Where the work begins depends on when I start working with your student. Depending on their individual needs the following services are what I provide.
Step 1: Getting Started with College Preparation
Welcome to my college-prep counseling program! I understand that preparing for college can be overwhelming, but I’m here to make the process smooth and stress-free. Let’s begin by laying a strong foundation for your child’s college journey:
- Review of academic accomplishments: I’ll assess your child’s academic performance to understand their strengths and areas for improvement.
- Advice on course selection: I’ll recommend the right courses to maximize college prospects.
- Extracurricular involvement: I’ll guide your child in choosing activities that align with their interests and stand out to colleges.
- College preferences exploration: Together, we’ll discover the ideal college environment that matches your child’s aspirations.
Step 2: Building a Targeted College List
Finding the perfect fit college is essential for your child’s success and happiness. I’ll work closely with you to create a personalized college list tailored to their interests and future goals:
- Comprehensive research: I’ll identify colleges that align with your child’s academic and personal preferences.
- Detailed college spreadsheet: I’ll organize all potential colleges for easy comparison and informed decision-making.
- Successful college visits: I’ll advise on scheduling and making the most of college tours to get a feel for each campus.
Step 3: Navigating the Application Process
Crafting a compelling college application requires careful planning and attention to detail. I’ll guide your child through each step with confidence:
- Application education: I’ll explain different application types, deadlines, and submission strategies to keep your child on track.
- Essay support: I’ll assist with brainstorming, writing, revisions, and editing to create powerful and engaging essays.
- Teacher recommendations: I’ll help your child select the right teachers and create a “brag sheet” to enhance their recommendations.
- SAT/ACT testing recommendations: I’ll provide guidance on when to schedule these tests, recommend test prep providers if necessary, and explain how to receive special accommodations if needed.
Step 4: Making College Affordable
I believe that finances shouldn’t stand in the way of your child’s dreams. As a financial aid expert, I’ll provide valuable insights and strategies to make college more affordable for your family:
- Financial aid overview: I’ll introduce you to the financial aid process and available options, making it less daunting.
- Estimated Family Contribution (EFC): I’ll help you calculate your family’s contribution to college expenses.
- Net price evaluation: I’ll estimate the “net price” for each school based on their net price calculators, so you can plan ahead.
- Financial aid package evaluation: I’ll assist you in assessing financial aid offers and provide guidance on appealing if needed.
Step 5: Smooth College Transition
Congratulations! Your child has been accepted into college, and now it’s time to prepare for this exciting new chapter. I’ll support your child in navigating the transition from high school to college with ease:
- Decision-making support: I’ll assist your child in making a final college choice that aligns with their academic and personal goals.
- College transition guidance: I’ll offer valuable tips and advice to ensure a seamless transition to college life.
With my comprehensive college-prep counseling services, your child will be accountable to me throughout the process, ensuring a less stressful college application journey for both you and your student. The parent is not responsible for ensuring that their child is “on track” – I hold the student accountable and keep them moving forward.
