To minimize stress for students and their families, I help them approach the college process in small, manageable steps which include the following:

• Collaborate with the student and family

• Work individually with the student through the entire college process

• Provide follow-up emails after meetings to summarize progress and keep parents informed

• Identify important parameters for the college search through in-depth discussion and assessments

• Review transcript and advise on high school course selection

• Provide planning timeline for the college process

• Develop recommendation for standardized testing plan (SAT and ACT)

• Review summer program opportunities, community service, employment, and extracurricular experiences

• Create and refine a list of colleges to research and explore

• Provide information for productive college visits and check in after visits

• Coach on communicating with admissions officers and faculty in fields of interest

• Create a spreadsheet to manage relevant information about each college on the list

• Help prepare for college interviews

• Assist with the preparation of applications, including the Activities List and relevant additional materials

• Brainstorm topics for the Personal Statement and supplemental essays

• Provide thorough feedback on all essays and ensure that they communicate the student’s unique voice

• Advise on teacher recommendations, including requesting, communicating, and following up

• Help develop a final balanced college list

• Advise on considerations for Early Action, Early Decision, and Regular Decision

• Review all applications prior to submission

• Guide the student and family through the final school selection

• Advise on managing the wait list process, if applicable

• Communicate with the student and family through the entire process, working together to keep the process organized, manageable, and calm