Embarking on the college admissions journey can be an overwhelming experience, full of complex decisions and milestones. It's a deeply personal path, as much about self-discovery as it is about securing a place at a good university. Hiring a private college counselor is a significant decision, one that comes with the understanding that it is a significant investment in your child's future.

What sets a private college counselor apart is the capacity for a deeply personalized approach. Unlike hardworking school counselors who juggle immense caseloads, a private counselor has the space to delve into the nuanced aspects of your child's dreams, strengths, and aspirations. This individual attention can chart a path that truly aligns with who your child is and who they hope to become, while also crafting a narrative that resonates with admissions committees.

But not only that, a private counselor also shoulders the stress that can so often strain family relationships during this time. They're there to smooth out the bumps in the road, keeping doors open and dinner conversations calm and less argumentative. The same suggestion when delivered from a different source than one's parents can make an enormous difference in how it is received by students.

At its core, the role of a private college counselor is not to simply help fill out applications but to facilitate and also stimulate a journey of growth, helping your child become a candidate who stands out not just for their accomplishments but for who they are as an individual. It’s about more than admissions; it’s about setting a precedent for success and fulfillment in college and also beyond.

Embarking on the high school journey can be as daunting as it is exciting, and it's only natural to want to map out every step meticulously. But this is a time of growth and self-discovery, not a quest for perfection. While every student's journey is different, what follows is a description of what it can look like.

Freshman Year: Let your curiosity guide you—strong academic foundations and engaging in diverse clubs will be your stepping stones. Volunteer work not only contributes to the community but also to your own personal development. In the summers, pursue activities that genuinely interest you, not just what you think looks good on a resume.

Sophomore Year: Begin to hone in on what matters to you. This could mean embracing more challenging coursework like honors classes, deepening your extracurricular commitments, and possibly stepping into leadership roles. Your PSATs around this time are a practice run, an early peek into the world of standardized testing, but remember, as Allen Iverson said: "we're talking about practice."
‍
Junior Year: Often viewed as the critical year, it's true that your choices here will start to shape your college application. Advanced Placement courses and leadership in community service can reflect your academic and personal passions. This is also when testing becomes real—aim to sit for your SAT or ACT, but keep in mind, these scores are just one facet of your multifaceted self. College visits can start now, too. Explore campuses, yes, but also explore yourself—what environments make you thrive?

Senior Year: Now it's all about bringing together the threads of your high school tapestry. Keep your academic drive alive and polish off any key projects or leadership roles. Finalize your college list, thoughtfully craft your essays over the summer, and get those applications in. FAFSA and scholarship applications are important, but they, like your college application as a whole, don't represent your self-worth—they're just individual steps towards your future.

Amidst all this, it’s important to remember: colleges are looking for genuine, well-rounded individuals, not just academic robots. They seek students eager to grow, capable of reflection, who see their experiences not as a checklist but as a mosaic of their evolving story. You don't have to be perfect; you just need to be authentically you—because who you are and who you're becoming is your greatest strength. So, take a breath. You've got this, one step at a time.

When it comes to what makes an application stand out, colleges are deeply interested in seeing a true reflection of what each student cares about. It’s not just about a checklist of achievements; it’s about the stories behind those achievements. What lights a fire in your child? What makes them tick? The authenticity of their passion is what gives color and life to their application.

There’s a common myth in college admissions that suggests the only way to get noticed is to be a jack-of-all-trades, to dabble in a bit of everything. But the truth is, colleges aren't just looking for well-rounded individuals—they're looking to create a well-rounded class. That’s an important distinction. They want a mosaic of students who bring their own unique strengths and interests to the table.

Encourage your child to immerse themselves in the activities they love. When a student focuses on what genuinely interests them, not only does their natural motivation lead to greater achievements, but their happiness and satisfaction grow as well. Colleges appreciate applicants who show deep commitment and excellence in a few areas over those who spread themselves too thin.

This doesn’t mean that other interests or explorations should be abandoned, but the heart of their application should be what they are truly passionate about. This focus allows for a deeper and more meaningful engagement in activities, which is exactly what admissions officers are hoping to see.

Your child’s individual journey, the things they've learned about themselves, and the depth of their engagement are what make their application stand out. Colleges are looking for students who are ready to contribute to their campus community in their own unique ways. So, let your child lean into their strengths, embrace their passions, and let those be the guiding force of their application.

