College admissions are no longer what they were 10—or even 5—years ago. For many families, navigating today’s process without help can feel like walking a tightrope with no net.
The volume of information, conflicting advice, and overwhelming pressure have led more families than ever to turn to professional college planners for expert, personalized guidance.
At College Benefits Research Group (CBRG), we’ve helped thousands of families not only find the right-fit colleges for their students, but also secure generous financial aid packages.
We do this while reducing the anxiety that so often dominates this process. Here’s what families should know about why working with a college planner is not just smart—it’s strategic.
The complexity of college admissions today
Twenty years ago, applying to college often meant picking a few familiar schools, filling out some basic forms, and mailing in applications. But today’s admissions landscape is far more intricate.
Students face mounting pressure to excel academically, participate in a wide range of extracurriculars, score well on standardized tests, and meet a maze of application deadlines. Meanwhile, families are expected to understand complex financial aid systems and somehow make it all affordable.
Many parents quickly realize that advice they received decades ago is now outdated. From shifting admissions trends to evolving FAFSA policies, the rules have changed. And unfortunately, well-meaning advice from peers or online forums can add more confusion than clarity.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective College Applicants sheds light on what successful students do differently, but even the best habits can fall flat without structure and strategy.
How a college planner simplifies the process
A skilled college planner acts as a trusted project manager for your student’s college journey—breaking down every phase into manageable steps and keeping your family on track.
At CBRG, we begin by helping families build a smart, balanced college list based on academic strengths, personal interests, and financial parameters. This isn’t about finding the most prestigious school—it’s about finding the school that fits your child academically, socially, and financially.
Selecting appropriate courses throughout high school
Your student’s high school course load plays a pivotal role in college admissions. CBRG helps evaluate and refine course selections year by year to ensure students are not only meeting graduation requirements but also demonstrating rigor where it counts.
We advise on honors, Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and dual-enrollment options that align with each student’s strengths and target colleges.
Planning for the SAT/ACT or deciding if test-optional is the right route
With the rise of test-optional policies, deciding whether to submit standardized test scores has become a nuanced strategy. CBRG helps families evaluate whether the SAT or ACT is worth pursuing based on the student’s academic profile and college list.
For students who choose to test, we help map out timelines and preparation strategies that minimize stress and maximize performance.
Crafting compelling application essays
Application essays are a critical opportunity for students to express who they are beyond the numbers. Our college planners guide students through brainstorming, outlining, and revising their essays to ensure their stories resonate with admissions officers.
From personal statements to supplemental prompts, we help students find and refine their voice.
Organizing timelines for early action, early decision, and regular applications
Timing matters in college admissions. CBRG helps each family map out a customized application calendar, including early action and early decision opportunities.
We create checklists, set interim goals, and ensure every requirement—from transcript requests to letters of recommendation—is met ahead of deadline.
For more on our approach, The Power of a Personalized College Plan explains how strategy transforms chaos into direction.
Maximizing financial aid and minimizing cost
Paying for college is one of the biggest financial decisions most families will ever make. Yet many go into it without fully understanding what’s available—or how to qualify for it.
CBRG’s college planners integrate financial strategy into every part of the admissions process.
Proper completion and timely submission of the FAFSA and CSS Profile
Filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile correctly and on time is crucial to securing financial aid.
CBRG walks families through each section, helping to avoid common errors that can delay processing or reduce aid eligibility.
We also track key filing deadlines to ensure every opportunity is captured, including school-specific priority dates.
Comparing financial aid award letters and identifying opportunities for appeals
Once award letters arrive, families often find them difficult to interpret. CBRG reviews each letter with you, explaining the types of aid offered—grants, loans, and work-study—and clarifying your true out-of-pocket costs.
If the initial package falls short, we help craft appeal letters backed by sound reasoning and current financial data, increasing your chances of a better offer.
Identifying merit aid opportunities based on the student’s academic and extracurricular profile
Many colleges offer generous merit-based scholarships to attract strong students. We identify these opportunities based on your child’s GPA, test scores, and leadership roles, then help position them effectively in applications.
Our insight into which schools are more likely to offer merit aid can steer students toward institutions where their accomplishments will be most financially rewarded.
In fact, understanding what to do if you don’t get into your college of choice often includes exploring better aid packages at equally strong institutions.
Personal attention you won’t find elsewhere
High school guidance counselors play a critical role, but many are stretched too thin to provide the level of personalized attention most families need. The national average student-to-counselor ratio is about 408 to 1, according to the American School Counselor Association.
Online tools and checklists are helpful—but generic. They can’t listen to your teen’s concerns, adapt a plan based on your family’s unique situation, or answer late-night questions about financial aid deadlines.
CBRG provides a team-based approach that includes college admissions advisors, financial strategists, and student positioning experts. Our planning portal, Engus, allows families to stay organized, access resources, and track every step of the journey.
We’re also known for our family-first approach, which resonates strongly with clients. As one parent shared in a video testimonial:
“Steve and Dave kind of… fill in the gaps. It took a lot of the worry out, a lot of the stress… my stress level went way down… they answer all the questions that you have.”
College Planning for Busy Families offers practical tips—and explains how working with us removes the guesswork.
Real outcomes: Less stress, more success
Working with a college planner isn’t just about making things easier—it’s about improving your student’s outcomes.
At CBRG, our families consistently report:
- Higher odds of getting into schools that fit
- Tens of thousands in financial aid savings
- Reduced reliance on loans
- Lower stress levels for both parents and students
Just as importantly, students feel empowered. They learn how to take ownership of their process with structured support behind them.
As one CBRG family reflected:
“Before CBRG we were lost… after, we had direction and peace of mind.”
CBRG Behind the Scenes: Empowering Students and Families for College Success
This peace of mind—and the tangible savings that come with it—are the most compelling reasons to seek expert help.
You can read more about how families have transformed their journey in From Chaos to Clarity: How Families Transformed Their College Journey.
If your family is preparing for college and feeling overwhelmed—or just wants to make sure no opportunity is missed—working with a college planner may be the smartest decision you make. Let CBRG guide you every step of the way.