These hourly strategy sessions offer younger students and their parents early, personalized guidance to effectively prepare for the college process, which gains momentum in junior year and peaks during the summer before and fall of senior year. Sessions are available as needed, based on availability, and cover any of the following on request:
Admissions Overview: Comprehensive overview of the college admissions process, including insights into the specific factors colleges evaluate in prospective applicants.
Personalized Academic Profile Assessment: In-depth, personalized review of the student's academic achievements, strengths, and interests, along with guidance for selecting appropriate high school courses that will enhance their future college applications.
Extracurricular Guidance: Strategic recommendations for engaging in meaningful extracurricular activities (in-school, out-of-school, and summer programs) to help students explore their interests, develop new skills, and build a competitive resume for college admissions.
Standardized Testing Guidance: Expert advice regarding standardized tests, including whether and when to take them, and personalized recommendations for test preparation services.
Relationship-Building Strategies: Discussion of effective strategies for students to build successful relationships with teachers, mentors, and counselors—relationships that will be valuable throughout high school and in college admissions.
College Visit Planning: Assistance in planning initial college visits, including identifying appropriate colleges to visit, what activities to engage in, and essential questions to ask during campus tours.
Financial Aid Overview: Clear explanation of the financial aid process to help parents accurately estimate and understand the true costs associated with college attendance.
Ongoing Personalized Support: Continuous availability throughout the student's freshman and sophomore years to address personalized questions and concerns about the college admissions process for both students and parents.
Comprehensive Package (Juniors & Seniors)
This all-inclusive package is designed to help college-bound juniors and seniors and their families navigate the college application and admissions process. This package begins after sophomore year and may include some or all of the following:
College Planner Pro Account: Personalized access to College Planner Pro, an intuitive online platform linked to students' smartphones, designed to help manage deadlines, schedule meetings, and research colleges effectively.
Comprehensive Profile Review: Detailed assessment of the student’s academic background, personal interests, and extracurricular activities to identify the best-fit colleges tailored specifically to the student’s profile.
Standardized Testing Guidance: Strategic advice on choosing appropriate standardized tests (SAT, ACT, AP exams), optimal testing timelines, and recommendations regarding test preparation resources.
Extracurricular and Summer Enrichment Recommendations: Personalized guidance on extracurricular activities, summer programs & leadership opportunities designed to cultivate the student's interests, skills & experiences. Additional support available for exploring potential college majors & career paths.
Customized College List Creation: Development of a personalized, detailed college list featuring embedded links, admissions chances, and information directly aligned with the student's individual criteria, preferences, and academic profile.
College Visit Guidance: Advice on scheduling campus visits, maximizing the experience, and recommended questions to ask during visits to gain meaningful insights about each institution.
Balanced College List Development: Assistance creating a balanced & strategic list of approximately 10-12 colleges (UC campuses collectively counted as one), including favorable (likely admission), target, and reach schools. Note: Additional fees may apply if applying to more than 14 colleges.
Essay and Personal Statement Support: Comprehensive guidance in brainstorming, developing, and refining the main college essay (Personal Statement), UC Personal Insight Questions, and supplemental essays, with detailed feedback provided via Google Docs, Zoom, and/or in-person meetings.
Extracurricular Activity Presentation: Assistance with effectively presenting extracurricular activities, achievements, and leadership roles within the application to highlight the student's unique strengths & accomplishments.
UC/CSU Only Package
This option goes beyond essay writing; it involves collaborating closely to help students tell their story effectively and strategically to the UCs.
Comprehensive Profile Review: A thorough assessment of the student's academic and personal profile to determine their competitiveness at specific UC and CSU campuses.
Personalized Recommendations: Guidance on summer programs, enrichment opportunities, and community involvement to strengthen their overall applicant profile.
Strategic Extracurricular Guidance: Help identifying and effectively communicating extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and personal achievements that align with UC values.
Application Assistance: Step-by-step support with the UC and CSU applications, including accurate self-reporting of courses and grades (A–G requirements).
Personal Insight Question (PIQ) Support: Expert guidance on crafting compelling responses to the UC Personal Insight Questions, including brainstorming, editing, and detailed feedback via Google Docs and Zoom.
Real-Time Application Reviews: Screen-share reviews to ensure accuracy, completeness, and adherence to best practices prior to submission.
