College Planning Services
What Is College Planning?
The college admissions journey goes far beyond just picking schools and filling out college applications. The process involves many different components all requiring a significant investment of one's time, resources and energy. This is where college planning comes in. The practice of college planning aims to prepare students to maximize their options in order to pick a school which is the right academic, social and financial fit. The implications of not picking the right school for one's unique situation can be costly. Too often, students end up realizing this too late, and end up either needing to transfer or take an extra year or two of school, racking up the tuition bills and debt!
This can all be easily avoided with the right preliminary work. We are here to demystify the process for you and your student, and help you with every step of the way. Schedule your free consultation by clicking on the button below and watch our brief video to learn more.
How We Help You
Building a Solid College List
The single most important part of the college admissions process is the college list. We help families craft a strategic and well-conceived list of schools that aligns with the student’s expectations, values, and educational goals. Our approach focuses on three key factors: Academic fit, social fit, and financial fit. Optimizing these three areas will maximize the student's college experience and result in a better financial outcome.
Major Selection and Career Planning
Picking the right major and career before starting college helps students graduate on time.Additional years in college will not only drive-up expenses significantly but will also postpone when students begin earning money working in their chosen career. By assessing the students’ strengths, weaknesses and learning styles, we help them decide what majors and ultimately, what career paths will be best suited for them.
SAT/ACT Selection and Test Prep
Higher standardized test scores give students an advantage when it comes to admissions decisions and obtaining a better financial aid award. We guide students in selecting whether to take the SAT or ACT exam and help them choose the test prep service or study method that best meets their needs. We regularly monitor students' progress so they stay on track in their efforts to improve test scores.
Optimizing Your Admissions Application
Crafting a compelling application takes more than just filling out forms and listing achievements; it’s about telling your unique story in a way that highlights your strengths, passions, and potential. Our educational consultants provide expert guidance every step of the way. We help students create an application that not only stands out, but also truly represents who they are and what they can contribute to their dream schools.
Financial Aid Forms, Award Analysis, and College Funding Strategies
Navigating the complexities of preparing financial aid forms and paying for college can feel overwhelming and stressful. We take the burden off your shoulders by ensuring every form is completed accurately and on time. If appropriate, we help you appeal financial aid awards to secure the best financial aid package possible. These are all elements of the overall college funding plan that we develop for you according to your family's unique situation.
College Athletic Recruitment
Playing a competitive sport in college cannot only be fun, but it can increase the probabilities of admission in the schools of your choice. Additionally, it can result in obtaining a better financial aid package. We help student-athletes showcase their athletic skills and incorporate their sports achievements into their college applications. We also provide students with tips on how to communicate with college coaches to boost their athletic recruitment journey.
Any Questions? Want to Learn More?
College planning is not a one-size fits all process. Everyone has a unique academic and financial situation, with many other variables at play. That's why we encourage those who are interested in college planning to have a free consultation with us for free so we can diagnose your specific needs.