Our Process

Consider this:  colleges want an authentic individual who will contribute meaningfully to their campus community. This means that the most highly prized applicants have chosen activities that are meaningful to them, in which they excel, and which feed their passions and interests. To do this, you need a plan. You need a profile that puts you in the running (GPA + rigor) and you need activities that indulge your curiosities while setting you apart.   

Meetings are held remotely via Zoom.  Initial consultations typically involve both the parent and student. As the student takes ownership of the process we will meet without the parent. Sophomores and Juniors will be provided with a comprehensive platform, my portal, which they will use to research the schools I suggest for them. Seniors will have an essay module added to this portal, which allows us to manage and collaborate on all application components. The bulk of our work together is done in January through June for grades 9-11 and June through December for Seniors, although we will communicate regularly, year-round, via text and email. Each decision (AP Calc or AP Stats? Junior Olympics or lifeguarding?) will be thoughtfully considered for each student, based on their goals, availability, and preferences.

Here is our typical action plan:

1.    Craft a plan, both realistic and daring, for courses, activities, hopes and goals. We will make strategic decisions and decide where the student can make a measurable impact and where they can 'go deep' with their particular talents. 

2.    Make good choices.  Classes and activities that suit you, a summer that makes good use of your time.

3.    Shape a list of schools based on things we can quantify: location, size, cost, majors, safety, facilities, housing, activities, student to faculty ratio, average class size, quality of the department for your area of study, research opportunities, internships, cost, and likelihood of admission.  We couple this with a qualitative list: preferences and hopes and dreams. We will exhibit ambition and reason in coming up with your list of schools.

4.    Build a stand-out application with a rigorous academic transcript and a cohesive narrative about who the student is and where their passions lie.  This is the academic mission which will provide the narrative for your application. This requires a thoughtful approach to interviews, essays, and editing, while adhering to a timeline and structure for completion of work.  This timeline involves significant essay work in the summer before Senior year.