College Counseling Options

  • We assist in developing a high school curriculum plan so that the student is academically prepared for college-level work, and has taken coursework that makes the student a competitive, compelling applicant.

  • We work with students to evaluate and select extra-curricular activities and opportunities that align with their interests and strengths. Importantly, this process often helps students identify their challenges, potential and opportunities. American colleges and universities value the extra-curricular interests and activities of students, as a measure of a student’s ability to contribute to the campus community.

  • We generate a list of potential colleges that are the right “fit”- meet the academic goals, learning needs, and student preferences with respect to geography, size, and location. The list will include reach, target, and likely choices. Reaches are defined as schools with less than a 20% chance of admission; Targets are schools with roughly a 50% chance of admission and Likely are schools with more than an 80% chance of admission.

  • We advise on the selection of the colleges to visit, provide information about their respective tours, and advise on ways to maximize your visit.

  • We offer advice and resources in the selection of which college admissions tests to take, the timing of those tests, and arranging for any necessary test preparation or tutoring. We do not offer test preparation services.

  • We will assist you, the student, in the preparation of admission applications, including a review and edit of the Common Application and all supplements, the development of a comprehensive essay plan and review of the essays, and the presentation of extracurricular activities. We also advise on the preparation of a “brag packet”, and the selection of teachers for recommendations. We will work with you in developing a project plan for completing the applications. You will also receive guidance on the application plan options - whether applying early decision, early action or regular decision is in your best interest.

  • We are happy to assist students in building a résumé (if applicable) to highlight strengths and accomplishments, creating a powerful strategic tool for use in the application process.

  • Some U.S. colleges and universities schedule interviews or request videos as part of the admissions process, therefore we can offer guidance and help prepare students for those interviews or videos, review interviewing techniques. Upon request, we can also conduct mock interview sessions.

  • We can help students complete an appropriate response to a waitlist or deferral offer and create a plan of action to maximize their options.

The earlier that we are able to work with you in the process, the more impact we can have together. An earlier start allows additional time to assist in curriculum development, extra-curricular activities and test preparation to better assist you in developing a complete and competitive application. Most importantly, there is more time to develop a relationship and to learn about your work habits, learning style, and ultimately how we can best support you. Some students want to meet weekly, others bi-weekly. Some students want concrete tasks each meeting while others prefer larger outlines that they can tackle on their own time, in their own way. We will accommodate the approach and adjust throughout our time together as we continue to discuss what works best.