Negotiating With Colleges

As the price of college continues to climb, many families need to focus on the financial aspects of the college admissions process.

“The best money I ever spent. Your unique and valuable service has changed my daughter’s opportunities for the rest of her life.”
-Steve Saft, Parent

As one of the most experienced admissions strategists in the United States, I am available to guide you and your family through the negotiating stage.

I can help you maximize your chances of getting an attractive merit package – while I assist you with education planning, school selection, and the development of your personal admissions portfolios.

Q. My child’s school guidance counselor is very busy. Moreover, she says that she doesn’t believe in negotiating with colleges because there are other students who may need the money more. Can you help?

“Steve Goodman matches a knowledge and insight that puts him at the top of his profession with a personality that students find easy to work with. As a Harvard Club alumni interviewer, I meet with many highly qualified candidates who interview poorly or ask the wrong questions because they are not properly prepared. As a result, because of the intense competition for spots, they lack the edge that might have gotten them into Harvard or other comparable schools.”
-Arthur Kyriazis, County Chair, Harvard Schools Committee

A. Most high school guidance counselors offer standard college-oriented assistance. Many have neither the time nor the budget to extensively research, visit, and get to know admissions officers at the top universities across the country.

The guidance counselor shortage and the lack of training for college advisors is a widespread problem. In New York, the average school guidance counselor has a caseload of 450 students. The average guidance counselor in Illinois has a caseload of 700. To make matters worse, even when there are counselors at schools, they are not always trained to help students apply to college.

In contrast, I provide families with one of the most thought-provoking and meaningful admissions preparation programs in the world. And I believe that you should absolutely negotiate for the best possible package for your family. A college will do what is in its best interest—and you should too.