A couple of thoughts. For anyone with a non-finance background, a consultant can really help with the financial aid process.
If your child is older, grade 9 and up, having your child do the research and drive the process themselves is a tremendously rewarding and empowering experience for the child.
If your child is in athletics, I can see where a consultant can help putting together film, approaching coaches.
BUT, buyer beware. There are no guarantees as to results.
I do believe schools react much more favorably to the child being proactive in the process.