I came across an interesting New York Times article about the growing field of "independent college counselors." To make a long story short, the article discussed how these advisors coach families on how to get their children into the college of their choice. And in turn, families are paying anywhere from $14,000 to $40,000 for this advice.
Yes, you read that right: $14,000 to $40,000!
Unless I missed something, I didn't see anything in the story that said the counselors were offering any type of advice on how to pay for college, how to qualify for financial aid, how to position them to get the most aid or anything of the sort. They were paying tens of thousands of dollars just to be coached on how to get into school!!!
Please indulge me for a moment here while I blow my own horn. Among my college planning services, I assist students in selecting schools, choosing majors, doing applications and critiquing essays. Then I advise parents on ways to lower their expected contribution; show them how to qualify for the most aid; help them determine which schools will provide the most aid; do the financial aid paperwork for them; guide them on how to negotiate for better aid packages; and then work with them to put a plan in place to how to pay their portion of the college costs without sacrificing their futures.
AND I DO ALL THAT FOR A FRACTION OF THE FEES MENTIONED ABOVE!
This is a quote from one of the counselors mentioned in the article when asked about her fee:
“I’m at the top of my field. Do people economize when theyhave a brain tumor and are looking for a neurosurgeon? If you want to go with someone cheaper, or chance it, don’t hire me.”
I couldn't have said it better myself! I will never apologize for my fees. The people who hire me will be the first to tell you they've gotten back many times over what they paid me, in addition to having the peace of mind of someone guiding them through this perplexing process.
Others would rather save a buck and, sadly, have no idea how much they may have actually lost in the process.
In case you'd like to read it, here is the link to The Times story.
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