<p>Have been on these forums and through the process with all three of my kids. I actually enjoy it (as much as possible, considering!). I am thinking about starting a business, and using an advisor is very popular here. We are the minority in my area who in fact did NOT use an advisor, and who were, I think, much more educated and diligent about the process.</p>
<p>I see all sorts of people from Moms to Wall Street types with little credentials, all price ranges, hanging up a shingle…any thoughts from those who have tried or have experience using someone? I feel that I can add a more personal touch by applying the same attention I put into my own children’s application process into my clients. Many consultants I hear about in my area have a quantity over quality mentality ($!). </p>
<p>Looking for thoughts on experience with start up, contractual agreements, price points. I will also be looking to join professional organizations such as the Independent Educational Consultants Association. Thanks, any advice much appreciated!</p>
<p>Me too Kurtz. We’re the minority too here, but it is getting more popular. I’ve enjoyed the process with my kids and also helping some of their friends. What concerns me would be the demands of the parents. I love match making between colleges and kids, but as far as the Ivy league schools or other prestigious ones, I would not have any insight into admissions to offer other than if qualified, apply and then wait and hope. I have heard that some consultants are former admissions officers of prestigious schools and naturally they would know more.</p>
<p>I like helping the student who is open to suggestions of any school. In my area, the students that would need this the most are low income. The higher income families have access to all the info and consultants they need. I’m not sure that would be a thriving business, but it would be rewarding.</p>
<p>So I would like to hear from both the business model and community service models if anyone has insights to share.</p>
<p>I have never heard of anyone in my community using a college counselor. Like Pennylane, I would be interested in a community service model of consulting.</p>
<p>Maybe you should “trial” your skills by offering to volunteer some time at a local high school (public/private/charter) - whatever and get a better feel for what you may be dealing with. </p>
<p>Or offer your volunteer services at a local college fair for high school students. I was asked to set up a parent table for general questions twice at a local small college fair night - you’d be surprised how “clueless” and unprepared families can be for the process.</p>
<p>One niche that balances payment with helping the community might be aiming for middle class first generation college bound kids. They are likely to have families who could afford a reasonable fee and who might not be as familiar with the college application process as people in upper income brackets. For example, we have a thriving SAT prep company here in town that gets a lot of business just because they are cheaper than the better known competitors. Their clients tend to be kids aiming at the state flagship rather than the Ivys.</p>
<p>It is not all that easy to become a college consultant. To do well, you need to really know about a large number of schools and types of schools. The best consultants around here have visited tons of colleges. They also have extensive training to do the job. There are courses of study for this type of work. The hours are long, and typically on weekends and evenings as this is when the families are available.</p>