<p>People and companies offer to help with and/or review college applications. Who should use this service?</p>
<p>Nobody, unless they get a kick out of throwing away money.</p>
<p>Have your guidance counselor review the application. Ask several trusted teachers to review the application. Come onto these message boards and ask questions. All are free. Most are probably just as knowledgeable or more knowledgeable than people who would take your money and return an opinion in return.</p>
<p>Several knowledgeable CC posters work as private college counselors; others work in colllege admissions or financial aid. Between them and many other helpful and knowledgeable people here (read the parents forum!) you can get all the advice you need.</p>
<p>That said, some parents find that things work better for their kid if they work with a (neutral) professional counselor rather than with mom or dad. Or the parent just doesn’t have time. Having a professional can help you figure out a good list of colleges to apply to, give you realistic feedback about fit and chances, and can help edit essays. They don’t have magic wands that get you into the uber-reach of your dreams.</p>
<p>Application Advisers are a resource:</p>
<p>They can help you find a good list to apply to (with your GC, Naviance, college guide, and you should be able to do this yourself)</p>
<p>They can read through and provide advice on your application and essays (Your school may have a similar resource, otherwise, perhaps mom or dad)</p>
<p>They may claim to have an ‘in’ at certain schools (this may or may not be the truth).</p>
<p>Will they get a student into HYPSM with a 28ACT and 3.1 GPA – I DON’T THINK SO, but they may provide a reality check if a student is shooting too high or too low.</p>
<p>Overall, it’s like ‘rent-a-GC’ and many people decide that they want more resources than are available through their schools. Others have decided that it’s a lot of money for something you can do yourself (By the way, 35 years ago, we were having this discussion about whether SAT review courses were worth while, or whether you could self study).</p>
<p>Overall, do they provide value - probably, and for some people definitely. Whether it’s worth the cost is a more personal decision.</p>
<p>FWIW, we did not use one for either of my children, They both did fine in the application process.</p>