Should the research such as tuition, departments, and all that college stuff be done by the applicant or can a college advisor help with all of that?
Why pay some one to do the research for you? The school websites have plenty of information plus if you have any specific questions, there are many seasoned posters on this website to help you.
An applicant should definitely do some of that themselves. An advisor will introduce you to new schools and help supply the information that you mentioned, but at the end of the day, the applicant is -well- the applicant.
If you’re applying to a school, I would hope that you’d be interested enough to do some basic research yourself!
Did you do better on your 2nd SAT or is 1030 your top score? I’d find out how much your parents are willing to pay then start out by finding a couple of safeties – schools you’re sure to be accepted to, that are affordable, and that you’d be happy to attend. If your parents can’t pay much, you’re better off saving your money for tuition instead of spending it on a college counselor.
You mention Ivies. If you can’t do the research (and gosh, you noted tuition and depts, which are e-zeeeee,) then you may not be the sort of activated, info-pursuing sort they look for. Try it.