You were right on so many levels about college options for our daughter. It has been a godsend. And so were you, right when we needed you. You really know your stuff, combined with a keen intuition about every kid you see.
Ten Steps to Success
Step 1
Introductory meeting and initial consultation.In this meeting, we outline our process and get to know you better! We review your courses/grades, test scores, activities and interests, and ask your parents to share their perspective. We also recommend ways for you to develop your talents and seek leadership opportunities that show initiative.
Step 2
Let’s-Get-Started Meeting.We introduce you to our software platform, Custom College Plan (CCP), our test prep, and assessments to explore your strengths and interests. We also discuss academic, testing and activity plans and the parents’ role in the college planning process.
Step 3
College Selection Meeting.We guide you through a fun activity to better understand your college preferences and use the results to recommend colleges for you to explore. We discuss scholarships, financial aid, and how to “demonstrate interest” to admissions. Often, at this point, we recommend a practice standardized exam, either at our office or online.
Step 4
College Visits Planning and Evaluation.College visits help you find the best fit and also show admissions you’re a serious applicant. We help you plan campus visits, provide tools to capture your impressions and, after your visits, meet with you to hear your feedback.
Step 5
Ongoing College Planning Meetings.We’ll update your classes, grades, test scores, and activities, and talk through any college visits. We’ll review your college list to make sure it’s balanced and aligns with your goals, possible majors, and interests. We’ll also go over financial aid and merit scholarship options, along with anything else you’d like to cover.
Step 6
College Research Meetings for students.In our College Research Meetings, we’ll dive into tools to help you explore schools and refine your list. We’ll also cover ways to introduce yourself to admissions and simple steps to show “demonstrated interest,” which can make a real difference.
Step 7
Application Strategy Session.We finalize your college list and discuss components of your application strategy, including letters of recommendation, essays, standardized testing and, possibly, a résumé. At this time, we also encourage you to view College Expert videos on essays, admissions interviews, and searching for scholarships.
Step 8
Let the Essays Begin!Let your creativity flow! We help you identify potential essay topics and select one that highlights “your story” and demonstrates your qualities, values and experiences. Your assigned Essay Expert will help you brainstorm ideas and review and critique your essays and supplements.
Step 9
Application Process.Every Sunday (Aug-Oct), during 2-hour Application Jam Sessions, our team provides guidance on essays, test scores, letters of recommendation, transcripts, and other supporting materials as you finalize applications. We also send weekly email reminders to help you stay on track.
Step 10
College Decision Meeting.To support you in making your final decision, we meet with you to review your college responses and use a fun, unique system to guide you in choosing your college destination. Time to celebrate!
