College Coach: From Luxury to Necessity

Families ask me skeptically if hiring a college consultant is really necessary—isn't it taking the college rat race too far? Students can absolutely apply to college without a college coach or consultant. But that's a lot like buying a house without a Realtor. College is the second largest investment for families after the purchase of a home. Do you want to undertake such a major decision without professional advice and guidance? Families hire accountants to help with taxes, which often helps to save thousands of dollars in hidden tax deductions. Families who draw on the expertise of a college consultant similarly receive more financial aid, including merit awards, by identifying the right college for their student. One of the fastest growing professional groups in the country, college consultants are not simply for the wealthy or the exceptional; a Huffington Post article found they have become mainstream. Consultants spend hundreds of hours on professional development and courses, read dozens of books and visit scores of campuses every year to become certified. They understand the changing, competitive and complex landscape of college admissions and have access to insider information that families don't. I often get called in November of the Senior year, to swoop in when students have been struggling for months to make their college lists and write their essays. Unlike a high school counselor, a consultant works when the student is ready, on their schedule, usually on Sundays or at 8 pm after soccer practice! Families admit that they should have called sooner. They would have saved themselves months of nagging, stress, and lost time. Some call after their perfectly strong student did not get accepted into any college at all— they had misjudged their admissions prospects. I tell them not to worry—there are plenty of colleges that actually accept students past the stated deadline (shh! insider secret). For the price of a summer camp program, they experience a stress-free process, acceptance letters and generous financial aid. Think about how much work it is to sell your house yourself and double it for college applications. If that doesn't sound like fun to you, call a college coach. They're not a luxury anymore.