FAQs
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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: Do you have planners working for you, or do you meet with every student
A: Unlike many national admissions consulting companies that assign students to one of hundreds of college counselors to run through a cookie-cutter process, I meet with each of my students and guide them through an application journey tailored for their unique needs.
Q: How early should we start working with you?
A: Ideally, I recommend starting as early in high school as possible. This gives us ample time to develop a strong application strategy and get a head start on mapping the academic profile. I also work with many students who come to me later in the process. Junior year is a great time to thoroughly work through a college search and map life experiences to the application narrative. I am also quite familiar and effective with last-minute pressure and deadlines!
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.
Q: Do you use AI tools in your work with students?
A: I align with college admissions in my stance on using AI. It can be a helpful research and brainstorming tool, but the use of AI prohibits a student’s authenticity and voice, and it’s obvious when used. Every essay, every personal statement, every activity description is written by the student with my guidance. That’s non-negotiable.
Working Together
Q: How do you communicate with students?
A: Primarily via Zoom for scheduled sessions, plus email and text between meetings for time-sensitive questions. I’m available nationally via Zoom, and in-person sessions are available in the San Francisco Bay Area. During application season, communication gets more frequent—students have access to my cell number (for better or worse!).
Q: How involved are parents in the process?
A: I encourage parents to be supportive and involved in discussions about college choices and finances. At the same time, I work primarily with the student to make sure their applications reflect their authentic voice and experiences. It’s a balance—and it’s one I navigate carefully. I also maintain a commitment to confidentiality with students. If a student asks me not to share a particular discussion or topic with their parents, I respect that. Trust is the foundation of this work.
Q: Do you help students choose which colleges to apply to?
A: Absolutely. I build a college list with students, understanding their aptitudes, academic interests, career goals, preferred learning environment, and personal values. I have deep knowledge of many institutions and will help strategize the best approach for each school on the list. I focus on finding the right fit because the goal is to find a list of schools where your student will genuinely thrive.
Q: What if my student hasn't selected a major yet?
A: Many students aren’t sure about a major yet. A big part of the Discover phase is helping students explore their genuine interests without the pressure of locking in a decision. I use self-assessment tools, interest exploration, and honest conversation to help your student understand their natural aptitudes and interests. Many students find clarity through this process. And plenty of colleges don’t require students to declare a major right away, so there’s often more flexibility than families realize.
Working Together
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.
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.
Please see my "To the Parent" page! I have two kids in college and a current high school Senior. We're in this together.
Getting Started & Pricing
Q: How do we begin working with you?
A: The first step is a free consultation. It’s an informal conversation where we discuss your student’s goals, assess where they are in the process, and figure out the best path forward. There’s no obligation after this meeting—it’s simply a chance to get to know each other and see if we’re a good fit.
Q: Is there any commitment required after the initial consultation?
A: None at all. The consultation is an opportunity to discuss the process and explore working together. We’ll talk through the options that make sense for your needs. If it’s not what you had in mind, no hard feelings. I’m happy to answer questions and point you in the right direction.
Q: Do we have to start at the beginning of a school year?
A: You can start anytime. The grade-level timelines on my Services page are guidelines. I regularly work with students who come to me at any point in the application season, and even after, for transition success. I’m quite familiar with last-minute pressure and deadlines, and part of my job is helping students manage them.
Q: What do your services cost?
A: I personalize my services to each student’s needs, so costs vary depending on which program is the right fit and where your student is in the process. I offer both comprehensive multi-year programs and more focused options. The best way to get specific pricing is to schedule a free consultation. I’m always transparent about costs once I understand your situation.
Q: Do you offer any discounts or financial aid?
A: I wholeheartedly stand for equity in the admissions process, and I offer a limited number of discounted and pro bono sessions for families demonstrating financial need. I’m also available for free college admissions workshops and essay guidance in my community. Please reach out to learn about these options.