What exactly does college planning entail?  

Students who seek to attend college must prepare for a multitude of standardized tests, research and visit schools to determine the “safeties”, “reaches”, and “good fits”, complete a variety of applications and  essays, and gather recommendations from teachers, counselors, and mentors. The process can be daunting, but we are here to help with any or all facets of college planning for your student, from college search to application submission.

So when does college planning actually begin?

College planning can begin as early as middle school; however, the high school years form the critical base for college testing, application, and acceptance. From middle school on, a judicious choice of courses is imperative. Students typically first experience college-focused standardized testing when they take the PSAT, routinely given in the fall of grades 10 and 11. This test score is important for several reasons: first, it counts for qualification as a National Merit Scholar. Second, it serves as a baseline for SAT and other standardized test preparation. Third, it becomes the first piece of information colleges and universities use to begin recruiting students.

Test Prep

After completing the PSAT in the fall, students continue standardized test instruction throughout the school year in preparation for the SAT and/or ACT. The exact test prep schedule for each student varies and depends on a variety of factors, such as preferred tests, exam dates, desired scores, accommodations, and extracurricular and school schedules. Our team works with students to develop a custom test prep schedule that accounts for these variables.

College Application and Essay Support 

We work with students to derive a list of schools that match their interests and abilities. Our experienced team coaches students on tailoring their applications to appeal to each school on their list. We assure that the plan they make to write essays, ask teachers for recommendation letters, complete activity sheets, and prepare for interviews aligns with this goal. This is a multi-step process that pays careful attention to students’ learning styles and career goals, while considering likelihood of acceptance. Students concurrently complete any college planning materials assigned by their high schools.

Once students, along with their parents and tutor, determine a final list of schools, they begin the college application and college essay writing process. We help students stay on top of deadlines and help them create an essay that reflects the desired traits that college admission board committees seek.