<p>Any parents gone the consultant route. If so and you have had good results can you provide any recommendations with your experience.</p>
<p>Yes, we used a consultant in Florida (where we live). I strongly suggest that you check out the following website -</p>
<p>[Independent</a> Educational Consultants Association | IECA](<a href=“http://www.educationalconsulting.org/]Independent”>http://www.educationalconsulting.org/)</p>
<p>Make a list of questions and call and ‘interview’ a select number that you think might fit your needs. My opinion is that they are a very valuable resource for both prep school and college. Sometimes it helps having an independent party between parent and child. </p>
<p>Our personal experience was mixed. We felt that she was very helpful in opening our minds to other options outside of the well known top list of schools. In fact, she was the one that suggested we visit Junior Boarding Schools - and both our sons are now enrolled. When we made an initial tour of schools (secondary and JBS) - she provided contacts and “greased the path,” so to speak. When we made final JBS selections for interviews and applications she kept in close contact with admissions and gave us detailed feedback. She also gave us a lot of insight into how that process works, what they are looking for in the application and student interview, etc. (We did not use her for the second child.)</p>
<p>On the other hand, our oldest felt like she did not ‘get’ him at all. He is highly intelligent and she pegged him as a nerdy (mean that positive), study-study-study type. He never liked her options for secondary schools and it was a real blessing that we got him to a JBS. He has had the chance to better explore his own interests and personality and is now applying to secondary schools (without her help) that he feels really fit who is has become.</p>
<p>I was hesitant about using a consultant but it turned out to be an excellent experience. </p>
<p>They are a source of information you would never be able to find out on your own. I find mine to be a big help with the interview and application process and even helpful when visiting the school. </p>
<p>I would get recommendations for ones that are local to you so you can meet in person. </p>
<p>I would also interview them on the phone before meeting to make sure you click and find out what their background/experience is. </p>
<p>For us it was money well spent.</p>
<p>could i please ask how much did you spent on consultant? i talked to one but didn’t ended up using (too expensive for BS) but may have to consider for college in a few years. could be great to get your thought / cost, and any recommendation on who to talk to</p>
<p>My daughter was our consultant. We didn’t do anything but paid the fees and drove her to the interviews. If you have a unique kid, you don’t need hooks or extra help. She is 13 now and she figured out how to get there. If she did it, you can do it with your kids. Don’t waste your money. CC is a good source to ask questions and see what other parents did.</p>
<p>Nothing wrong in using a consultant if you can afford one. The costs vary but about 5k. There are some very good ones who are extremely knowledgeable and will provide invaluable insight and knowledge throughout the whole process. They will be a voice for your child when need be, another advocate. Good ones are well known by most admissions teams. Their reputations are on the line and they take it personally.</p>