We are using a coach for Gap Year/Year 2 of auditioning. It may be somewhat difficult to differentiate how much of that MAY contribute to D’s second year yield vs.first year yield-after all, she will be a year wiser/more experienced. For us, it is money well spent, because SHE WON’T LISTEN TO ME!!! If a coach directs her towards a different monologue, song, wardrobe choice; to re-do headshots…D will comply. If I do the same, I get an eye roll and the silent treatment. Bottom line-kids without coaches get into top programs, and kids with coaches get into top programs. All one can do is apply a cost/benefit anallysis, and decide what’s best for their situation.