Thank goodness for Crimson!
As parents of a NYC private school junior, we were very deliberate about choosing the right College Prep Consultants - trying our best to evaluate for the most effective, best fit for our daughter and overall value, from a host of highly marketed choices. First, however, as a first timer - I'd recommend all parents to use a professional College App service, if you can (for so many reasons...). Second, I think its important to ensure there is a good fit with the student and the primary counselor before signing up. Third, make sure you are getting extra full-service help and advice from the service, especially for the price you are paying, and make sure your student is bought in to the people and the process! While you never know how its gonna be when you actually sign up - Crimson more than satisfied all criteria for us - they essentially had a 3-person team for my daughter (plus others along the way), with regular meetings with her counselor, a handful with former Admission Officers, and many with an experienced essay consultant. They all got on well with my daughter and were well versed in the specific application details, and in addition to their knowledge and advice - they all really seemed to care. Not only did it allow us to be hands off as parents, it motivated and gave a support system and great pathway for my daughter to follow and take ownership of the process, knowing she had experts in her corner. I definitely credit Crimson a lot for helping my daughter ultimately get in to her dream school! Thank you Crimson.