College Admissions Counseling

Why choose College Goals to guide both your child and yourself through the critically important challenge of preparing for and gaining admission to college?

We have not only read thousands of college applications, but also talked to hundreds of students during their college careers. WE KNOW what makes a successful college student. Motivation to learn and to contribute to a learning community that 'fits' is the key to success, not just motivation to 'get in'. The right attitude and the right environment provide students with the confidence that is necessary to succeed in college and in life.

For three decades, we have been mentoring, motivating and celebrating students. We enjoy young people - their energy, their courage, and their dreams.

We support our young clients to discover the things that set their hearts and minds on fire, and to achieve their highest academic and personal goals. College Goals students know that their counselor is there for them personally, to cheer and commiserate, as well as to advise.

Here are some of the services included in an on-going consulting relationship:

College Goals counselors:
  • Guide, encourage, motivate and coach students and parents through the complex, confusing and stressful process of college preparation and admission.
  • Establish realistic educational goals and expectations.
  • Review the student's academic record for balance, notable achievements, and weaknesses.
  • Realistically assess talents, skills, accomplishments and interests, and determine how best to present exceptional abilities and goals.
  • Enable the student and family to determine at least eight colleges appropriate for application.
  • Develop a personal admission plan and schedule.
  • Provide guidance and timetable for obtaining necessary standardized test preparation (SAT, ACT, TOEFL).
  • Provide preparation and guidance for college visits and interviews.
  • Assist the student in highlighting strengths in a personal presentation ('brag') sheet.
  • Provide guidance about whom to ask for recommendations, and how to approach recommenders.
  • Recommend initiatives and programs to maximize and demonstrate strengths or to improve student's weaknesses through enrichment and/or summer programs.
  • Guide and motivate the development of, and provide editing for, the student's all-important essays and personal statements, and all parts of the application preparation. (Yes, spelling and grammar, too!)
  • Mentor the parents as well as the student, to facilitate both the child's preparation for college and the parents' preparation for that moment of change when their child becomes a college student.
  • Listen to the student; listen to the parents.
  • Respect individual learning styles and recommend support systems when needed. Make sure each student understands how s/he learns best and that s/he applies to colleges with appropriate teaching/learning philosophies and facilities.
  • Encourage applicants to take ownership of the admissions process so they know exactly why they are applying to each school on their list, and that they know, understand and are excited about the opportunities that are available to them there.
  • Help the student to make appropriate contacts on the campuses to which s/he is applying so s/he can arrive on campus knowing where to go for advice and support with academic and personal interests.
  • Help review and evaluate the student's admissions and financial aid options after colleges have made their decisions, to help determine the best possible outcome.