Pay to Play

Brenna Dupries | Jan. 27th, 2020 | Features

As spring approaches, and colleges release admission letters,  many students are seeking admission into top colleges and Ivy Leagues, most of which have acceptance rates in the single digits. As a result, companies are now claiming to coach college applicants into that “congratulations” letter from the colleges of their choice.  

These “Ivy Consultants” charge anywhere from $8,000 for a class to $950 for an hour of their time. While these companies acceptance rates may be high, their steep prices would prompt one to wonder whether they are truly necessary for college acceptance.

According to The New York Times, “Alex Cui, 20, said his parents, Chinese immigrants living in Toronto, spent $15,000 on a college consulting firm...But Mr. Cui said the consultant was relentlessly critical… and caused Mr. Cui so much stress that he stopped meeting with him halfway through his 12th-grade year...He said his college counseling was probably not worth the $15,000.”

While some people feel as Mr.Cui does, others including guidance counselors see the potential benefits that may arise when hiring a consultant. While these consultants are not supposed to actually write your applications, they can help you navigate the best way to intrigue the admissions officers. 

“Each family needs to have a conversation about what is best for the student,” said Ms.Ibasco.  “High school counselors offer the most that they can during this process but students who seek this help can have an upperhand at times.”

These consultants can be very expensive, which limits the percentage of students who can afford to seek this potentially advantageous help during the admissions process. These “Ivy counselors” could offer an edge to an application but come at a very steep price.