<p>Our son was graduated from a top 10 boarding school last year, which had been his first choice. We used a consultant. There was no promise of an inside track. </p>
<p>The three principal benefits:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>The consultant made sure that my son understood what to expect well enough that the entire admission's process was comfortable and clear.</p></li>
<li><p>The consultant suggested a couple of Schools that we would not have considered. One of those Schools ended up being my son's first choice, even though it was on the other side of the country.</p></li>
<li><p>Essay reviews and interview practice were productive because my wife and I were not involved. My son, who has been a fiercely independent kid his whole life, was able to absorb and leverage the consultant's suggestions in the best possible way - and had very good outcomes in these areas.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>I see that you don't agree with me that most applicants use a consultant---but it wasn't an opinion, it is a fact. For instance, at schools like Exeter or Lawrenceville, 20% of their applicants are from ABC, Prep for Prep, etc., so right there that is 20%. And then about 40% of their applications are from overseas, where consultants are used at a rate of more than half. And finally, a large percentage, I'm not sure what though, of their applicants are from day schools with a school placement advisor. And then there is the large group that hires a consultant. it doesn't leave a large number of kids who just walk in the door with no help at all (other than CC)</p>
<p>When I ask private schools I meet with, "how would you like to work with me, if at all?" they normally say that since "most" of their applicants have a consultant or advocate, it is helpful for them to hear from the consultant regarding the student. I have asked that question a hundreds times, probably, as well as the question about what % of students apply with a consultant, and the answer is usually "most", "half" or a specific number like 75%. This is partly due to the break down I mentioned above. </p>
<p>To Morris, I think that a poll on this site about whether a consultant is used wouldn't be the best measure, since many people are on here looking for information because they don't have a consultant or placement officer who they are working with. Parents that have someone to go to for these questions are less likely to come here.</p>
<p>Also, to the person who posted asking about ABC---yes, certainly apply through ABC if you can. Not only do they help you with the process, they provide financial aid in addition to what the school offers, and support throughout the student's years at boarding school and beyond. They also have a fantastic alumni network that helps kids with internships in college and beyond. It is an impressive program and if you have the chance to be in it--you should!</p>
<p>I think I have replied to this post too many times, so this will be the last one for me!</p>
<p>Thanks New Yorker for your insights. I had no idea so many kids were refered by ABC. 20% for some schools seems like a lot. However, the info. regarding financial aid from ABC is not correct. From the ABC website: "A Better Chance is not a scholarship organization and does not provide financial aid. Financial aid is awarded to Scholars by the schools to
which they are accepted. The financial aid a student receives is determined by each school based on its guidelines and an examination of
the applicant family's total financial situation. It is expected that families will contribute in some way to their children's education."</p>
<p>Emdee, A Better Chance does give financial aid. From their 2007 form 990, available from Guidestar:</p>
<p>p. 25
[quote]
Students may receive grants or awards for a number of different reasons. Awards are given for academic excellence; grants are given to provide funds for books and other school supplies. A committee gives scholarships for high school to students of financial need, after consideration & review.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>p. 27
[quote]
A Better Chance provided grants to 64 students from various schools from the following states: NY, NJ, CA, GA, RI, PA, OH, IL.
[/quote]
(note, in the 990, they spell out the states, but I chose to abbreviate the states.]</p>
<p>It may be that ABC provides the schools with resources, and the schools determine the need.</p>
<p>Thanks to all who have provided the statistics re: consultants. Also, I had no idea how much placement assistance the private middle schools provide (e.g. Eaglebrook - I checked out their website thanks to neatoburrito's post on the "useful links" thread).</p>
<p>But, I must say I am glad that I didn't know these statistics last year when our student was applying. I would have been even more nervous and anxious than I was. I am even more grateful to the many posters here who had been through the process before and provided great advice and support!</p>
<p>I'm responding once more! ABC works with each school in putting together a financial aid package. Parents contribute a little, schools contribute a lot, and ABC fills in the gap. They do indeed pay part of the tuition, whether they call it financial aid or not, I don't know. But they make it possible for low income students to attend, who wouldn't be able towith only the school's scholarship--they also cover some extras such as transportation, they have faculty vsit the kids, etc.</p>
<p>Also, when I say that 20% of applicants are from ABC and other progrms--I mean all of them across the country, Prep for Prep, Black Student Fund, WrightFoundation, etc. 20% of applicants aren't from ABC alone.</p>
<p>Years ago we used a "Boarding School" consultant for my S. I felt that at the time I was out of the loop on the whole BS scene. There are advantages in using an "experienced and qualified" consultant. At the time it was very comforting to know that you have someone in your corner. The consultant we used had over 25 years experience. This is how she makes a living. If her favorable reputation precedes her then I consider it one more barb on the hook. If, overtime a BS finds consultant recommended students were not a good fit, then the BS will be weary of any future candidates represented by that particular consultant and it's a small world. That is why I feel that a good consultant can provide a service. I can't remember exactly the whole process, but after she had met/interviewed with my son, reviewed report cards and papers, she had come up with a list of about 8 schools. I remember scratching off about half of them purely from my bias towards them of 30 years ago. We added on one school that was not on her list because of what we thought to be a real connection / hook. Although a good school, she did not think that addition was good fit but we went for it anyway. Later on, it was easily determined that she wasn't just right, she was spot on about that particular school. The so-called back up school was a pre-prep that I had attended. She definitely was not needed for the back up school, but then again we never would have even thought of that rather clever angle. She followed up with respect to the applications, teacher recommendations and whatever else needed to be done. She contacted the schools and made her pitch. She knows the DOA at all of the schools S applied. I have to reiterate, it is truly a very small BS world. She knows when to push and hold off. The times to call and not call. Basically, I felt she had the inside scoop. I pulled as many strings as I could in my own fashion and I'll admit I have a lot of strings but only to a point. In the end S got into his first choice and whether the consultant was partially responsible we'll never know. Certainly the perception was there that she was batting for our S and the reality is we'll never know how much. We did have one DOA mentioned that she was unnecessary, which was a little perplexing considering my S got accepted before the application was even submitted (rolling admissions). Did she help in alleviating the stress, maybe but that depends how much one wants to dwell on it all after the die have been cast which is easier said then done.
Was she helpful, yes. Was she worth it monetarily, I think so. Will we use a consultant again, no, not because we are now very well versed in the whole process but because we learned about a lot of different BS and what to look for when it comes to our kids. Hiring a consultant is solely up to the parents. Are they necessary, absolutely not. I will admit I'm kind of stumped on one school that I wish I could pick her brains about but later I'll try CC instead, cheaper. I know this is long winded but one more comment: Admissions people know 20 % of the kids they want, 20% of the kids they don't want, anything to help them decide on the remaining 60% they are grateful for, a good consultant can help tilt the scale.</p>