"Consider the Source" When Deciding on College Consultants

<p>I wonder if colleges have an effective means to keep students from using college application packaging consultants, an idea floated by one Princeton grad who enjoys acquaintance with many of America's top high school students. </p>

<p><a href="http://www.artofproblemsolving.com/Forum/weblog_entry.php?t=122029%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.artofproblemsolving.com/Forum/weblog_entry.php?t=122029&lt;/a> </p>

<p>Or would colleges even desire to do that?</p>

<p>So many people use them and don't talk about it. The good ones leave no trace. At my high school, despite having amazing college counseling, many people spent between $10K-$50K on outside counselors. They had their apps done before the start of senior year and honestly I think they had a big advantage. No matter how much we can learn places like this site, the people they hire sat in the adcom chair. They know how to position and how to go undetected. Why you you suspect anything when you get a great app from a wealthy kid at a great prep school?</p>

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Why would you suspect anything when you get a great app from a wealthy kid at a great prep school?

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<p>Thanks for your reply. That's food for thought. Maybe there is nothing to suspect, because the college is looking for someone with lots of resources and an orientation toward doing what it takes to look good.</p>