However, admissions officials and college counselors say growth of the practice has given rise to more complex problems.

But some admissions officials are uneasy about companies that charge students for these services.

Here, according to admissions officials and college counselors, is what sways students.

"The sky's the limit," the admissions official said of her prospects, according to the report.

When admissions officials learned that she is a woman, the acceptance was withdrawn.

Adding to the uncertainty for admissions officials is financial aid.

And many admissions officials say that if they had their way the entire process would be eliminated.

Many admissions officials say they believe the practice is growing.

In the past, admissions officials learned indirectly that a student had probably committed to several universities.

Their qualifications are then judged by admissions officials at the academy.