What is the cost?
Because I know that each family's needs are different, I offer both hourly and comprehensive packages. The comprehensive packages are great for families that want a full-service college counseling experience and hourly works best for families that know they will only need a few meetings or help with one or two essays throughout the process. The Junior Start Package (covers both junior and senior years) is $8,000, the Late-Start Senior Package is $6,000, and the Essay Only Package is $4,000. Families that want to work on an hourly basis buy blocks of hours - five hours for $1,250 or ten hours for $2,400.
What is the benefit of a private college counselor?
Great question! For many students, the benefit of a private college counselor is in the individualized counseling you receive at every step of the application process. Many school counselors are overburdened with hundreds of students and it is just not possible for them to give the attention to students that they wish they could. A private college counselor lets you establish an ongoing relationship and I get to know you and what you are looking for in a college.
For many parents, one of the main benefits is that the "nagging" that comes along with applications (reminders to work on essays, establishing deadlines for recommendations, supplemental work, testing, etc) is now off your shoulders! A private college counselor creates a point of contact for the parents and students - I am the one reminding and pushing during this time that often creates a lot of stress between parents and children.
The final benefit for both parents and students is my expertise. You are hiring someone that will help you in every step of the process - from finding colleges to apply to, writing essays, practicing interviews, getting letters of recommendation, developing a testing timeline, figuring out financial aid, and more.
What services do you provide?
I provide help with every step of the process - starting as early as ninth grade!
Developing a course schedule that best positions a student to apply to certain collegiate programs
Sharing options for summer activities and enrichment
Providing guidance on testing timelines (which tests are necessary, when to take them, which ones are best suited to your student)
Shedding light on the financial aid process at each school and federal programs
Helping develop essay ideas that best reflect the student's passions and unique contribution to the college community
Editing essays and supplemental writing responses
Working with each student on interview best practices (what to wear, what to ask, what questions to be ready to answer)
Developing an individualized college list for applications based on each family's and student's particular needs and wants (social fit, academic fit, financial fit)
Establishing timelines and deadlines for the many pieces of the application process
Advising students on which teachers to ask for recommendations, when to ask for them, and how to ask
Going over each application with the student and family before the "submit" button is pressed to make sure each part is filled out correctly and positions the student in the best light
Helping students pare down acceptances and figure out that final "just right" place to attend
Where do your students get accepted?
Over the years that I have been working with students, they have been accepted to many colleges across the country and locally, from small colleges to large state universities, from technical programs to the Ivy League. I understand as a parent or a motivated student, you want to know what the possibilities are and that we can be successful together. One of the things I can help students understand is where their "just right" fit is. It is important to keep in mind that a "good" school may be wonderful for one person and not a great fit for another. There are thousands of schools across the country - there is something for everyone. Students will apply to schools based on strength of program, proximity to mountains or cities, proximity to family, Greek system, religious affiliation, extracurricular options, financial aid, and more. I can't wait to help you find what your "just right" fit is!