Services
We offer two consulting services: Admissions Advising and Essay Coaching.
Admissions Advising
Preparation
We meet with students as early as freshman year to discuss topics such as course selection, extracurricular activities, internship opportunities, and standardized testing options. Our consultants motivate and challenge students to leave their comfort zones both inside and outside the classroom. The earlier a student starts working with our team, the more we can enhance elements that later become part of the student’s college application profile.
However, we do not advise students to engage in activities or take certain classes solely to “look good” in the admissions process. There is no single path into any college. There are no assurances in today’s highly competitive admissions climate. We recommend that students explore their interests and chart their own distinctive paths rather than strive to fulfill perceived criteria.
Research
The key to effective higher education is understanding exactly what environment students need for optimal growth. To do so, we review academic records such as transcripts, test scores, and any IEP’s, 504 plans, or other accommodations. We also interview students and families about what type of college programs are suitable based on academic, pre-professional, social, geographic, demographic, and financial priorities. Following this evaluation, we develop a personalized list of recommended “best fit” colleges for application.
Our consultants then provide further guidance on college research via online resources and campus tours. We coach students how to demonstrate interest to schools and best communicate with admissions officers, which will strengthen their relationships with colleges leading up to the application process.
Strategy
Once students and families are well-informed about suitable colleges, majors, and programs, we begin devising admissions plans (e.g. applying Early Decision 1 or 2, Early Action, Regular Decision, Rolling Admissions) and application timelines. With over ten years of admissions industry experience, our consultants help students develop a strong narrative through every component of the application, creating a “personal brand” for traditional applicants, non-traditional applicants, international students, and more. We help students understand their strengths and weaknesses, consider impacted majors, select writers for letters of recommendations, and strategize the submission of standardized test scores (if any), which vary annually by each college’s specific policies.
Application
Without guidance, students often struggle to juggle the dozens of essay and application deadlines required for successful admissions outcomes. Our consultants ensure that applications are submitted as early as possible, without sacrificing quality. We help students curate comprehensive activities lists/resumes and track student progress with their essay writing and revisions. (Note: Essay writing coaching is offered as a separate service; see below.)
We prepare students for evaluative interviews with admissions officers and alumni, the submission of supplementary art portfolios or auditions, and the procurement of federal financial aid and merit scholarships. Once admissions results are received, consultants also assist students with managing the waitlist process and writing LOCI (letters of continued interest) and financial aid/scholarship appeal letters. Finally, students and families may turn to us for advice when making the “final choice” upon receipt of decision letters.
Essay Coaching
Writing the Essays
The essays are one of the most important parts of the college application. They’re a chance to show your personality, to show who you are beyond what you’ve accomplished on paper.
Because college essay writing is a terrain vastly different from any writing taught in school, even confident writers struggle. Students must invest dozens of hours into developing creative, insightful personal statements and supplementary essays that clearly articulate their experiences, perspectives, and ambitions. Students must also be careful not to fall victim to mistakes such as choosing cliché topics or neglecting to consider essays in the context of their application’s broader narrative. We thus offer essay coaching services to guide students through this uniquely challenging process start-to-finish.
Via virtual meetings, we provide one-on-one live feedback for every step of essay writing, from brainstorming to the final polish. Our consultants ensure that through careful introspection and strategy, each student’s distinctive voice shines through and brings their application to life.