I’ve written before about how important it is to get your college admissions advice from the right sources. While at a barbecue this week with a group of friends that included Katie from our Bellevue office, she and I somehow got to talking about business expenses and the associated tax laws (yes, it was a pretty wild barbecue). I shared some unsolicited advice with her, some of which conflicted with the advice of her accountant.
I know a little bit about those things having run a business for 13 years, but I’m not an expert. And before I knew it was happening, there I was telling her not to listen to someone who knows a hell of a lot more about something really important than I do. So I wised up, emailed Katie, and told her to disregard everything I’d said and listen to her accountant.
It’s very easy for someone to give you unsolicited advice about something important, whether it’s your college list, your family finances, or how you should spend your summer. But remember that most people won’t have to live with the outcome of that advice–you will. If my advice to Katie was off, as it may well have been, I'm not going to get a nasty note from the IRS–Katie will. Her accountant has taken on the responsibility of making sure that doesn't happen, and her accountant is who Katie should listen to.
A friend may tell you that you should apply early decision, or that you should save your money in a particular account, or that you should go to an expensive summer program. But unless that person is an expert (or someone who knows you and the subject well enough to guide you), be very careful following unsolicited advice.
Your college future is important and it deserves to be taken seriously. Should you seek advice from people you trust? Absolutely. But make sure it’s about a subject they know very well. And if you get unsolicited advice, get a second opinion from your high school counselor, the colleges themselves, or another qualified expert before you follow it.
Sometimes the best unsolicited advice you can give or get is to listen to people who know what they’re talking about.