College counseling questions
Hiring a college counselor, answered
Straight answers about hiring a college admissions counselor: how to choose one, whether it is worth it, what it costs and how the options compare.
The questions
- How to choose a college counselor
How to choose a private college admissions counselor: check credentials, ask who you will work with, get the scope and price in writing, and avoid guarantees.
- Is a private college counselor worth it?
When a private college admissions counselor is worth it, when it is not, and what to expect for the money: one-on-one essay feedback, a plan and deadlines kept.
- How much does a college counselor cost?
What drives the cost of a private college counselor: hourly vs. package pricing, how often you meet, grade, and what is included, and how Aristo Scholars prices its work.
- School counselor, consulting firm or independent counselor: which is right?
A fair comparison of your school counselor, large admissions consulting firms, online platforms and independent counselors, and which kind of help fits which family.
- Looking for a college counselor in the Bay Area?
College admissions counseling for Bay Area families from current UC Berkeley and Stanford students, one-on-one by video, with a free first call.
- What GPA and SAT do admitted students actually have?
The median GPA and SAT of admitted applicants at 166 colleges, counted from 7,057 self-reported results, with Stanford, Harvard, MIT and UCLA examples.
How we compare
- Aristo Scholars vs. Crimson Education
Aristo Scholars costs about a quarter of Crimson Education. Compared on price, who you work with, credentials, services and cancellation, with sources.
- Aristo Scholars vs. Command Education
Aristo Scholars and Command Education compared on price, mentors, support model and services, using Command's own FAQ and press reporting, with sources.