Q. Our son is going into his senior year in a highly rated high school. He has straight A’s for his first three years, and he’s on the school’s football team (they’re not so hot). A friend recommended that we see her child’s college counselor, who guaranteed that he would get her daughter into an Ivy League school and did. He charges $2,000 for his services, which include training for the admissions test and advanced placement. The guarantee was backed by a full- refund promise. He said that he has "very special relationships" (whatever that means) with the admissions officers at a number of colleges. I am hesitant, but my husband says that we should go for it. Our son says that he would rather do it on his own, but he’ll do this if we think it’s necessary. Help!
No need to pay for college admissions help
A. I am always very skeptical about guarantees with money-back offers. A number of years ago, there was a similar deal offered by a so-called counselor who claimed special relationships at various colleges. He accepted only top-notch students. However, he did absolutely nothing in the way of training or even contacting the various admissions officers. Many of his charges were admitted to the colleges of their choice. Many were not and got refunds. But he made quite a bit from those who were admitted. A neat little scam. There are many youngsters who do it on their own with perhaps a little work with admissions-test guidebooks. My money is on your son going it alone.
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