I am pretty new to CC - here is what I have learned.
While my high school junior daughter is an excellent student, historically has done well on standardized tests, and is a fine dancer and musician, I have made sure that her expectations regarding admissions are realistic. Her stats will probably be good enough to obtain a lottery ticket for the Ivies and equivalent but by no means will ensure her admission.
I have gotten a real education on good quality LACs where I believe she could thrive and have a challenging, but less stressful environment. Many of those weren’t really on my radar.
I have learned a lot about FAFSA and CSA profile, and a better understanding of how financial/merit aid functions. This has enabled our family to develop a list of possible schools that we might realistically afford as well as where she might flourish.
Many SAT/PSAT advice threads offer helpful advice about strategy that has helped my kid make meaningful progress on her practice tests and to gain confidence.
I quickly learned to avoid “chance me” threads like the plague. Either they are written from students with superb stats who are seeking praise from random people on the internet, or clueless kids who have no idea of what is required to get into a given school who seek reassurance from random people on the internet. And then they offer to “chance back.” Right.
On balance, it’s been quite useful!