Just a few...
FAQs
The application process can be confusing and overwhelming.
Here's a basic list of questions you might have about my application mentoring services.
Have more questions? Don't hesitate to reach out.
I'm here to help you navigate the college application process with confidence and success!
About My Services
Q: What makes your college application guidance services unique?
A: My service stands out due to my insider perspective gained from years of experience in the academic application process at Vanderbilt and Harvard and as a marketing storyteller developing engaging content. I combine this knowledge with personalized attention to each student's unique strengths and goals, ensuring a tailored approach to the application process.
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Q: How early should we start working with you?
A: Ideally, I recommend starting in the spring of junior year. This gives us ample time to develop a strong application strategy and get a head-start on mapping the academic profile to life experiences. However, I also work with many students who come to me later in the process - I am quite familiar and effective with last-minute pressure and deadlines!
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Q: Do you guarantee admission to a specific college?
A: I absolutely do not guarantee admission to any specific college and I would be wary of any service that does. I can guarantee that I'll help students put forward the strongest possible application, significantly improving their chances of admission to their target schools.
Working with Students
Q: How do you communicate with students?
A: I primarily communicate with students via video calls and emails. I'm also available for in-person meetings if geographically feasible (SF Bay Area, San Diego, and Chicago).
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Q: Will you write my student's essays for them?
A: Absolutely not. I guide, inspire, and motivate students with very specific exercises and techniques and I help structure, refine, and edit essays. However, the writing and ideas must be entirely their own. My goal is to help students find their voice and be curious about who they are, not to substitute my voice for theirs.
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Q: Do you help students choose which colleges to apply to?
A: I work with students to understand their academic interests, career goals, preferred learning environment, and other factors as they relate to the overall story they put forward in their application. I have knowledge of different institutions and will help strategize the best approach for their target schools, but I focus more on application success once they have prioritized their selections.
Parent Involvement
Q: As a parent, how involved should I be in the process?
A: I encourage parents to be supportive and involved in discussions about college choices and finances. However, I work primarily with the student to ensure the applications reflect their authentic voice and experiences. I also have a Commitment to Confidentiality with students and families. If a student asks that I do not share a discussion or topic with their parents, I will not.
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Q: How do you keep parents updated on progress?
A: I regularly update parents through scheduled check-ins and progress reports. I'm also always available to address parents' question or concerns throughout the process.
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Please see my "To the Parent" page! I have two kids in college and a current high school Senior. We're in this together.
Pricing, Results, &
Getting Started
Q: What do your services cost?
A: I personalize my services to each student's needs, so costs can vary. I offer different packages ranging from comprehensive application support to focused help with specific aspects of the application shown. If students are well-prepared, one or two essay review and feedback sessions can be enormously helpful. Please contact me for more info.
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Q: Do you offer any discounts or financial aid?
A: I have a limited number of sessions at a reduced rate for families demonstrating financial need. Please contact me for more info. ​
Q: How do we begin working with you?
A: The first step is to schedule an initial consultation. During this meeting, we'll discuss your student's goals, assess their current profile, and determine how we can best support their college application journey.
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Q: Is there any commitment required after the initial consultation?
A: No, the initial consultation is simply an opportunity to get to know each other and determine if we're a good fit. You are not obligated to proceed with our services after this meeting.