Most people interested in the college admissions process have stumbled upon College Confidential at some point in their searches. The good news is that the website has some great information for students and parents trying to learn about the college admissions process. Unfortunately, it also has some very misleading information.
The real problem is that if you aren’t already familiar with all of the in’s and out’s of the admissions process, you probably can’t tell the good information from the bad.
Years ago I used to regularly follow the site and jump in when some obviously bad information was being given. I know of a number of other counselors, both private and college based, who have done the same thing. But most of us have quit because our voices get drowned out by people who really don’t have a clue what they are talking about. Working with your son or daughter who got into an Ivy League college does not make you an expert on all things related to college admissions.
Should you avoid College Confidential? No. Use it as you see fit. But like everything else, don’t use it as your only source of information. Also look at the websites of the colleges you are considering and websites like this that are from professional college consultants.
So true! I’m one of those counselors you mention who has stopped commenting (or reading) threads on College Confidential. In too many cases it truly is the blind leading the blind.
I’d like to think most of it is well-meaning but poorly informed, but I think there is also a lot of intentionally distorted advice being given. I second your warning to read with caution.