what does your student need?
Whether starting in 8th grade or as a Junior, my service model is customized to support your family’s needs. Some students benefit from long-term education planning, as it may help reduce stress by providing them with an (age-appropriate) understanding of what’s to come. Sessions during 8th, 9th, and 10th grade are few and intentionally focused on academic engagement and emotional well-being. For many, the sophomore or early junior year of high school marks the start. Either way, we’ll work together to achieve your desired outcomes.
+ 8TH, 9TH & 10TH GRADE
- Student Vision and Discovery
- Parent/Student Goal Alignment
- Student Assessments (aptitudes/interests/values)
- Transcript Evaluation)
- High School Course Selection & Recommendations
- Academic Engagement and Discernment
- Outside-the-Classroom Activity Considerations
- Planning for a Meaningful Summer Experience
- Circles of Influence Development
- Overview of Application Process and What Admissions Officers Look for
- Creation of Individual Education Roadmap: Confidence and Self-Advocacy
+ JUNIORS & SENIORS
- Student Vision and Discovery
- Parent/Student Goal Alignment
- Transcript Review / Course Recommendations
- Outside-the-Classroom Activities & Engagement
- Planning for a Meaningful Summer Experience
- Circles of Influence Development
- Standardized Testing Schedule
- Creation of Education Roadmap: Confidence and Self Advocacy
- College List Development and Refinement
- Student Profile and Narrative Development
- Brainstorming Personal Statements & Supplemental Essays
- Essay Editing and Refinement
- Financial Aid Tools, Resources and Guidance, Including Scholarship Search Strategies
- Campus Visits, Trip Planning and Comparison Tools
- Application Submission Project Management and Coaching
- Deferral Strategies, 5th Year Programs and other Alternative Programs
- Post Acceptance Communication Plan/College Transition Support
GETTING STARTED
The following outlines my process, including an estimated time frame for each step. Steps are sequential and critical to maximize student ownership and the potential for successful outcomes, yet all students work at different paces. Students begin their journey at different timelines, so steps may be condensed or ‘fast-tracked’.
Step 1: Vision + Discovery
Identification of Student Vision / Core Motivations
Interest Inventory / Aptitude Assessments
Identify Values
Consider College Factors
Estimate 2-4, 60-90 minute sessions (ideally in person)
Step 2: CIRCLES OF INFLUENCE
Connect to Parent, Community, and
Academic Influences
Self-Advocacy and Confidence
Relationship Management Skills
Essential Life Balance Tools
Estimate 1-2, 60 minute sessions
Step 3: EDUCATION ROADMAP
Personalized Plan to Achieve Goals
Timeline Outlining Key Milestones
Focus by Semester and Winter/Summer Breaks
High School Course Selection Recommendations
Standardized Test Recommendations and Resources
Application Timing Overview: Early Decision, Early Action, Regular Decision
Connection to Colleges / Demonstrated Interest
Personalized Resource for Students/Parents to maintain focus and progress (College Planner Pro)
Estimate 2-4, 60 minute sessions
Step 4: coaching + support
College List Development
Research Tools, Strategies and Resources
Parent Alignment Session (Final College List Sign-off)
Application Overview and Submission Plan
Major / Field of Study Considerations
Campus Visit Planning and Resources
Personal Statement / Essay Development & Editing
College Interview Coaching
College Selection Guidance / Waitlist Strategies
Gap Year / Alternative Learning Options
Number of Sessions Varies Based on Student Engagement and Final College List
coaching and support
Services are customized based on need after completing Steps 1-3. I work with students and families to break down components of the college application process into manageable steps and create a work plan specific to your needs. If you have an individual need not listed here, please contact me personally. I’m happy to help!
College List Development
Using the findings from previous sessions, assessments, personal goals and family values, I’ll provide an exploratory list of 15-20 colleges for the student's consideration. Through guided research and/or campus visits, we collaborate to create a highly individualized final list of colleges. This list will include reach, possible, and anchor schools, all well-suited to meet the student’s educational goals and other priorities determined important. The student is the guiding force in shaping their college list, and parents are kept informed throughout.
Organization Advising
Ideally scheduled late fall of junior year, this session focuses on organizing essential components of the application, including the activity list, the collection of supplemental essay prompts, the letters of recommendation process, college visit observations, and much more.
Essay advising
Students are mentored through all stages of the writing process, from initial brainstorming to final editing. The focus is on the Personal Statement, college-specific supplemental writing, and extracurricular activity descriptions. Application writing should begin late junior year. This work with students primarily occurs online. Themes and topics are often identified through student assessments and values exercises and refined during focused brainstorming and student self-reflection.
Application Submission Plan
Following approval of the student’s final college list, a detailed timeline is developed to complete and submit applications. It includes a review of college's specific application requirements.
individual Application Review
Prior to submission, I strongly recommend that the student’s completed application be reviewed to minimize errors and omissions.
Interview advising
For colleges that offer or require interviews, I provide guidance on the process and typical interview questions to help students prepare for informative and/or evaluative interviews with alumni and admissions professionals.
College or program Selection Guidance
Once all offers of admission have been received, I am available to help students and families review choices, evaluate financial aid packages, and consider deferral strategies.
Unique talents and alternative paths
Students with alternative learning and lifestyles
For those students with different learning styles, academic needs, or alternative lifestyles requiring specific resources for success, I guide the search process toward schools and programs with a appropriate level of support. More and more four-year colleges are providing on-going, free services to help increase freshmen success and sharpen executive functioning skills. I’ll help with confidence building, self-advocacy skills, identifying and navigating resources and special services available.
As appropriate, I’ll encourage, travel, gap year, or other alternative education options to enrich your educational journey and love of learning
Performing arts students
For students accomplished in the performing arts, the application process will be more extensive and require significant advance planning. I may provide an overview of submitting supplementary materials and support throughout the audition process. Referrals are available for conservatory-level musicians or elite performing artists who may require outside coaching, recording, or technical editing.
Student athletes
Students planning to continue playing their sport in college will face additional requirements throughout the admission process. It is important to understand the steps necessary to best showcase your teen’s ability. I provide an overview of the recruiting process for DIII athletes and referrals for those who choose to compete at the D1 level in college.
Transfer students
Students transfer to a different college for a variety of reasons, and I help current college students find a new environment that better suits their needs. Separately, many California students choose to begin their college career at a California Community College, then transfer to the California State or UC System. It is an option that offers flexibility and helps reduce costs.
investment
Since each student and circumstance is different, the time involved varies as well. Invoices are provided that outline progress and time details. Please reach out to me for my hourly rate and current availability.