SERVICES

Tools

A variety of services for a smooth journey

I offer college consulting services as a comprehensive package. Each part of the search and application process builds on our work together in the previous steps. We spend more time on those services that fit the particular needs of each student. Services may include:

Review of academic record, including level of rigor and grade trends
Advice on activities and summer planning
Recommendations about standardized testing/ test-optional, test-blind colleges
Identifying goals, preferences, and hopes for college
Development of a balanced college list that fits your academic, social, financial, and geographic criteria
Guidance on how to research colleges, departments, special programs and clubs, faculty research, and other differentiating features
Advice about college visits, demonstrating interest, engaging with admissions, and leveraging social media
Creation of Customized Action Plan with dates and tasks
Strategy for developing your “personal story” to showcase strengths, interests, talents, and intellectual curiosity
Preparation for interviews, including mock-interview and practice with open-ended questions
Advice about high-school class selection and rigor
Tips on requesting letters of recommendation
Brainstorming and editing of college essays and supplements
Guidance on applying Regular Decision, Early Action, Restricted Early Action, Early Decision, or Early Decision II
Development of activities resume
Advice on when and how to write Letter of Continued Interest
Help deciding among your acceptances
Suggestions for the transition to college

Scholarship essays are not part of the comprehensive package but may be added on for a fee depending on my availability.

Tools to help you stay organized

Customized Action Plan: I create a detailed timeline that is personalized for each student, and I revise it regularly so you’ll know the strategic steps to take each month.

College Preferences/ Readiness Assessments: Through interactive assessments and discussions, you will learn about the many features that make colleges unique. You will choose the characteristics most important to you, and from there we will develop a list of colleges to best match your preferences and interests.

Personalized College List: I develop an initial list of colleges based on the results of your assessments, our discussions, your initial suggestions, and my knowledge of colleges. As you gain more insight through in-person and virtual college visits, and as we see your grades, test scores, and extracurricular impact, we will modify your list several times. I will also make recommendations on how to balance the list so you have plenty of excellent fits at all levels of selectivity. I will show you how to research colleges beyond the basic information provided on tours.

Tracking Spreadsheet: I have created a template, which you will use to research and keep track of the many requirements and nuances that are different from college to college. This research will prepare you to meet deadlines and tailor your applications to each college.

Interview Preparation: Interviewing well requires you to know yourself and your strengths, accomplishments, aspirations, and values. I will help you look inward for your own answers, and then we will prepare you to confidently express your insights to your interviewers. Not all students wish to interview, and not all colleges grant interviews, so we will determine together how interviewing fits into your individual application strategy.

Google Docs: From the beginning, you will set up Google docs that correspond to specific sections of the application process so you can start work early on while information is fresh in your mind. Over time, you will develop and refine your work in each area, which saves time later on when you are completing your applications.

Text and Email Reminders: High school is a busy time. I find that gentle reminders throughout the process can help students set aside time to work steadily on their Action Plans instead of waiting until the last minute.