FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I want to engage in your services, but your roster is currently full. What should I do?

Our client roster for the 2025-2026 school year is currently full. If you’d like to be notified when a spot becomes available, please complete our Waitlist Form.

Why should I hire a college consultant?

• According to the US Department of Education, public high school students receive an average of just 38 minutes of college counseling per year. School counselors often juggle many responsibilities, and the National Association for College Admission Counseling reports they typically devote only 25% of their time to college advising. Meanwhile, the recommended counselor-to-student ratio is 250:1—but in public schools, the national average is 424:1.

• In contrast, independent college consultants maintain much smaller caseloads and focus exclusively on guiding students through the college process. This allows us to provide individualized support, strategic planning, and consistent guidance tailored to each student's goals.

When is the best time to begin working with a college consultant? 

• The earlier, the better. Starting in 9th or 10th grade allows us to help students make intentional choices about their courses, extracurriculars, and summer activities—all of which are critical in shaping a strong college application. Early engagement also gives us time to get to know the student deeply, which leads to more personalized college recommendations and support in developing essential life and academic skills.

Do you offer executive function coaching?

• Yes! Executive function coaching is a key component of our program. We help students strengthen their time management, organization, and accountability skills—skills that are critical not just for college, but for lifelong success.

• All students are required to use a planner and check in weekly with their advisor via email. 

• All clients receive a proprietary spreadsheet and other materials to help keep and stay organized. This spreadsheet contains all of the information necessary for them to complete their college application, resume, Raise.me, LinkedIn profile, SAT/ACT registration, and more.

• Our goal is to help students recognize and build on their executive strengths while supporting areas that need growth.

What services do you offer?

• We offer comprehensive annual packages for 9th/10th, 11th, and 12th. 

• Services are customized by grade level and include the below:
  
  

NOTE: We keep our client list limited to ensure your student receives the individual and personalized attention they need and deserve.

When are you available?

• We are flexible! We offer meetings on weekdays, weeknights, and Saturdays to fit your family's schedule. Our goal is to provide responsive and convenient support throughout the process. 

What TYPES of students do you work with?

• Our clients range from 9th grade through college.

• We work with a wide range of students—from those aiming for Ivy League institutions to those considering community colleges, vocational schools, or small liberal arts colleges. 

• We have experience supporting student-athletes, students with learning differences, visual and performing artists, and first-generation college applicants. Every student’s path is unique, and we’re here to support them every step of the way.

What HAPPENS AT THE initial consultation?

• This 60–90-minute session includes both the student and their parents. We'll discuss your goals, walk through our services, and identify how we can best support your student’s journey. It’s a great opportunity to get questions answered and explore how we’ll work together.

Do you meet with students and parents together?

• After the initial consultation, most meetings are held with the student. However, we welcome and value parent involvement. After every session, we share meeting notes via Google Drive and include a  "to-do" list for the student to complete before our next session. The meeting notes also help the student stay on track with tasks they need their attention.

• Both students and parents are welcome to text, call, or email us with questions or concerns.

Where do you meet with students?

• For the first meeting, we prefer to meet in person—typically takes place at the student’s home, a local library, or another convenient location. 

• For subsequent meetings, we offer both in-person and virtual options to accommodate your needs.

What does it mean for a college to be a “good fit”?

• A good-fit college is one where a student will thrive—academically, socially, and personally. It's also a place the family can afford, and where the student is likely to graduate on time. We help students identify what matters most to them so they can make confident, informed decisions.

How do you help students find colleges that are a “good fit”?

• By getting to know students we help them understand themselves and identify the factors that are most important in their college search. Then, using our knowledge of colleges and various research, we make recommendations of colleges that meet the students’ criteria.

Do you guarantee students admission to their choice of college or university?

• No, admission decisions are out of anyone’s control. We do not guarantee a student will be accepted at a specific institution. However, we work with the student and parents to curate a balanced college list consisting of safety, target, and reach schools for a successful college application season.

How do you help students stand out on their college applications?

• Given the competitiveness of college admissions today, it’s crucial to present your best and authentic self on your applications. By leveraging our knowledge of the admissions process and getting to know students personally, we help them craft applications that showcase their strengths. This includes advising on which teachers to ask for recommendations, assisting with activity lists and resumes, and guiding students in writing college essays that reveal their unique personalities beyond the facts and numbers. Additionally, we review every application component before submission to ensure there are no mistakes or missing information.

Do you help students with financial aid and scholarships?

• We provide guidance for both the FAFSA and CSS Profile.

• We focus on helping students find and apply for merit-based scholarships from colleges. (Merit scholarships are awarded based on such factors as academics, community service, personal characteristics, achievements, etc. They are not based on financial need or athletics.) Although there are thousands of merit scholarships offered by corporations, foundations, charitable organizations, and the like, the largest scholarships come from colleges themselves. 

• We provide monthly scholarship bulletins to our junior and senior clients.

Do you offer test preparation for the ACT/SAT?

• While we don’t offer test prep services ourselves, we help students create a smart testing strategy. 

• We guide students in deciding which test to take and when, review score reports, and refer families to trusted test prep partners if needed. We do recommend test prep companies or tutors to interested families. 

Do your services stop after college applications are done and decisions have been sent?

• Absolutely not! We continue supporting students through the final stages—navigating acceptances, financial aid packages, waitlists, and final decisions. We’re also here to help with transition planning to ensure students are ready to thrive in their college environment.

• Our end-of-year meeting will provide valuable insights, practical advice, and support as your student prepares for college.

Do you have any reviews? 

Absolutely! You can see some of our reviews on Google. We are also happy to provide references from past clients upon request.