5 Things To Consider About College Prep Services

Are college prep services really beneficial and are they worth the money? Parents and students may want to consider a few questions before hiring a service.

1. Is it necessary to pay for college prep services?

The competition for acceptance into top colleges seems to get harder each year. In addition to a high grade point average, advanced placement classes, and SAT scores, students may be expected to participate in extracurricular activities as well.

Parents frequently hire private college counselors in the hopes of getting their kids in the right school. However, paying for a counselor might be unnecessary because high school counselors in most cases provide similar advice without any expense.

2. Do counseling services have any credentials?

There are two major national associations for private college counselors, the IECA and the NACAC, both require members to demonstrate a certain level of experience but don't offer accreditation. Another group, the AICEP, says they require a master's degree in a relevant field, references and a written exam, but they concede that guidelines are flexible. It appears that most counselors have no credentials.

3. Are college essay services beneficial?

College essay services constitute a growing business niche with numerous companies offering to assist students in focusing and proofreading their essays. The problem is colleges can spot a professionally edited essay. Essays not done in the authentic voice of the student are evident.

4. Are better SAT scores guaranteed?

SAT preparation has become a given in the college admissions process, and classes may help to get ready for the test by teaching certain methods or time-saving strategies. Students can use online prep web sites, which often cost little or no money. Families who hire a tutor should be careful of anyone who guarantees a gain in their score.

5. Do counseling services offer an advantage?

Some college admissions officers say that help from an upscale private consultant could be a detriment to a student's chances. Independent counselors are often seen as a privilege of the advantaged student and that selective colleges struggle against this built-in bias in the admissions process. Parents and students need to be aware that while some services can be helpful, others may be detrimental.