"This isn't reducing the frenzy," said Steven Goodman, an independent counselor in Washington.

According to Howard Greene, an independent counselor in Weston, Conn., there is an "inordinate pressure" on young people today to select a career earlier than ever.

The bridegroom, who was a widower, is an independent financial counselor in Mamaroneck, N.Y.

Of the 6,300 members of the National Association for College Admission Counseling, 125 are independent counselors.

Add this question to the application: Have you taken any test preparation classes or paid for a tutor or independent counselor?

"I guess they look at things like this but it's not a cost I would recommend to a kid," said one independent counselor.

"The school had overbooked the freshman class," says Ms. Siegel, now an independent counselor in Manhattan.

No independent counselor can give a student an edge in college admission.

Disturbing, however, is the attitude of some independent counselors and some parents that their involvement with the child should not be shared with the school counselor.

In addition, the prevalence of independent counselors in our area does foster a two-tier system of the haves and the have nots.