started her new group in January. BTW, she used to work admissions at Penn.
Also used Sara as part of Application Nation. Kid at a T20. Very satisfied and a fraction of the cost of some of these private advisors. https://www.saraharberson.com/
Anonymous
01/17/2023 20:17
Subject: Re:Please recommend a private college counselor
We used College Bound in Potomac Village for our older child (don't want to say the name of the specific counselor) and found them disorganized and not experienced or knowledgeable. We used an essay expert for our younger child and found her much more helpful than College Bound, for a lot less money. College Bound didn't provide a service or any substantive knowledge imo.
Anonymous
01/17/2023 11:45
Subject: Please recommend a private college counselor
Anonymous wrote:Try joining the Facebook group Application Nation by Sara Harberson. There is a monthly fee — around $100 I think. She tackles how to approach everything. There are also paid add-ons which we did not take advantage of (essay editing, activities re-write, LOCI, etc.) but she’s good. Our kid is at Harvard. I think she would have just started her new group in January. BTW, she used to work admissions at Penn.
I am interested in her. How does the monthly fee thing work? Does it cover any one on one support?
Anonymous
01/17/2023 08:18
Subject: Re:Please recommend a private college counselor
Anonymous wrote:
Give it a rest Sybil...
PP here. I am not Sybil. The recommendation is real. I also know two other people who have used her. It’s an investment in your child. She makes sure it happens.