<p>This is more for a friend since my child is just a sophomore, but I've wondered about it...for those who hired someone to guide their kid through the essay-writing process, how did you find that person? How did you choose among candidates? </p>
<p>Also, were they local or distance? On the one hand, it seems like it could be done by email/skype, but on the other, to get a shy kid to open up and spill his/her guts, maybe in-person contact would be better?</p>
<p>Best way is through personal recommendation. We were outside of the country, so D2 worked with someone long distance via Skype and it worked out very well.</p>
<p>Thanks much for all the PMs! I can’t answer yet, because with fewer than 15 posts on CC, I’m not allowed to send PMs. But this is #13: I’m almost there :)</p>
<p>hs2015mom, you are absolutely right that getting a kid to open up is a key part of the process. Your friend should arrange to have her student meet with the application coach, either in person or online. You’d be surprised at how easy it is for teenagers to develop a personal relationship through Skype or FaceTime, actually (or maybe you wouldn’t be surprised at all!). Make sure the kid feels that “click” of “yeah, I could definitely work with this person - I like him/her.”</p>
<p>As the parent, your friend should feel the same way, of course. The ideal application coach can relate to both student and parent(s) - and sometimes even ends up mediating between them!</p>
<p>Ask the coach how s/he works. Is s/he willing to let you read some sample essays written by previous students? Do you like the work that has been produced under his or her care? Does this person sound like s/he knows what s/he is talking about?</p>
<p>As mentioned above, the best situation is one in which you can get a referral from a parent with an older student. Hopefully your friend will vet the best people for you!</p>
<p>Feel free to PM me. I’m always happy to answer questions from parents.</p>
<p>I agree with the advice to ask to see a sample essay critique. I have a few that I keep on hand. A good counselor should be willing to talk or Skype with you at no charge to discuss their services and how they fit with the student’s needs. You might consider seeking a counselor who charges by the hour or by the essay draft, rather than obligating clients to buy a package of services, so that you can evaluate the initial work and see if you want to continue or seek another counselor.</p>
<p>Great suggestions all. I wouldn’t have thought to ask for the sample essay and critique. A ‘before’ and ‘after’ would be interesting to see.</p>