COMPREHENSIVE COLLEGE PLANNING
Expert Guidance Every Step of the Way
By the time they enter high school, most students are ready to begin learning about careers and college options but rarely know where to start.
With the Comprehensive College Planning option, students receive step-by-step, personalized guidance through every step of their college search and applications.
Students who benefit from this level of attention often include those with learning differences, mental health differences, and significant financial need as well as quiet students who haven't yet realized their potential.
Comprehensive College Planning may include:
Discovery Phase
Personality. Interests. Values. Abilities. Through one-to-one discussion and assessment, I expertly assess students in these four areas. I continue with guided reflection on academic triumphs, challenges, learning style, passions, extracurricular interests, and personal preferences. This body of information is not only essential to facilitating a student's best matches in careers and colleges; it is essential knowledge for the bigger picture including life after college.
High School Strategy
I guide students in assessing their high school experience thus far, paying close attention to college readiness skills such as developing authentic relationships with teachers, course selection, organizational habits, meeting deadlines, clear and confident communication, requesting help, and finding balance. This information not only improves the quality and content of students' applications; it allows students a pathway to getting the most of out their high school and later, college experiences.
Career Exploration
Utilizing the information gleaned during our Discovery Sessions, I provide students a list of their best matches in careers based on their personality, abilities, interests, and values. I then teach students how to research and differentiate between careers as well as the necessary criteria for consideration. Students research three careers at a time, and afterwards, we do a deep dive together into each career to see whether it is a true fit. By the end of the process, students typically identify their ideal career or narrow down to two with the desire to explore further.
College Exploration
By educating students on college offerings and assisting them in developing a list of college criteria, students enter the College Exploration phase raring to go. They feel equipped and confident with the knowledge of who they are and what they need, academically and personally, to thrive in a college setting. At this time, I provide students a curated list of colleges to explore as well as the tools and support necessary to weigh each school's value and fit.
College List
We end the search with a finalized list of colleges that will best equip students to meet their goals: academic, personal, and otherwise. Students and families feel confident moving forward with a well-researched, balanced, and thoughtful list of colleges at which students can thrive and graduate on time with their intended degrees.
Application Coaching
Starting early, I teach students how to track deadlines and application requirements of each, individual college. I meet regularly to strategize with students to ensure they are organized, on track, and representing themselves in their best light while also staying true to their identity and journey. Additionally, I offer CustomCollegePlan to help students track every piece of their college applications through completion and submission.
Essay Development
The college essay, also known as the Personal Statement, allows Admissions a closer look into one, meaningful aspect of a student's identity. It should go beyond transcript and test scores to add depth, heart, and context to a student as well as evidence a student's writing abilities. I blend self-reflection exercises with attentive coaching to help students craft their own, impactful essay.
Financial Aid Guidance
I provide a financial aid overview and general financial guidance to families. This includes instruction on use of Net Price Calculators, scholarship selection and application, and individual college requirements for financial aid consideration, including deadlines for FAFSA and CSS/Profile submission.
Decision Meetings
This is a time for celebration of students' incredible efforts, growth, and accomplishments. With all college and financial aid offers on the table, I can help families examine every package with a fine tooth comb. Weighing this information against what students and families are looking for, I assist clients in selecting their future college of attendance.
I offer family discounts for siblings of current and previous clients.
Meetings between student, family, and consultant can be conducted in person or virtually via computer.
Contact me to learn more!