For Juniors and Seniors

We provide individualized support that includes:
 
*Expert guidance in choosing the right colleges for you
*Assistance writing unique and powerful college essays
*Advice in selecting individual attributes to highlight in the admissions process 
*Interview practice and techniques to improve your interpersonal skills 

Please note: Our services are available in 4-hour blocks or in comprehensive packages to meet your needs at any point in the admissions process.

Academic and Extracurricular Assessment:
 
The student's academic transcript, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities and future goals are discussed. An in-depth conversation with the student then takes place regarding past, present and future academic and extracurricular interests. Suggestions are made on how the student can maximize their high school experience both academically and personally. Holland career testing can be administered for students who wish to explore potential college majors and career options that may suit their personality.

College Search:

Specific selection criteria that the student is looking for in a college (size, location, majors, campus characteristics, cost, student body culture, extracurricular activities, etc.) are examined and an initial college list is formulated. The student is then guided through a systematic process and series of meetings to narrow the list to its final form by the Fall of Senior year. Advice is provided to determine if Early Decision/Early Action programs are the right choice for the student. A specific timeline and plan are provided to ensure that all applications and supporting materials are completed before deadlines.

College Visits: 

We help students and parents plan college visits, and we supply evaluation tools so that you can track and compare schools over the course of your visits. We provide you with a list of questions to ask, and places on campus to visit so that you can get unbiased information outside of the college tour. We can also help you contact department heads or extracurricular organizations, so that you can learn more about that area of the college during your visit.

Financial Aid:

The different sources and types of aid are reviewed (loans, grants, scholarships). Deadlines, necessary documentation and special circumstances and reviewed. If packages differ substantially at the time of acceptance, we will advise you on how to appeal for additional funds if needed.

Brag Sheet:

With our guidance you will create a powerful list of extracurricular activities to showcase your commitment and quality of involvement. The Brag Sheet will include a description of your activities, hours/years of participation, position, leadership, and any honors/awards. When done professionally, this is a key strategic advantage in positioning yourself strongly in the college admissions process. Where applicable, we will help you customize this according to individual college preferences.

Special Talent Portfolio:

Students with special talents: musicians, athletes, dancers, actors, mathematicians, scientists, writers, artists, etc., often require additional materials be sent to prospective colleges. Individual requirements and timelines for auditions and/or additional application materials are reviewed with students. 

Essays:

Together with your counselor, you will brainstorm essay topics and formulate ideas that will help convey who you are to the admissions committee. We will assist you with ongoing revisions, and we will give you detailed suggestions for editing content, grammar and vocabulary. We will help you highlight your unique attributes, character and interests with a strong essay.

Letters of Recommendation:

We advise you who to ask and what to provide your teachers, mentors and coaches so that they can write comprehensive and effective letters of recommendation.
 
Interviews:

College interview processes are reviewed, and we provide students with important tips to help them succeed in the interview. A list of possible interview topics is provided, and we role-play with students so that they can practice and refine their answers. Suggested questions to ask the interviewer are also supplied, so that students can make an excellent impression.

Application Submission:

Timelines are created to meet the deadlines at each college on your final list. All of the student’s applications are reviewed, and areas of concern are identified and resolved prior to submission. After refining personal statements, brag sheets and any additional materials that are required, all of the student's applications are submitted.

Post Acceptance:

When acceptances arrive, we help families through the decision-making process. Financial aid offers are compared and explained. If the student is "wait-listed", we provide important strategies to maximize their chances of acceptance.

For Freshmen and Sophomores

Our consultations with freshmen and sophomores focus on helping students plan their high school course selections and extracurricular activities. Academic advising ensures that students select the right courses, so that they have a strong academic transcript. Extra curricular advising focuses on helping students select interesting and broadening programs to enrich their personal development. We explain the various steps involved in the college admissions process and timeline, so that students and parents have an understanding of what to expect. Several meetings as a freshman and sophomore can ensure that students take advantage of opportunities that will best position them as a strong candidate in the college admissions process later in high school.