<p>At my high school the only parents that use a private counselor are the “high maintenance ones” whose kids are bright but not at the very top of the class. We don’t live in an area that has many private counselors so this is not mainstream.</p>
<p>I understand why people would be interested in getting one. I have watched my S fumble around with top tier, private school applications (we do offer some assistance) because I felt if he couldn’t handle the admissions part he probably shouldn’t be going to that high level of a university. On the other hand, I know he is competing with kids who had everything polished just right with lots of help. So I am sure our “hands off” policy is probably very naive. </p>
<p>I just wish colleges could be more transparent about exactly what they want so people wouldn’t feel compelled to try to unlock the “secrets” by paying for a private counselor. Our public school GC is great but does have 500 students she is responsible for–she can only do so much.</p>