If I want to get stronger, I ask a trainer at the gym for advice. But when my arm hurts more than it should after working out, I don't ask the personal trainer to take a look at it. That's a job for a doctor. And what kind of shoes should I wear when I run? That's a question I reserve for one of those sprinters at the running shoe store who weighs 95 pounds and has a body fat percentage of negative 12%.
The fact that training and injury and running occur as part of the same fitness regimen doesn't mean they aren't three very different things. College admissions works in much the same way.
One of our Collegewise parents attended a free seminar over the weekend given by a test prep company. In addition to discussing SAT test-taking strategies (which were great), the presenter also shared a variety of information about how colleges use test scores. And virtually all of it was incorrect.
College admissions, standardized testing and financial aid for college are three entirely different fields. Expertise in one does not translate to expertise in another. I'm not saying people can't be knowledgeable about all three. But most people aren't (I claim an admissions expertise but am an admitted dabbler in testing and financial aid).
The widespread availability of college admissions, testing and financial aid information means that families have to be a little bit discerning about who you listen to. Seek out trusted sources, and don't be surprised if you turn to more than one expert.
If you need a little direction, here's where I'd start for admissions, testing, and financial aid advice.