<p>HI, i was wandering whether a lot of you receive outside help</p>
<p>on your applications,</p>
<p>i received an e-mail from like ivy success or sth</p>
<p>and it seemed pretty cool </p>
<p>has anyone experience with ivy success or some other professional counselling?</p>
<p>my school counsellor really doesn't know much and i'm pretty worried right now so i'm thinking of getting some advice "_"</p>
<p>I've found excellent advice on College Confidential and in some of the many excellent books available on the college application process. Even if I were wealthy, I wouldn't pay big bucks to get advice that I could easily gather on my own.</p>
<p>hint: look for a poster Northstarmom. :D</p>
<p>but really, most of us here get help from awesome folks on CC.</p>
<p>For some, it is simply a lack of time to do the necessary research. I was surprised to learn a friend has hired a "college financial consultant" to "maximize" their daughter's financial aid. I seriously doubt whether the consultant can do a better job than I can, but I have spent a lot of time researching college finance. The information is definitely available to those who seek it.</p>
<p>In my opinion, that is not at all necessary. It's so easy to find the information you need, and the professional services probably don't know any more than you could find out on this message board or in books.</p>
<p>Hiring a consultant is a luxury.....I mean what you are asking is a question akin to can you map your own trip or do you use TripleA....can you cut/polish your own nails.....or do you get a manicure!! You can do all of this yourself but without time, inclination, effort and some support is is a lot of work, time and stress if you have conflict w/ your parents. I can certainly see reasons to justify paying the fees.......if one can afford it why not. Do you have to? NO</p>
<p>fireflyscout and hazmat have it right. This is no different from any other service. You can shop and cook yourself, or you can go to an expensive restaurant. Whether you'd rather pay for expert assistance or put the time and energy into becoming an expert yourself is a decision each family has to make.</p>