Frequently Asked Questions
Clear, thoughtful guidance to help families understand the process and move forward with confidence.
What does an independent consultant do?
We coach high school students through college search and application processes, which can include college research, essays, major and careers exploration, the financial aid scholarship process, and more. Services are for private, one-to-one consulting.
Why should I hire an independent consultant if my student’s school already has a school/college counselor?
According to the American School Counselors Association (ASCA), the student-to-school-counselor ratio in the 2023-24 school year was 376:1 - a ratio that still exceeds ASCA’s 250:1 recommendation. And, in a recent survey of high school counselors, public school counselors reported spending an estimate of 22% of their time on college admission counseling - even less than half the time reported by their colleagues at private high schools. What does that mean for your student if they are one of 376 in their class with only one counselor? In addition to the volume of a school counselor’s caseload, additional factors may also impact a student’s access to their counselor, even including whether or not a student’s parent(s) went to college!
The college application process has changed tremendously since I went to college; the landscape has shifted even more as a result of the pandemic. Working with an independent counselor allows for your student to receive, not only more time and attention, but attention that is tailored to the specific needs and goals they have. Independent counselors also have more flexible scheduling, allowing for them to meet with students in the evenings and on weekends, as their schedule allows.
My student is only a 9th or 10th grader. Is it too early to use your services?
I have always said that the first day of high school is the day a student becomes a college applicant. Scary sounding? Yes. Truthful? Also, yes. When a student starts their high school journey, all of the doors and opportunities in their future are available to them. But the decisions they make from that point on - good or bad - determine which and how many of those doors continue to remain open by the time they approach senior year.
Dipping your toes into the process now provides your student and family with one of the greatest gifts you will need in this process - time! They will have more time to brainstorm and write essays, research and determine the colleges where they wish to apply, and even to prepare for taking the SAT and/or ACT.
My student is an 11th grader. Is it too late to begin now?
Absolutely not! Beginning even in the second semester of the junior year still allows plenty of time for your student to work with me to prepare for submitting their first applications in the fall of senior year.
My student is a 12th grader. Is it too late to begin now?
- Absolutely not! While it certainly compresses the timeline depending on when in senior year it is, I am still potentially able to help seniors with finalizing a selection of colleges, brainstorming and providing feedback on essays, applying for scholarships, and assisting with evaluating financial aid offers.
If I only need hourly appointments, how long does the session last?
Hourly appointments last for 50 minutes. This allows me to record any notes about my meeting with your student, including what their next steps need to be. Being able to do this ensures that I can help to keep your student on track to meet their deadlines and goals.
How often will you meet with my student?
The frequency of meetings will vary depending on your student’s grade level and individual needs. I will meet with 9th and 10th graders a minimum of four times per year. Students in 11th and 12th grades will meet with me more regularly as they prepare to launch into the college search and application process.
Do you offer in-person meetings?
All meetings are held virtually on Zoom.
Do you offer SAT or ACT test prep?
No, but I will work with your student to develop an appropriate timeline for testing.
So, how much do you charge?
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Hiring an educational consultant to personally assist your teen through the college application process is an investment in their career and future. I offer flexible college advising packages with varying levels of support. Let's connect to discuss your options!