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Are college admissions consultants worth the money?
The number of private consultants who help high school students get into the college of their choice is on the rise. While that might not be such a bad thing, the cost of such services ballooning should be a cause for concern.
The New York Times has published an article in which the number of college admissions consultants has risen in recent years from 2,000 to 5,000. This figure is brought to you by the Independent Educational Consultants Association. This association aims for its members to maintain high ethical and professional standards. One consultant, Shannon Duff, says that she charges about $15,000 to help a student and the student’s family through the application process. Others can charge as much as $40,000.
It should be pointed out that graduation from an elite college can make a large difference in the resulting salary that a student can earn, and so that could be part of the argument as to why these large fees are justified.
The college application process can be nightmarish. For families that have the money, these consultants might make sense. On the other hand, with so many fine institutions of higher learning available, it makes one wonder if these large fees are being spent mostly by well-to-do families in order to get bragging rights.
Comments
As Executive Director of the Independent Educational Consultants Association I need to start by noting that Shannon Duff is NOT a member of our Association. A recent survey of our members showed the average cost for hiring one of our fully vetted members is about $185 an hour or $3700 for a comprehensive package of services stretching over several years. Our members do not charge the kind of fees you reference. Much information about the cost of consulting and the requirements for membership can be found on our website: www.IECAonline.com and our blog.
We received a bargain, had consultants that charged us a few hundred dollars for great advice tailored to our needs. I don't know a single person in Michigan who uses consultants charging the figures you quote. It must be a coastal prestige issue.
Yes, there are people who are unscrupulous or incompetent in every field. The average fee in our industry is $3,700. Yes, you can do it yourself, e.g. Fix your car, do your taxes, paint your house, and make your own clothes. Most people don’t. They understand having an expert is more efficient and effective. Look at the transfer/drop out rate for those families doing it on their own. Knowing what you don’t know and asking for help is a sign of intelligence. Given the high cost of college one should consult an expert. A diploma at a private college can cost less than a state college. Talk the expert that can find the right fit for YOUR child and the right cost for YOUR family.
The facts show that there is NO difference in income if you could have gone to an Ivy vs. having gone elsewhere.
Mr. Sklarow is mentioning the average, yet many of his members charge well into the five figures for admissions support. Additionally, IECA is nothing more than a pay for play organization as long as you have visited a certain number of schools and can get a few colleague recommendations. he and IECA are full of it. The best way to know who to get support from is to ask for references.
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