Start a college admissions consulting business

Parents of high school juniors and seniors, and sometimes older students paying for themselves. Families applying to competitive schools or first-generation applicants often look for help.

Hourly sessions or a flat package covering the full application season. Some consultants add workshops for essays or financial aid forms.

• Knowledge of the US college application process
• Clear writing and editing
• Patient coaching of teenagers and parents
• Organizing deadlines

• Never promise admission to a particular school; check that your marketing claims are honest and accurate
• Consider joining a professional body such as IECA or HECA, and check what membership or experience requirements apply
• Check whether you need a local business license and an LLC or sole proprietor registration with your state
• Protect student data and get parental consent when working with minors, and consider professional liability insurance
• Work is seasonal, with busy periods before fall application deadlines and quieter months in summer and spring

Startup costs are typically around $300 to $3,000, depending on your website, software and any professional memberships or insurance. Treat this as an estimate and price your own setup before you begin.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $500 to $5,000, depending on how many students you take on and what you charge. Work is seasonal, with busy periods before fall application deadlines and quieter spring and summer months.

Never promise admission to a particular school, and keep your marketing claims honest. Also check local business license and state registration, any professional body requirements such as IECA or HECA, student data protection, parental consent for minors and professional liability insurance.