Is hiring a college coach for applications worth it?

I've been thinking about hiring a college admissions coach to help with my applications. Do you guys think it's worth it, or should I just go through it on my own or with my school's guidance counselor?

Choosing between hiring a college admissions coach and relying on your school's guidance counselor largely depends on your specific needs, goals, and resources. Here are some considerations you may find helpful:

1. Expertise and Individualized Attention: Private college admissions coaches often bring specific expertise, may have experience with particular programs or schools, and can provide more personalized attention than a school guidance counselor, who's likely juggling a hefty roster of students. Thus, a coach could add great value if you're applying to highly competitive schools or unique programs.

2. Cost: The cost can sometimes be prohibitive for some families. Private college admissions coaches can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars. You'll need to weigh if the potential benefit matches the financial investment.

3. School Resources: Conversely, your school's guidance counselor is a free resource and they're familiar with your school's profile, which colleges look at during the admissions process. They may also have direct connections with admission officers from a variety of colleges and universities.

4. Personal Responsibility: Becoming actively involved in your own college application process, can be an enriching and educational experience. By doing your own research, managing your deadlines, and taking charge of your essays and applications, you become well-versed in self-advocacy and time management, important lifelong skills.

5. Online Resources: Keep in mind that there are plenty of free online resources. For example, CollegeVine has a variety of tools and articles that can guide you through the admissions process. Whether you're calculating your chances, figuring out how to write your essay, or deciding where to apply, you can find credible advice online without breaking your wallet.

Ultimately, the decision is a personal one. If you have complex needs or are targeting highly selective schools, it might be beneficial to get the expertise of a college admissions coach. If cost is a concern, or you have strong resources at your high school and are confident in managing the process independently, then going at it alone could be a good choice.