If you need help finding the best high school for your son or daughter, you may want to hire an educational consultant. A consultant generally begins by meeting with the student and parents and examining the child’s academic record. Consultants then provide a list of schools to consider. They encourage students and families to attend open houses, meet with admissions officers, talk to current students, and spend time on campus. Consultants say it’s usually a good idea to apply to four to eight schools, and they’ll help families with applications. Most consultants don’t fill out forms or edit essays, but some will suggest changes, conduct mock interviews, and administer practice tests. Most charge $175 to $500 an hour or a flat fee of $1,250 to $4,500 for the process.