Interesting link with some good stuff...just note that it was published almost 20 years ago.

I don't like that the college application process has changed over the past 20-30 years, but it is just something that our kids have to deal with. While you can hire the college consultant in 8th grade, and he'll plan all of your HS courses with just the right mix of courses to maintain a high GPA, teach you ways to game standardized tests, carefully pick your sports, arts & community extracurricular activities...most kids do just fine if they follow their interests.