<p>Just did the hour free "consultation" with College Planning Network and will not use them as per the negative talk on CC. So, how do we find a legitimate financial aid counselor? We live in central California.</p>
<p>I understand that everyone has a different view on this. Mine is that we should all be able to negotiate and compare our own childrens financial aid packages. I think these companies are overpriced and all they will do is file the fafsa/css profile for you at around $400 each year, this is in addition to the other fees they charge to compare colleges. The total amount could be in the $1600 - $2000 range. The information they give you about the particular colleges are all on their websites. If you are good at doing a spreadsheet and comparing the different options (the ones that are important to you) then there is no need for a financial aid counselor at all.</p>
<p>Neerod, honestly you can learn as much or more reading old financial aid posts on CC, if you have any free time, that would be a great way to spend it.</p>
<p>I think these advisors are a waste.</p>
<p>What info do you need? The answers are probably here.</p>
<p>PM’d ya.
(no personal experience, but a recommendation)</p>