The key to success in reducing stress and ensuring positive results is to create a step-by-step plan that allows sufficient time for research, reflection, and on-going communication among all members of your team.

step

1

Develop a relationship with students and their families to ensure that everyone works effectively together as a team.


  • Meet with the family and individually with the student.
  • Review high school transcript, School Profile, and gather other relevant information that may play into college selection.
  • Discuss family considerations such as distance from home, financial parameters, and other priorities.
  • Review course selection for the coming high school years.
  • Develop a plan for standardized testing, including ACT/SAT diagnostic testing and a schedule that may include time for Subject Tests.
  • Consider summer programs or other outside activities that interest the student and may enhance his/her profile.
  • Provide a month-to-month timeline for junior and senior years that will assist in overall planning.

step

2

Identify criteria for college “fit” and develop a working list of colleges that includes a wide range of schools and selection standards.


  • Assist with planning college visits, allowing sufficient time to see a range of schools.
  • Provide tools to gather information, record impressions, and look at potential questions and points of comparison.
  • Coach on correspondence with admissions representatives before and after visits, and how to set up appointments with faculty and explore extracurricular arenas.
  • Prepare for college interviews and decide when and where they should be done.
  • Communicate after each round of visits to revise working college list, making additions or changes based on information gathered.

step

3

Establish final list of schools to which the student will apply and assist with the completion of college applications.


  • Support a selection of schools that meet the student’s most important priorities and provide a solid range of selectivity.
  • Identify financial factors, if relevant.
  • Brainstorm topics for the main essay and supplementary questions.
  • Provide feedback and edits on each essay until complete.
  • Oversee all parts of the Common Application and other applications.
  • Advise on the use of a resumé or supplements that highlight special interests and talents.

step

4

Provide continued support as final deadlines approach, including meetings, phone call and email consultations as needed.

  • Finalize teacher and counselor recommendations, making sure requirements of all schools are met.
  • Ensure that there is good communication with each recommender.
  • Review and incorporate any new information – activities, honors, leadership positions.
  • Consider use of standardized test scores and possible need for additional fall testing.
  • Advise regarding Early Action and Early Decision options.
  • Review printed previews of all applications before submission.
  • Ensure deadlines are met.
  • Assist with final school selection.