How to choose a college consultant in New Orleans
Families in Greater New Orleans have four main options for college help. Here is an honest look at each, so you can choose what fits your student and your budget.
| Crescent City College Consulting | School counselor | National online firm | Doing it yourself | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Who you work with | Christen directly, every time | A counselor shared across the school | An assigned advisor, usually online | Yourself |
| Local knowledge | TOPS, Louisiana awards, New Orleans schools | Strong on your own school | Varies by advisor | You research it |
| Scholarship strategy | Her specialty | Often limited by time | Varies by firm | You find them |
| Essay support | Brainstorm, feedback and revision | Limited by caseload | Usually included | Friends and family |
| ACT prep | Small-group classes in Gretna | Sometimes at school | Sometimes extra | Self-study |
| In person | Yes, in Gretna | Yes, at school | Rarely | Not applicable |
| Cost | Shared on your free consultation | Free | Check each firm | Free, plus your time |
General comparison. Services differ by school and by firm, so check with each one directly.
Common questions
Do I need a college consultant if my school has a counselor?
Not always. School counselors do important work, and many families do well with them. A private consultant adds one-on-one time, deeper help with essays and a scholarship strategy built for one student. Many families use both.
What should I ask before hiring a college consultant?
Ask who will actually work with your student, how they help with essays, what they charge, and what results they can show. Be careful with anyone who guarantees admission or writes essays for students. Reviews from local families are a good place to start.
Is a local consultant better than a national online firm?
It depends on what you need. National firms such as College Transitions and Empowerly serve families remotely, including in New Orleans. A local consultant can meet in person and knows TOPS, Louisiana scholarships and area schools. Compare who your student would actually work with.
Not sure where to start?
Book a free 30-minute consultation with Christen. You leave with a clear next step, whether or not you work together.