Services

Why does a family choose an independent college counselor?

As an independent college counselor I counsel a limited number of students and am available for all their counseling needs.  I travel to private and public college campuses and attend counselor conferences.  I am also able to grade applications for the University of California and stay up to date on the University of California’s evolving evaluation procedures.

California school counselors carry high caseloads and are responsible for many matters beyond college applications.  With little time, counselors may focus on California state universities and lack the hours to stay current on private colleges and out of state options.  Budget cuts have also necessitated campus transfers and few students retain the same counselor for four years of high school.

In contrast, I start working with students as early as middle school.  I am available with the expertise that students need when families have questions and seek assistance.  

The number of colleges to which high school seniors apply increases annually.  This upward trend both increases competition and creates uncertainty in predicting admissions.

My goal is to ease the stress and worries with which families approach the college application and athletic recruitment process.  Instead of a burden, I encourage students to view the process as one of opportunity.  I am here to help students find the wonderful college that is in their future.  

Planning

Long Range Planning

My students are competitively positioned for the college application process and prepared to make decisions about majors, colleges, and careers.

Class Selection

Middle and high school class selection impacts the advanced classes that a student may take in high school and academic rigor impacts the strength of a college application.

Maximizing Opportunities

Learn what colleges prefer before the time to participate has passed.

Internships

High school and college internships demonstrate career interest, provide students with practical experience, and position students competitively as applicants to undergraduate and graduate programs.

Educational Preparation Programs  

Many colleges offer academic enrichment programs for high school students.  I help students identify the programs that are right for them.  

Testing

Plan for PSAT, National Merit, SAT, ACT, and Advanced Placement testing. In 2021, the College Board discontinued administration of subject tests in the United States.

Applications

Trends in Admissions

I attend University of California Counselor Conferences and private college presentations to provide my students with current admissions information.

College Search

Colleges have personalities and their admissions officers look for varying attributes in students.  I help students find the wonderful college that is in their future.

Application Assistance

I help students make the most of their experiences and achievements when presenting themselves to an admissions office.

Essays

Students are often at a loss as to what they should write in their essays.  They often think their lives are too average or normal for good essay material.  Why can’t they have some hardship to have something good to write about?  In fact, each student that I have counseled is unique and special.  I help students identify their special attributes and accomplishments that should be shared in their personal statement and essays.  I also help students edit and polish the essays they have authored.

Letters of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation may play a critical role in applications to select universities.  I explain the role of school counselors, teachers, and community leaders regarding letters of recommendation.  I also explain the role of FERPA, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.

Interviews

Private colleges, early admission programs, scholarships, and athletic recruiting all require personal interviews. I help students prepare so they are comfortable and confident when given the opportunity to explain why they should be chosen for a college or program.  

Early Acceptance

Early acceptance programs are available for both early acceptance to undergraduate school and early acceptance to graduate programs.  A few universities have early acceptance programs that allow high school students to start college before completing four years of high school.  As for early acceptance to professional schools, a number of medical, dental, and veterinary schools jointly admit high school seniors to their university’s undergraduate program and medical, dental, or veterinary school.

Graduate and Professional Schools

For many students, an undergraduate degree is just the first step of their college education.  In addition to undergraduate application counseling, I am available to assist students with graduate and professional school applications.  

Choices

Athletic Recruitment

Students who learn to manage their athletic recruitment are those most satisfied with their choice of teams and colleges.  I assist student with target school lists, NCAA eligibility, recruitment questionnaires, profiles, DVDs, college camp and tournament plans, coach communications and interviews, athletic scholarship evaluations, tenders of financial assistance, and letters of intent.

Scholarships & Financial Planning

Parents should understand the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and public and private university tuition options.  I also help students position themselves competitively for merit scholarship applications.

Sororities

Although sororities may be wonderfully supportive once a young women is a member, the membership recruitment process (formerly known as rush) may be more competitive than college admissions.  I am available for confidential coaching to assist with reference letters and to explain rush procedures such as quotas, legacy priorities, rush party evaluations, preference cards, and bids.  

Fees

My fee for an initial ninety minute appointment is $300.  Subsequent to the initial meeting, my rate is $150 per hour.  Families may determine my level of involvement and no one is required to purchase packages or multiple appointments.