<p>Ok, so I've never heard of this thing but I got a letter in the mail that basically says they want me to come to a conference and then personal interview where they'll try to match me with a college and scholarships. I'm supposed to go to the website <a href="http://www.caaworkshop.com%5B/url%5D">www.caaworkshop.com</a> and confirm going. </p>
<p>I already tried google-ing and searching for it on here, but the name of the thing College Admission Assistance gives me wayy too many results. So have you guys heard anything about it?</p>
<p>when it comes to this kind of thing, try to err on the side of caution. </p>
<p>Before you commit anything to these people, I'd suggest trying to find an actual human being who can give you positive feedback (and not one who was 'referred' to you by the company itself...)</p>
<p>Lol that's what I'm doing by asking on here :]. But none of my friends have gotten anything, but it is more for financial aid and my friends live in upper-class areas and my family's income is at poverty level. So if it is for lower-income kids, that would explain why I don't know anybody else who has gotten it.</p>
<p>I got the same letter and googled "scam college admissions assistance" and got this thread. I'm probably in the upper end of income so I don't think this letter is based on need. I don't plan to reply to this letter but I do want to start doing something to help my 9th grader prepare. Any suggestions?</p>
<p>Yeah, I've gotten that before and I'm not even CLOSE to the Need-Based category (we're not rich, but we're not hurting either). </p>
<p>With things like this, it's good to remember that very rarely when they're trying to help you with scholarships will the real companies ask you for money.</p>
<p>Rachaelinda, if you're not in the need-based income area, really motivate your 9th grader to do things that will help her get merit-based awards: clubs, sports, choir (my personal favorite ^_^)...something he/she's passionate about and has a talent for. As someone who is a senior at a VERY large public high school, he/she's going to need something to make his/her stand out in order to get the merit-based stuff.</p>
<p>Also, visit his/her school's Career Center, if they have one. This will be your best friend for the next 4 years. FastWeb is a good web site to find scholarships that fit your student (my school is big on this stuff XD).</p>
<p>This is directly from my school's web site:</p>
<p>Scam Warning Signs:</p>
<p>· The fee. Your best rule of thumb: Financial aid should never cost you. Never invest anything beyond the cost of a postage stamp in your search for financial aid.</p>
<p>· The "money-back guarantee"—especially if the company tries to "guarantee" that you will win an award.</p>
<p>· Credit card verification. If they ask for a checking account or credit card number—for "verification" or to "confirm eligibility"—stop listening. Scammers use this ploy to get your financial information and then drain your account or run up charges on your credit card.</p>
<p>College Admissions Assistance is a program that offers services for students during their high school years. These services include college and major selections, counseling, test preparation, research for available financial aid, along with numerous other services. They are for a fee, but the program is not a scam.</p>
<p>Nah. Don't do it. I think College Confidential is the best source for 'admissions help' anyways. It's free, legit, and has a healthy dose of pubescent sarcasm and teen rage.</p>
<p>I know this thread has gotten a little stale, but I was looking for information on the "College Admission Assistance" workshops after having received an invite for my step-daughter. I found their web-site to be very thin on details - so much so that it raises my bull-o-meter to full strength. On their own "Q&A" section the question about cost is posed. Here's the answer:
"There is no cost for attending the workshop or the personal interview. Additional services are made available to those students and families needing our services."</p>
<p>In other words, "we'll sell you something after we've got you in the room." I don't think any legitimate company should be afraid to talk about what is offered and at what cost. The fact that they peddle services in the same manner as time-share condos is a real warning sign for me. I would love to hear from anyone that has actually attended, but I'm steering clear and will use services that are more up front about what they're doing. For those of you that haven't received this - the web site is <a href="http://www.caaworkshop.com/index.aspx%5B/url%5D">http://www.caaworkshop.com/index.aspx</a>. See if you don't agree that it's really long on platitudes and extremely short on "what do you really offer" an "what can I expect to pay".</p>
<p>CAA is GAY. My parents and I went to the workshop, and I told my parents it was a waste of money, and now we're two THOUSAND dollars poorer.</p>
<p>It's not a scam per say, it's just that they pray on the weak willed and parents who don't know much about college these days. The website is full of exciting and usefull features such as a quiz to tell you how to study! That's pretty much it. The rest is a bunch of bs pdf files, and a like to an external website that actually has a lot of information about majors. It, however, doesn't have anything to do with CAA. If you want to see what it's like, e-mail me. </p>
<p>I'll send you my log in information. It's not like I use it or anything.</p>
<p>I looked up the administrator for the website and got this:
Administrative Contact:
Sechrist, Richard <a href="mailto:lsechrist1@hotmail.com">lsechrist1@hotmail.com</a>
College Admissions Assistance, LLC
2225 E. Randol Mill Road, STE 300
Arlington, Texas 76011
United States
(817) 602-9892
Then I Googled Richard Sechrist and found out that he was in charge of the College Partnership Office in Texas. College Partnership used to be lots of different names. I don't know if this is just the same company under yet another name or if Mr Sechrist started up his own company but his company contact information is printed above.</p>
<p>We attended a workshop in South Florida this afternoon with our son. I too am trying to research this company to find out if they're legit or a scam.The charge for their services is a flat rate of 1995 dollars. Supposedly they help you every step of the way from financial aid opportunities to college choice, reviewing your application essay. Looking at your financial application etc... etc.... In theory it sounds good for parents and students who are clueless, if they legitimately do all they say. I'm skeptical however and curious if anyone else has actually signed up with them and found it worthwhile.The sales pitch wasn't that aggressive but it was a sales pitch, with them expecting us to pay on the spot. When I said I had to research the company the ""Counselor" find of fumbled and gave us her own personal phone # and email not the companies if we want to sign up and pay, this left me even more skeptical. I appreciate anyone with some experience with this companies feedback.</p>
<p>Just skip out on admission assistance. In the end, all it comes down to are your writing skills, your character, and your grades. I don't think admission assistance can build any of those, except help you twist words. I've never gone to these things, and I came out just fine (accepted to H and Y).</p>
<p>Just ask for assistance on CC on things you don't know. I think it's way more useful here than anywhere else.</p>
<p>Two grand, eh? (see Post #18, above) Well, whether it is legit or a scam, if I had that much to spend on something that might get me some help finding money for college, then I have two grand to put in a four- or five-year CD, which will mature just in time to help pay one of the tuition bills.</p>
<p>To that end, I guess I should thank these people for giving me a heads-up. <em>makes note to go to the bank later</em></p>
<p>Thanks, too, to Posts #5, #12 and #19, above. That told me all I needed to know.</p>