Finding the path to success and fulfillment is not always easy. Ideally, the college process enables students and families to identify the strongest combination of variables that will translate into the most meaningful and rewarding undergraduate experience. The volume of information and maze of related tasks can be overwhelming and confusing.
I attended University
of Rochester undergraduate (’95) and completed my graduate work at Columbia
University with an MA in Social Studies (’98) and an MA in Learning
Disabilities (’01). I was a NYC public special
education high school teacher for nine years and tutored private school students during
that time. I left the City in 2004 and rebuilt my private practice in Westchester, NY.
After "unofficially" going through the college process with students
and their families for 12 years, I decided to develop an official component of
my business in 2008 that offers college advising services and support. My core
philosophy is to empower students to engage and be accountable in
this process, and provide the guidance, support and understanding families need to make thoughtful and informed decisions. I truly love working with teenagers. Their energy keeps me inspired (and often, laughing).
Though stressful and anxiety producing, the college process should be a time of self-exploration,
growth, and accountability. Students should not feel that this process is
happening to them or being done for them; rather, they should understand what
is required of them to maximize their potential for the best possible
outcomes. Ultimately, there are no guarantees, but when you have the
information to make solid decisions and have realistic expectations it sure
makes for an easier ride.
Understanding that this process demands a highly personalized approach, I offer services that reflect the differentiated needs of individual families. Building relationships grounded in collaboration and accessibility is my central priority.
Foundation Package (junior/senior year)
Full service college guidance that includes school selection/list development, consultation and oversight of all process related tasks and application requirements.
Includes:
Data Collection (GPA/test scores, transcript review, school characteristics survey, academic interests, special program considerations); Identification of schools that fall into the "likely" "possible" and "reach" categories; How to research schools and maximize campus visits; Organization and oversight of all timeline related tasks; Developing relationships with admissions officers and maximizing yield potential; Corresponding with admission officers; Interview information and prep; Standardized test planning and score reporting strategy; Application Organization and strategy; Access to a custom College Plan page; Full application process support (resume, application review, essays, supplements, scholarships and special programs); Unlimited email and phone support
List Review (junior/senior year)
For families who only want feedback/evaluation of their established college list.
Includes:
Data Collection (GPA/test scores, transcript review, school characteristics survey, academic interests, special program considerations); Review of Naviance/SCOIR/Maya Learning graphs; Competitive balance analysis indicating reach/match/likely; Additional school suggestions to expand/balance your established list; Resources to organize/streamline your college research; Unlimited email/phone support until a final list is achieved
Just The Facts
For families who have limited consultation needs throughout the process.
Includes:
Meetings scheduled upon request; Time is tracked and billed hourly
Preliminary Consultation and Support (sophomore year)
A single consultation session for 10th grade students and their families who want to begin thinking about and understanding the college process.
Includes:
College process overview; course selection; extracurricular activities; summer plans; differentiating between the SAT and ACT; creating a testing plan for junior year; ongoing consultation/support for remainder of the school year
Additional Services
Application essay writing packages
Transfer process package options