The question of what summer activities colleges favor is as varied and individual as the students themselves. It's a time that can be filled with growth, exploration, and self-discovery.

For younger students, the summer might be more unstructured time that can be used to delve into passions or discover new ones. It’s a perfect time for them to follow their curiosity, whether that leads them to read every book by their favorite author, build a robot, volunteer at the local animal shelter, or master a new language. If they feel driven to get ahead academically, that’s great, but it’s just as wonderful if they choose to spend their days immersed in a creative endeavor or learning a new skill simply because it brings them joy.

As students grow older and begin to explore their futures more seriously, the summer offers a valuable opportunity to gain a clearer perspective on potential majors or career paths. Hands-on experiences like internships, workshops, or shadowing professionals in fields of interest can provide a window into what those careers might actually look like day to day. It’s not about padding their resume, but about engaging more deeply in meaningful activities that resonate with their growing sense of self and aspirations.

But with all that being said: there isn’t a one-size-fits-all “right” summer activity. Colleges appreciate authenticity and reflection. They are interested in the student who can thoughtfully articulate what they did over the summer and why it mattered to them. What did they learn about themselves? How did they grow? What challenges did they face, and what triumphs, however small, did they celebrate?

No matter the specific activity, every summer can be impactful - particularly if the student keeps a journal of their summer experiences, not just as a record for college applications, but as a personal archive of their journey. The insights they gain and the stories they tell about their adventures and what they’ve learned are the golden threads that can weave together a narrative that truly stands out in college admissions. It's about the depth of the experience, not the name or prestige of the activity. After all, it’s not what you do; it’s the heart you bring to it and the understanding you gain from it that truly counts.

In understanding concerns about the investment in our college consulting packages, our pricing is designed to balance accessibility with delivering exceptional, customized value. With rates positioned to be more affordable than the industry average of $6,450 for packages or $220 per hour (reported by IECA in Dec '22), our goal is to offer comprehensive support that fits a range of needs and budgets.

Our Silver plan is ideal for families looking for expert advice on the basics, especially if you've already tackled some of the process on your own. On the other hand, our Crystal packages dive deeper, offering personalized guidance, alumni insights, and comprehensive essay assistance to give your child's application a significant boost.
‍
We get your concerns about costs and are committed to finding a solution that fits your budget while still delivering the value you deserve. With flexible payment plans and the right package selection, our goal is to ensure you get the necessary guidance and mentorship for this journey. Let's chat about how we can make this investment work for you.

Our essay review process not only refines your child's application essay for coherence and engagement but also emphasizes their authentic voice through personalized feedback. We provide tailored feedback to sharpen the essay's clarity, impact, and authenticity, and we continue to refine it through subsequent reviews to ensure a compelling narrative. Our commitment extends beyond simple essay polishing; we aim to foster your child's writing skills and confidence through a collaborative journey.

To enhance understanding, we include video reviews where we talk through our comments, ensuring students grasp the nuances of our guidance. Moreover, we employ additional measures such as having students read their essays aloud, a practice that helps capture their natural voice more effectively. This holistic approach is part of our commitment to nurturing your child's writing skills and confidence, providing clear communication and support at every phase of the journey.

Our approach to college admissions centers on personalized mentoring tailored to each student's unique learning style and personality. Starting with a comprehensive assessment of each student's strengths and preferences, we craft strategies that play to their abilities and introduce challenges aimed at building resilience and adaptability.

Regular feedback from both students and parents is vital to our process. It allows us to refine our approach dynamically, ensuring our mentorship delivery adapts to the student's evolving needs. Open communication helps us discover the most effective strategies to motivate each student's best effort.

Our mission extends beyond navigating college admissions; we aim to equip students with confidence and skills that last a lifetime. The success of our alumni, who not only adapt but excel in their college environments, is a testament to the effectiveness of our personalized approach.

We know how crucial clear and consistent communication is, so we keep parents in the loop with detailed email recaps after each mentoring session. These updates cover your child’s progress, celebrate their successes, and point out areas where they can grow, ensuring you're always up to date.

Beyond these regular emails, we hold quarterly check-ins for a deeper discussion about your child's journey, addressing any concerns and planning for the future together. We also offer flexibility for parents to schedule additional meetings if needed and provide resources to help you support your child even more effectively.

Your feedback on our communication is invaluable, and we encourage you to share your thoughts to help us enhance our partnership.

We're committed to making sure families understand the financial aspect of the college admissions process, emphasizing transparency to steer clear of any surprises. In particular, our package plans are all-inclusive, covering every step of your child's admission journey.

