Frequently Asked Questions

For many families this process commences towards the end of the sophomore year or early in their junior year of high school, allowing for a comprehensive approach to the college planning process. This offers the ability for us to help with optimizing curriculum planning, co-curricular and extracurricular activities, interest explorations as well as the college search and fit process. Some families like to start working with a consultant during the student’s freshman year or early in their sophomore year. This provides wonderful long-term academic planning and a holistic approach to the process. Still, other students and families come to us at the beginning of their senior year. In these cases we offer a fast-track plan focusing on the college list, applications, essays and how to present the student’s best academically as well as the potential present through their talents, skills, and interests.

Public and even many private high schools average one counselor for every 437 students. Nationally, a student will have about 38 minutes with their counselor over all four years of high school. Furthermore, we serve as the knowledgeable voice to guide what many believe is an overwhelming and confusing process. Leveraging our expertise with firm direction and deadlines, parents are able to participate in the college search process in a positive way, leaving the stress to us! Additionally, investing in a college consultant can save money in the long run. The overall cost of a four year college education continues to rise faster than the rate of inflation. Many private colleges and universities have a sticker price that can exceed $200,000-$300,000 over four years. For others they may default to the belief that an in-state public institution is the best financial deal. However, for many publics overcrowding and diminishing state funding results in students requiring additional years to graduate, resulting in higher than expected costs and delayed beginnings to careers and a full-time salary. In some cases, private colleges are able to offer merit and need based packages that can lower the cost below the price of in-state tuition, and the students are more likely to graduate in four years or less!

Using our unique College Route Map curriculum, our vast experience in post-secondary education, and our knowledge of colleges and universities, we provide wisdom and guidance throughout the college search process. Along the way we focus on helping our clients optimize their opportunities and find their best fit college. Most importantly, we de-stress the process so that our clients can fully realize their tremendous potential.

College fit is the concept that going to college is more than just getting in, it’s about finding the school that is the best match for the student's talents, skills, and interests. For a student to really thrive and do their best, the fit has to be right. When it is, the student will have a great four years, build their confidence, and be ready to embrace a future full of challenges, opportunities, and adventures. Parents, click here to read an article by one of our Principals that can help answer this question.

The process of college admissions has become highly complex. If you're confused and/or overwhelmed, you're not alone! High school counselors are only able to spend a minimal amount of time with each student. For the little time they have with each student, they tend to take a cafeteria approach, offering nearly every student similar advice. We offer more of a fine dining approach, engaging each student and their parents, learning and acting upon the unique strengths and potential present for each of our clients. Click here to learn more about how we serve our clients and which one of our signature services would work best for you.