Is it really more difficult to get into college now than ever before?

College admission continues to become increasingly competitive at four-year public and private colleges.  More and more students are applying to colleges.  The Common Application has made it much easier to hit “submit” and apply to many more colleges.   More students are applying to schools at the top of the scale, making it even tougher to get into these schools.  The growing gap in lifetime earnings potential between college and non-college graduates  (estimated at more than $1 million) has heightened the competition for coveted spots. 

Why hire a consultant to help me with the college planning and college application process? 

While college admission has become more competitive, there is a school for you and a consultant can help you find a college that meets your specific personal, academic and emotional needs.  We provide information and a structured process of navigating through the myriad number of decisions that must be made when applying to college.  

A consultant can help you make the right choices in regard to high school courses and extra-curricular activities that reflect your interests and present opportunities for recognized achievements.   A consultant will assist students with finalizing a list of “best fit” colleges based upon our extensive research, detailed analysis and frequent campus visits.  We will help you prepare for college visits, develop strong college applications, formulate a compelling personal essay, find scholarships and financial aid, prepare for college interviews and make that final decision on where you will spend your college years.   Students receive guidance in developing a plan that is based upon their specific goals, values and dreams. 

Your investment of time and money will result in a better college match, thus improving your opportunity for success and reducing the risk of drop out or transfer.   A consultant's most valuable contribution may be stress reduction, taking an emotionally laden, highly competitive process and turning it into a time of shared discovery for the student and their parents.

How common is the use of a College Consultant?

A national research firm that works with colleges just released a new survey of high achieving seniors and the college selection process.  High achieving seniors were defined as those that scored 1150 or greater on the critical reading and math sections of the SAT (which is equivalent to a 25 or higher on the ACT).  The survey revealed that 27% of these high achieving students used a private college consultant to help them find the best college for their needs.

How do your services differ from my school counseling office or online resources?

We provide individual attention.  We make this a discovery experience about “you”.  We have the time and resources available to work with you to understand your goals, values and dreams and then help you to put together a strategic plan that will optimize your opportunity to meet those goals.   We have conducted extensive research and have spent many hours visiting different universities.  We have knowledge and expertise to help you evaluate the confusing and sometimes conflicting information you might obtain online or in college guides.

What does it cost?

Our fees are based on an hourly rate that’s similar to the rate you’d pay for other professional services (accountants, counselors).  The total cost for any of our college packages takes into account the time we spend conducting research and preparing materials on your behalf, as well as the time we spend meeting with you.  We offer a variety of packages and fee structures to meet your needs.