Just commenting based on what my friend went through and the stories she told. They did not provide…read moremuch assistance, coaching or help in the final financial aid package. The parents did more of the work themselves. Not at all worth the money. I wouldn't give them any stars, but it is required to give at least one.

We started the process with The College Advisor for our senior to help navigate the college…read moreapplication process. We followed the plan exactly. Some of the things were really helpful, but I would not hire this firm again for my other child. It's expensive - about $3,500+-. We felt like it was a true numbers game for them. Most of the correspondence was "group" emails that went to all of the students. I think there were 2 or 3 individual meetings. No one has followed up at all to see if my student has been admitted to any of the schools - not once. They made it seem like it's very personal, but it didn't feel that way. The owner, Dean, is very nice, and he's very good. But you don't work with him. You work with a counselor and it was pretty clear that our counselor didn't much like my daughter. I was in a meeting with the 2 of them, and it was very obvious. I think that's the reason we feel a little dissatisfied. The scheduling part was very helpful - when to take SATs, when to submit applications etc. But even the essay review wasn't great. I looked at it after it had been "reviewed and approved" and found typos and sentences that were not finished. They don't want parents looking at the essays, but thank goodness I did and that essay didn't get submitted. We have a friend who is in the same line of work - she has followed up with us consistently with dates to expect the college letters, when each colleges emails their responses etc.. She was actually more helpful, and we didn't pay her a dime. In the end we took over the process completely and it worked out better. There are good choices to make now. In the end I'd say it's a good idea in theory, but not enough personal attention, and what we did get left us feeling less than thrilled for the cost.

You need good strategy and a good set of tutors. Steve has that for you. He may seem like he is…read morejust trying to sell you stuff but he is helpful. Work with him and his team closely. Address the issue then and there. All boils down to your kids ability and willingness to work hard and practice more. At the max you can get ~20% score gain by going to these places. So make sure you get that for sure by utilizing all the available coaching available.

This is first hand information. My son took the Abelson test prep in the group session and he had…read more4 individual sessions. His score did not go up from the prior testing.

This is a great educational/tutoring service that teaches kids all kinds of valuable skill to…read moresucceed in in school and in life