Our process

Each student is unique, and our process is customized to meet your student’s specific needs. Here’s the shape of a comprehensive engagement.

A student walking across a college campus
Before senior year · 9th – 11th grade
  1. Initial meeting

    Overall college outlook
    • Begin a plan of action
    • Understand initial college thoughts; discuss financial aid
    • Testing schedule (10th – 11th)
    • Transcript review and course planning
    • The application process explained (11th)
  2. College preparation sessions

    Quarterly meetings, with unlimited access for questions
    • In-depth look at interests and potential careers
    • How to think about the college years
    • High school course and activity planning
    • Summer experience planning
    • Student resume strategy
    • Advice on collecting letters of recommendation
  3. Developing the college list

    10th – 11th grade
    • Build and refine a strategic list around student and family needs
    • Narrow the list to find the best fit
    • Teach the student how to research colleges
    • Plan college visits
    • Advice on demonstrating interest
Senior year · July – December
  1. Essay development

    Summer before 12th through 12th
    • Brainstorm topics and hone choices
    • Review and feedback on personal and supplemental essays
  2. Application process

    Begins August 1 of senior year
    • A timeline with action steps
    • Demystify the Common App and Coalition App
    • Manage completion and deadlines
    • Continued college visit discussion
  3. Application review

    Before submission
    • Review for completion and accuracy
    • Student submits applications
Senior year · January – April
  1. Decisions

    Discuss and analyze acceptances
    • Review acceptance choices
    • Advice on communicating with admissions officers
    • Deferral and waitlist strategy

Prefer something lighter? Hourly advising is available for families who want help at specific points rather than a comprehensive engagement. See how the two options compare.

Let’s talk about your student.

Tell us a little about where they are, and we’ll follow up to set up a first conversation. No commitment.

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