How We Work

Our Process

  • 1

    Who & Why

    We start the process by getting to know you and helping you get to know yourself even better.  Who you are and why you want to go to college are critical pieces in finding a great college for you!

  • 2

    What & Where

    After a thoughtful look within, it is time to look at what colleges have to offer through the lens of your preferences.  With lots of research and exploration, we collaborate with you to develop a list of where you’d like to apply.

  • 3

    How & When

    Once you know where you are going to apply, we tackle  the how of the application process — from letters of recommendation to essays — and create a plan for when to complete each task so you meet application deadlines with a minimum of stress.

Our Services

Assessments

We learn about you –and you gain insight into yourself– through an in-depth initial interview and self-surveys focused on your values, aptitudes, college preferences and goals.

College List Formation

We collaborate with you to create lists that match your preferences and have a healthy mix of reach, target and likely colleges. Our ultimate aim is for you to be happy at any school on your list.

Essay Coaching

With Oscar Wilde’s words in mind—“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken”—we guide you through the process of writing essays that reflect your authentic self and engage your reader.

Curriculum / Testing Advice

We advise you about which high school courses to take so you’ll be a strong applicant to your choice of college or program. We also guide you in deciding which standardized tests to take and when to take them.

College Visits

We provide helpful hints for making the most of your college visits. That way, when it’s time to finalize your college list or write the “Why x college?” essays, you will have plenty of information. We are happy to connect you with our former students who currently attend colleges you’re considering.

Overall Application Review

We think of every applicant and every application holistically so we review carefully to make sure your many facets come through on your applications. As for the nitty-gritty, we proofread applications before you hit submit.

Our Packages

Comprehensive

As part of the Comprehensive Package, we provide the following services:
  • Assist student in developing a list of colleges based on their academic profile, interests, and intellectual and social goals
  • Provide essay support from brainstorming through proofreading for the Common Application, Coalition Application, school-specific applications, and all supplementals for up to ten (10) colleges (the University of California applications count as one)
  • Work with student to design application timeline and help manage the process so that student meets all deadlines no later than December 15
  • Strategize application activities lists/resumes
  • Proofread all completed applications
  • Provide advice on topics including college visits, letters of recommendations, and admissions interviews
  • Explore potential majors/careers based on student’s interests, aptitudes, and priorities
  • Advise on high school course selection, course load, and extracurricular/summer activities
  • Develop a schedule for standardized testing including ACT, SAT I and/or SAT II Subject Tests
  • Provide input on final college choice based on acceptances and discuss waitlist/deferral strategies
  • Connect student to current or recent graduates of schools in which they are interested when possible
  • Provide guidance regarding financial aid forms and filing deadlines

Essays Only

As part of the Essays Only Package, we provide the following services:
  • Provide essay support for the Common Application, Coalition Application, school-specific applications, and all supplementals for up to ten (10) schools (the University of California applications count as one) throughout the entire writing process from brainstorming through proofreading
  • Work with student to design application timeline and help manage the process so that all deadlines are met no later than December 15

Early High School

While we believe 9th and 10th graders should be focused primarily on high school, we think it is a good idea to check in once a semester to make sure students are on the right track.  During these four 1-hour sessions, we answer student and parent questions on topics of their choice including high school course selection, standardized testing, extracurricular/summer activities, and initial college research.

In addition to our packages, we offer individualized services (excluding college list formation) at an hourly rate with a minimum of three hours.

Contact Us for More Information

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