A Step-by-Step Process
Exploration Session
To start, I always schedule a free 30-minute phone/Zoom session to talk about how we might work together. The Exploration Session is typically conducted with a parent or guardian only (without the student) because I like to have a frank conversation about your family’s and student’s needs. Meeting the student is an integral part of deciding if I am the best consultant for you, which happens next.
Initial Consultation
After a free Exploration Session, we will typically move forward with a 75-minute initial consultation, during which we will cover a lot of territory – outlining goals and exploring how well specific colleges might fit your needs. This is also an important opportunity for the student and me to meet to see if there is a good fit.
Comprehensive Package
Finally, if all agree that together we make a good team you may choose to move forward with the comprehensive package. This style of working together is not based on an hourly fee. Over many months and years, we will work together to schedule meetings as conveniently as possible and complete important benchmarks and steps in the college application journey based on my custom curriculum and methods. The freedom of the comprehensive package allows you and your family to take ample time to make important decisions, adequately plan for all admission exams, and receive extensive feedback from me throughout the application process.
The comprehensive package includes access to my convenient online platform, which you can use to look up admissions statistics as well as organize personalized calendars and to-do lists. We take advantage of convenient video conferencing, email correspondence, and screencasting sessions in order to accommodate your schedule and needs.
Learn More About My Services
If you would like to learn more about my specific services, visit my Choosing A College, College Entrance Exam Preparation or Help Writing College Application Essays pages, or call me for a free 30-minute phone consultation. I would be happy to discuss your different options and answer any questions you may have about our sessions.
ONLINE SERVICES
I work with students from across the United States and around the world. All my services are available online. Students will find online sessions as convenient and personalized as if we were in the office together.
RECENT POSTS
In my years as a college admission counselor, I’ve witnessed countless high school students approach my office with the same worried expression. They present meticulously crafted lists of extracurricular activities—often an impressive but exhausting array of clubs, volunteer positions, and leadership roles. And then comes the inevitable question: “Is this enough to get me into my dream school?”
The logic seems straightforward: if I haven’t heard of it, it can’t be very good. Students and families often treat college selection like a popularity contest, where recognition determines worth.
Many families approach college counseling with the misconception that an advisor’s role is to simply tell the student what to do to gain admission to a “better” college than they could if they were to apply on their own: Which extracurriculars will give them an edge?
In the previous post, we examined how college offers far more than job training or prestige. This second installment of “The Hidden Purpose” series will focus on uncovering how high school similarly contains hidden values that go unnoticed when viewed merely as a college admissions strategy.