Excellent range of experiences from all posters! There is no right or wrong, just what works best for you. I've said it before, it's your car and you can eat gas station sushi wearing Spongebob flannel PJs. Don't swerve in someone else's lane, and everyone in your car has to be in sync or else you'll have to pull over and someone will get out screaming.
I personally loved learning the college process and my DDs really liked the help I provided. I'm going to pat myself on the back and say that was priceless, not free. However, I paid $7,000 for Huntingdon ACT, and for DDs totally worth it, after exhausting free Princeton review course, Khan Academy, and self-study. 28/1370 to 32/1510 for DD1. 29/1270 to 33/1450 and PSAT National Merit Commended for USAFA DD2. This may be really bucking the common thought - but I refuse to pay for USA club swimming, camps/clinics, or private lessons. I also was so cheap I would not buy her a fastsuit. We told DD you swim HS only, and where there is a will there is a way, but it won't be the (Club name) and $3,895.00 per year way! She made her goals - D3 level, automatic sectional cuts, and state finalist, all in a $99 lycra Yingfa kneeskin. You do You!