+ INITIAL INTAKE

• Better understand student's goals, strengths, passions, and address concerns up front
• Discuss with parents about expectations, understanding of student, college process, and financial goals
• Review transcripts and school profile, course selection, available test scores, extracurricular activities, summer/unique experiences
• Strong Interest Inventory, YouScience assessments and guided personality and college preference selection activities

+ Holistic high school PLANNING

• Aid in course selection and support monitoring academic progress
• Offer referrals on an as-needed basis to collaborative partners such as test prep firms
• Brainstorm ways to explore or deepen extracurricular and academic interests in creative and novel ways
• Offer support identifying internships and other outside of school programs that align with student interests

+ BUILDING THE COLLEGE LIST

• Assist students in constructing a tailored college list through a thorough college research process.
• Offer guidance for optimizing college campus visits
• Support ongoing communication with and integrating insights from the student's school counselor.

+ Application preparation and submission

• Guide students and families through the application process, including understanding school admission requirements, explain Common App format and process
• Discuss application options and guidelines and requirements at different schools including ED, EA, EDII, regular, rolling
• Guide selection of recommenders, instruct on best way to approach teachers and have them write recommendations that will yield stronger support
• Identify opportunities throughout the application- in the activities list, personal statement, and supplemental essays to add texture and authenticity
• Review and edit student-completed applications, ensure meeting of deadlines, and proofreading of all application material
• Assist with student communication with college admissions offices and relevant professors

+ ESSAY ADVISING

• Work closely with the student to choose essay topics and guide process to overcome writer's block
• Help to brainstorm, outline and proof-read student-written essays
• Help bring student's unique talents and identity to life through their authentic voice

+ EXPLORATION OF FINANCIAL AID AND MERIT AID

• Discuss financial aid goals with families and strategize on how to achieve them
• Offer resources to research merit aid options that match student's particular background or criteria

+ VISITS & INTERVIEW PREPARATION

• Advise on campus visit itineraries and appropriate means to communicate with colleges
• Offer alternative methods for a student to better understand university options and show "demonstrated interest" if they cannot travel to a school
• Prepare students for on-campus and off-campus interviews and meetings with admissions officers
• Conduct mock interviews with students to practice interview questions and cultivate confidence

+ MAKE A DECISION

• Review admission offers and provide assistance with the decision-making process
• Follow-through if waitlisted, and advise on negotiation of offer packages
• Advise students and families on how to prepare for the transition to college