Private schools and elite college consultants typically begin guiding students by 8th grade. Starting early doesn’t just result in better college outcomes. It allows students to have a more fulfilling high school experience with less stress. In the past, year-by-year guidance has been available almost exclusively to the very wealthy. With hourly rates of $200 to $2,000+, the cost of private consultants over 4+ years can be astronomical. Since the answer to the question, "When should I start college prep?" is as soon as possible, we want to give students of all incomes the same access to early support and expert information.