CAA [College Admission Assistance]? A scam or not?

Question

I know this question has probably been asked, but I didn't find a sastifying answer yet. Okay, so I got this mail from CAA saying I've been invited to attend an interview for college assistance. They asked us to pay about $1000 or $2000 and they'll let me work with a coach to help me with college admission. We paid them because we thought it'd really help in the future. We mailed them the questionaire and they said they'd call us in about a week. But we never got the call and it's about 2 weeks already. I wonder if anyone got this problem too. Please share the experience. And I think I should call them to find out. By the way, can I cancel the payment?

Answer 1

The "How Stuff Works" link above I think sums it up best. I replied to an ad on Craigslist looking for coaches. I got a response and so I began researching them to see if I wanted to work for them. I don't consider them a "scam". To me a scam is taking money and not delivering what was promised. A scam is not taking money for something you can get for free somewhere else. People seem to get very upset when they find out they paid $2,000 for information they could have searched for themselves.

The problem is that people aren't searching for themselves and have no idea what's out there, until they research the company that is trying to do the work for them. So, for me, I think this company recognizes that the information is available to the public for free, but people are too busy or unaware it exists, so they are willing to pay money for someone else to do it.

As long as this company delivers the services it promises, that is capitalism. Money for a service.

Answer 2

I also am having a problem with them.  I agree they are very slow getting back to me.  They can't seem to get my credit card to work, which makes me wonder what is going on because I know there is enough money in my account.  I also would like to cancel, but I don't want to have debt collectors calling for the money.  Can they really force me to give them money if they have my credit card and they are the ones with the problem?

Answer 3

I also am having a problem with them.  I agree they are very slow getting back to me.  They can't seem to get my credit card to work, which makes me wonder what is going on because I know there is enough money in my account.  I also would like to cancel, but I don't want to have debt collectors calling for the money.  Can they really force me to give them money if they have my credit card and they are the ones with the problem?

Answer 4

Same scummers who ripped everyone off with College Partnership and shut the doors on hundred of families after they took their money

Answer 5

BBB rating is terrible. Numerous complaints :(  Stay Away! just follow the posts and look at all the problems they had

Answer 6

A bunch of circus performers. Traveling hucksters!

Answer 7

 SCAM, a waste of time and MONEY....then you cancel the contract, one month later, the collectors start calling and you would have been lucky to receive even one phone call FROM THEM offering real college assistance.

Answer 8

While they are not a "scam" there service is more of a fit for people who a truly lost in this process. If you start planning a little each year starting in the 10th grade, you can do all of this yourself. The service would be best for immigrants, and inner city minorities. They do some decent work, but not $2,000 worth. Go to the workshop, get some good free information about the process, and then run out before the "interview" (sales pitch), with your "enrollment counselor" (sales rep) .  I heard CAA is running a sales contest this month. If you enroll 54 families you get an I Pad or something. Check it out on Twitter. StayAwayfromCAA or just google "CAA workshop scam" and read the college confidential posts.

Answer 9

they are a little slow................we went to meeting 9/18 and just got their packet this week (10/13) but still wondering about it...........you can get onto Collegebound.com and get some of the same stuff, I believe cheaper!!

Answer 10

For Profit Company, not needed. Your high school guidance counselor can give you the same info for free. So will the Admissions Office of the college you are considering. Your Public Library is also free. The only fees you should pay when applying for college are SAT or ACT fees (and assistance is available for needy students - again, check with high school guidance) and a application fee (usually 45 - 50 dollars). Check with high school guidance, AGAIN. Sometimes colleges will offer a school waivers from application fees for early applications. Fill out the FAFSA - Federal Student Aid form to determine what you are eligble for. Most colleges won't consider you for scholarships until you apply and fill out the FAFSA. FAFSA is tedious, but you must have it, even if you don't need financial aid.

Answer 11

I have received the same letter. I am not going to give you my opinion, but here is a well accredited website (http://money.howstuffworks.com/personal-finance/college-planning/admissions/college-admissions-assistance.htm/printable) that explains and outlines what the company is up to. Don't be a fool and have fun looking for your college!

Answer 12

I took my son to this free seminar and it is not a scam.The cost is about 1,999.oo and you can pay payments for one year. It is more expensive if you don't go to the seminar. They coach your child for two years showing you every step on how to get scholarships and getting into the right college. They have a 98% success rate. They don't advertise this but they are a christian owned business. The first step is to fill out a questionare, then they give you a personal website and your child takes a brain scan to see what they know, then about three weeks later after they have had time to review everything they give you a list of colleges they think would fit your childs needs.