FAIL (the browser should render some flash content, not this).
 

College Advisory

 

  • Customized College Search

 

Research shows that most students limit their college search to:

 

  • schools their friends attend

  • schools based on looks

  • schools a teacher recommends

  • schools close to home

 

Families are busier than ever, and many don’t often take the necessary time and effort to understand the best options for their child.  Too many families make the mistake of oversimplifying the college search based on rankings or school reputation.  With the cost of many private colleges approaching $200,000 for 4 years, these can be costly mistakes.  Our College Advisory Package counsels students and parents to gain a deeper understanding of their college decision making process.  We spend a significant portion of our time speaking with and critiquing colleges throughout the region and the country.  In fact, we may suggest colleges that you’ve never heard of.  We also integrate the search process with financial strategy to help families achieve their ultimate goal: finding a best fit college for both the student and his or her family.

 

  • Assistance in Personalized Essay Coaching and Development

One of the most important pieces of a student’s application is the essay.  It’s hard enough for adults to write unique essays describing who they are and where they’re going, but it is especially challenging for high school students to do so.  We provide samples and some guidance based on the student’s unique characteristics and style.  While we will never write essays for students, we offer some assistance throughout the difficult and often overwhelming process.  Many students have no idea what to write about, or how to do so.  This helps them develop a polished application. 

  • Detailed Financial Strategy and Affordability Counseling

The cost of a 4 year private education is quickly approaching $200,000.  It is one of the most expensive investments you will ever make, yet most people spend more time researching what type of car to buy than the college to which they send their child. For this reason, we conduct a thorough affordability review based on the income and assets of the family early in the process (this must be done in sophomore and junior years to receive the full benefits.  We suggest unique ways to maximize merit and need based aid, while minimizing the overall cost to families.  By integrating the college search process with financial strategy, families are better equipped to find schools they can actually afford.  We also analyze each award letter a student receives to make certain that merit and need based awards are fair.  We work with families of all income levels to find colleges that are a best fit academically, socially and financially.

  • SAT and ACT Strategic Preparation

Along with high school grades, standardized test scores are the most important part of a student’s application.  We provide basic test preparation techniques, as well as strategic consultation on when to test, which tests to take, and the best way to submit scores to various colleges.  We provide expert interpretation of what the scores actually mean, and how they will be viewed by admissions officers.

  • High School Transcript Analysis

College admissions officers understand the vast differences that exist among our nation’s 30,000 high schools, while many parents do not.  This is why a thorough review of a student’s high school transcript is critical.  After an assessment of a student’s grades, interests, and academic skills, we recommend appropriate courses to maximize their chance for success in high school.  Every student is unique, but in general, the most rigorous classes are favored by most colleges.

  • Career/Personal Interest Inventory

Each student will complete a personality/career interest inventory based on the Highlight Reel Career Interest.  The Highlight Reel Career Interest is a well researched, valid and highly respected tool that provides insight to individual student strengths, weaknesses, career interests and aptitudes.  This will serve as one factor in the process of creating a customized list of potential careers for the student to pursue.

  • Campus Visit Guidance and Interview Preparation

There are good and bad ways to visit a college campus.  We provide guidance on how to make the most of campus visits.  We also help students prepare for admissions interviews so they put their best foot forward, while remaining true to themselves.