Why Hire a Consultant

After buying a home, your child’s education is the second biggest investment you will make. For 2011-12, the estimated cost for an Illinois resident attending the University of Illinois (Urbana) is $28-33,000. This all-in total includes tuition, room, board, and required fees. State schools will continue to raise prices because they are being squeezed by their state governments.   For private, four-year colleges, the average all-in cost this year is approximately $40,000. Several schools cost over $50,000 per year. Isn’t this investment decision worth a second expert opinion?

Parents, the college application process has changed since you were in high school. Students today are more likely to explore choices regionally, nationally. and even internationally.  High school counselors generally do not have the time or budget to visit colleges outside the home region. Likewise, it is time consuming and expensive for families to make college visits. Independent consultants spend significant amounts of time visiting college campuses and meeting with admissions officers. This first hand knowledge enables the consultant to sharpen your focus on schools that will match your child’s needs and interests, and allows you to be more efficient with your college visits.

Can’t we use the Internet and guide books to research schools? There are great web and published resources that I recommend to clients. However, the college admissions process has a steep learning curve, and time is limited. Independent consultants get to know your child in a relaxed environment and then draw from vast knowledge of colleges to personalize a plan for you.

High school guidance counselors have caseloads of several hundred students, and have many duties other than college advising. A private consultant specializes in college knowledge and offers your student unlimited personal attention and meeting flexibility. During the past three years, College Bound Consulting provided guidance to students attending the following Chicago area high schools: Benet Academy, Downers Grove North, Fenwick, Glenbard West, Hinsdale Central, The Latin School, Marion Catholic, Montini, Naperville North, and Oak Park-River Forest.