“THANK YOU SO MUCH. I COULD NOT HAVE gotten into my first choice college WITHOUT YOU by my side. YOU HELPED MAKE THIS HAPPEN FOR ME!”

- Kenny

Getting into your dream college is not an easy task. You may feel overwhelmed with no idea where to begin. My highly personalized approach addresses the needs of your student and those of your family. My goal is to help students discover their core values and empower and guide them in a step-by-step approach. Together we work consistently to prevent stress and create the most competitive applications possible. I try to make the process fun and help provide a wonderful period of self-discovery for my students.

Various Strategies From Our College Counseling Services in Bergen County:

  • Intake consisting of extensive interviews with parents and student to accurately determine the student’s unique profile

  • Thorough review and advice on student’s high school transcript, course selection, standardized test results, extracurricular activities, personal interests, employment and community service

  • Planning of college visits through college counseling services, including questions to ask and what to look for in a college

  • Advice on test timing and strategy

  • Tracking important dates and deadlines, including those for standardized tests, college applications, and financial aid applications

  • Researching and formulating a balanced and fluid college list based on feedback

  • Strategizing for teacher recommendation requests

  • Guidance and support for filling out college applications

  • Common Application and supplemental essay support—brainstorming, outlining, feedback and editing

  • Access to college admissions software which allows students and parents to keep all college-related information and dates organized and up-to-date

  • Prepping for college interviews with potential questions and advice on responses

  • Review of financial aid options and identifying schools that offer merit-based aid

  • Assistance with final decision after acceptance letters are received

The following is an abbreviated timeline of my college counseling services:

FRESHMaN YEAR

Fall

Assess the student's options, make appropriate curriculum choices, and maximize the value of his/her high school coursework by choosing classes in subject areas of strength

Brainstorm ideas for volunteer jobs, club involvement, athletics, and paid employment

Encourage students to try a variety of activities hoping that something will stick throughout high school

Spring

Evaluate the success of the first high school semester and make suggestions for moving forward

Confirm curriculum choices for sophomore year and make effective plans for the summer for volunteer work, employment, travel, sports or travel

Summer

Plan preliminary college visits to get a feel for the student’s preferences (ie size, location, available programs)

Begin a realistic discussion about what the student is looking for in the right fit college

Summer check-ins provide the opportunity to discuss activities and continue to explore positioning for college applications

 

Sophomore year

Fall

Discuss academic progress and identify opportunities to explore interests and strengths

Record PSATs which are taken in the fall of sophomore year and give us a baseline score

Discuss test preparation, possible tutoring and a preliminary timeline

Develop depth in extracurricular activities and discuss the importance of community and volunteer involvement

Spring

Choose academic courses. Try to maximize academic rigor and choose electives tailored to the student’s interests.

Help student to make impactful choices on school and extracurricular involvement

Encourage students to attend college fairs, begin thinking about the ideal college situation and meet with school college counselor to foster a relationship

Encourage students to take a practice ACT and SAT to determine the preferred test

Summer

Develop a schedule for college visits and prepare for standardized testing.
Encourage an excellent use of free time whether it be volunteering, traveling, or working

Plan a career oriented internship, job or volunteer position to learn more about your field of interest and create a more detailed story

 

Junior Year

Fall

Embark on the college preparation year

Track academic progress and identify opportunities for growth

Formulate a more formal list of colleges to consider, visit and explore

Concentrate on test prep and preparing the timeline for SAT or ACT and Subject Tests if applicable

Focus on developing depth in extracurricular activities and find ways to prove leadership skills

Identify teachers for letters of recommendation and prepare for on and off campus interviews

Spring

Begin to finalize the fluid college list and categorize safety, target and reach schools

Begin the Common and Coalition Applications together

Perform essay prompt brainstorming activities to begin writing the common application personal statement

Plan and create any additional material to be sent to colleges (i.e. resume, portfolio, sports info)

Summer

Narrow down the list and consider strategies for applying Early Action and Early Decision

Create an accurate list of deadlines

Complete common application, personal statement and supplemental essays.

Help plan and guide school visits and train for interviews

Identify ways to earn money for college

 

Senior Year

Fall

Edit all personal statements and essays until they represent the student's best effort

Apply to final list of colleges after determining early application and regular decision schools

Fill out all necessary financial aid documents and identify scholarships

Then we will sit back and wait until we can share the joy as acceptances and scholarships roll in!

 

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