At the same time, we recognize that every student's journey is unique, sometimes requiring extra support, whether it's additional essay reviews, deeper interview prep, or last-minute strategy adjustments. For such needs, we offer further assistance at $115/hr, ensuring support that’s perfectly aligned with your child’s needs.

To keep everything clear and agreeable, we'll always discuss and confirm any additional support beforehand, so there are no unexpected costs. Plus, we provide flexible payment options for these extra services, making sure comprehensive support is accessible for the best college admissions preparation.

Our support kicks off the moment we team up and doesn’t stop until your child has sent off all their college applications, typically by January of their senior year. We're with you through every part of the admissions journey—whether it’s planning for early decisions, writing standout essays, or putting the final touches on applications. Our team is committed to ensuring every question is answered and no detail is missed, providing personalized guidance and reassurance at every turn.

Our first meeting is on the house, serving as a key moment for both of us to see if we’re a good match for your family's ambitions and expectations! It's more than just an overview of what we do; it's a chance for us to dive into your child's dreams and hurdles, setting the stage for a customized strategy from the get-go. This initial consultation is all about laying the groundwork for a partnership built on trust and mutual values—essential for smoothly sailing through the college admissions process. It’s our way of making sure we’re the right team to support your child’s distinctive journey.

Our cancellation policy is built around both flexibility and fairness, recognizing that families' situations can evolve. We offer the freedom to opt out of our services up until the fourth meeting, giving you plenty of time to assess our fit and the value we bring. If you choose to cancel within this period, you'll receive a full refund, minus a $150 fee for the initial meeting. This fee covers the preparation and resources invested in starting your child's tailored program.

Although it's tough to see you leave, we strive to simplify the cancellation process. We also offer options like pausing services or adjusting your package, catering to changing needs rather than ending the journey outright.

I understand the question about SATs being truly "optional" can feel a bit like deciphering a secret code. While many colleges have adopted a test-optional policy, allowing you to decide whether to submit SAT scores, it's a bit more nuanced than just optional or not.

For students who excel in standardized testing, submitting a strong SAT score can be akin to adding a preferred qualification to one's job application. It's an opportunity to showcase another facet of your academic readiness and can complement your high school record, especially if you feel it reflects your capabilities well. But remember, if testing isn't your strength, colleges truly mean it when they say "optional." Admissions officers are looking for a complete picture of who you are—your passions, your growth, your dedication. There are so many ways to shine through your essays, your extracurricular activities, and your letters of recommendation.

If a school you love is test-optional and you believe your SAT score is an accurate representation of your academic abilities, sending it in can underscore your commitment to excel. But if you feel your strengths lie elsewhere, trust that your application can stand tall on those merits alone. It's about putting your best foot forward, whether that includes a test score or not. Whatever path you choose, it's your unique journey, and schools are looking to see that authentic, dedicated student eager to learn and grow with them.

Our expertise in personalized college admissions consulting is complemented by our understanding of the critical role standardized tests play in the admissions process. Recognizing this, we've partnered with leading test prep organizations known for their effective strategies, high success rates, and a shared dedication to excellence that aligns with our standards.

It's worth noting the trend of schools shifting back to requiring standardized test scores - such as Yale, Brown, UT Austin, and Dartmouth. These schools' decision to end their test-optional policies implemented during Covid highlights the returning importance of test scores in admissions decisions, further underscoring the value of comprehensive test preparation.

With that in mind, we focus on identifying your child's specific test prep needs. Based on this tailored evaluations, we connect you with the best-suited test prep partner from our network, ensuring a strategy that enhances the overall college admissions plan. We also ensure that test prep is smoothly incorporated into your child's schedule, considering their learning style and commitments.

Our method for helping students pick colleges is both personalized and engaging. We prompt students to lead the research on potential colleges, much like the thorough approach one uses when house hunting — a concept many parents can probably relate to. This strategy gets students actively thinking about what they need to thrive both academically and personally.

In guiding this journey, we stress the value of self-reflection and making informed choices. We equip students with the resources to evaluate each college, from academic offerings to support services, aiming for a match that promotes their development. Our job is to assist, provide insights, and ensure a broad consideration of factors, aligning dreams with viable choices.

The ultimate aim is a college list that not only mirrors the students' identities and ambitions but also fosters deliberate decision-making and self-knowledge. This approach leads to a selection of schools where they are poised to excel.