Overall, the reports are clear, easy to comprehend and client-friendly. They include all relevant data, all conclusions, and an explanation of all terminology and a disclaimer. Unfortunately, the information about the report (definitions, explanations and disclaimers) can equal or exceed the length of the data and recommendations, but unfortunately, in the current regulatory climate, this is probably unavoidable.

Pricing is reasonable. A license costs $599 per year per user. That strikes us as reasonable given the usefulness and uniqueness of the product.

Some minor design flaws are typical of a 1.0 product, and YBS is no exception. Why require users to go through the "Your Accounts" page each time they log on? Once the information is provided, it rarely requires editing. This needs to be fixed.

The optimal workflow is not clear. The layout of items onscreen suggested one workflow to me, but the manual suggests a different one. A wizard or automated workflow guidance option would be helpful if the developers believe that data should be entered in a specific order. Of course, much of this could be addressed through integration with other software applications and data sources, negating the need for manual data entry, but this has not happened yet. I suspect it will in the future.

Currently, when selecting colleges from the dropdown list, you must select each one individually. You should be able to select multiple ones at the same time. The program's insistence that you select a single college to run a report on is also overly restrictive. Why not give advisors the ability to run multiple colleges side by side? Furthermore, why not run strategies side by side? For example, why can't you run a scenario with income shifting vs. no income shifting in the same report?

YBS does not take into account all types of state aid. For example, some statewide programs such as the Florida Bright Futures program are merit scholarships. Other states have similar programs. The algorithm does not currently account for these. Onink says that since funding for state programs from year to year is uncertain, a number of college admissions officers he spoke with suggested excluding this information from consideration when planning. As an advisor, I'd like the option to turn the feature on or off with the appropriate disclosures and disclaimers.

Currently, the algorithm does not account for reciprocity agreements between states. Minnesota and Wisconsin, for example, have a reciprocity agreement that allows Wisconsin residents to attend Minnesota public universities at Wisconsin in-state tuition rates. Similar arrangements exist between other states. The algorithm does not yet account for these.

Some of the terminology may be new to users and clients. For example, the "EFC Method" refers to how the program arrived at the expected family contribution. In some cases, the application uses the federal system; in others it uses the method specific to that institution. Those new to college planning might not know what EFC is, and there is no explanation of it in the user guide or the input screens. It is not until you generate a report that the definitions and explanations become viewable.

Stratagee offers other services of interest to advisors. For example, if you don't want to run plans yourself, you can outsource to a Stratagee expert for $795 per case. The firm offers individualized admissions consulting with a highly qualified professional for prices ranging between $595 and $3,795, depending on the services required. The firm offers coaching for $250 per hour. They also offer marketing materials including private labeled letters/handouts, PowerPoint presentations, ad copy and Web site content for prices starting at $250.

YBS is a real step forward in college planning software. Since it is a 1.0 product, there are a few rough edges, but overall, Stratagee has done an impressive job. With some tweaks and further enhancements, the product will no doubt improve over time, but given the lack of alternative and the competitive price, we think YBS is a solid value.