In 10th grade, the planning process commences with students having the opportunity to take the PSAT at their school. The results of those tests not only helps to establish some of the type of merit-based scholarships a student will be eligible for, but will also give a strong sense as to the type of colleges that may be best for that student.

At the same time, students start to visit college campuses either on virtual tours, pre packaged tours offers by their schools or tour companies, and/or they start setting up customized tours often starts about this time.  

Choosing Colleges that are "right" is a daunting task that will not only be  considered is valuable tool as we work through to help the student gain admissions, but it will assist them significantly in determining what it is that they like and do not like.   As students visit different colleges across the U.S., we as consultants try to shed some light on the colleges identified, and assist in what to look for during the college visit as we tour these campuses also. 

As the 10th grade year draws to a close, we use this time to begin a focus and heavier consentration to the detail in the extracurricular activities, such as leadership positions, employment  opportunities, community service, etc. will play into the identify the different types of colleges to visit.  We also use this time to help students prepare for supplemental applications if we know ahead of time they will be required. 


Over the summer months between the sophomore and junior year, this is  where we begin to seriously start to develop a game plan in  the admissions process and an attempt to tie up any loose ends.  It is also  during this time where we map out the individual plan for each student and develop their own individualized strategies.   This process starts by analyzing the student's needs,  determine what types of colleges or universities would be most appropriate, and then map out the schedule for the standardized testing, extracurricular involvement, and college visits that are appropriate for that student, narrowing downs process.  We also address any issues that may be lingering. 

The junior year is the heaviest year for any high school student.  Additionally, this is the year that counts the most and is probably the most stressful.  In a perfect situation,  all of the SAT/ACT testing will be completed by the end of this year and the student is finalizing their list of schools to apply to in the fall of senior year. There is always an issue with retaking the standardized tests, and the number of times the test should be taken.  This is also the time that our financial aid people start to work with families on the financial aid to maximize their awards in FREE money.

As the senior year quickly approaches following the junior year, the application process starts as soon as the senior year has started.  We try to make the summer between the junior and senior year really count, so that we can minimize the stress levels of both the student and their family.  A Student is counseled ( and discussions are provided to parents trying to cope) until the final admissions decisions are made in May of the following year. 

Many families believe that starting the college admissions process is still considered the norm.  It is not, because the level of competition has excelled significantly in recent years.  A student who starts the college admissions process later than the junior year makes the process more difficult and stressful for not only themselves, but their families because the student does not have as much time to do the necessary research, investigation needed or to reflect on which type(s) of college they might like to attend. 

While we have given you the ideal ovewview map in applying to colleges and universities across America,  The College Admissions Consultant is able to start working with students at all stages of the process.   This includes seniors who realize that it is September of their senior year, they haven’t done anything to prepare for college, or students who are hoping to transfer from Community Colleges to a 4-year school and are lagging behind. 

Students who have issues with  Learning Differences, such as ADA, ADHD, or high functioning Autism may have been discouraged at the idea of going to a college, which can not be farther from the truth. 

Perhaps your student is an Athlete who want to be recruited, an AVID student with residency issues, or  an  International Student who are seeking to study in the United States, weather they are international or a US citizen who have lived abroad.  Whatever the issues are, we have the professional expertise by which to handle your situation.

Regardless of where your student is in the process,   we will be able to work with the student and their family keeping in mind the focus of what the student is looking for in a college experience.  At all stages of the process. 

The College Admissions Consultant is a member of NACAC and HECA.