Services

The service list below gives a detailed explanation of what we will do for our clients. Because we feel that the application process provides a unique opportunity for personal growth, we expect that the student will take responsibility for managing this process: gathering necessary admission material, filling out applications, arranging for all required material to be sent, and meeting all deadlines.

Individualized Counseling
We will be available to you, the student, throughout the planning process by phone, e-mail or visits to answer questions and be of assistance as needed. We will be available to parents to discuss their student's progress.

Data Collection and Credential Review
We will conduct a lengthy interview with you in which we gather information about you, your family and your school. We will cover areas of interest, educational priorities and objectives and criteria for choosing a college. We will talk with your parents about their ideas and insight, so that a consensus can be reached on the appropriate and realistic path for your college search. We will review your grades, the intensity of your academic program, test scores, non-academic activities, and other accomplishments. Based on this information we will write a comprehensive summary and a realistic list of colleges will be compiled.

Exploration of self-assessment and goal setting
Through the use of a questionnaire and numerous interviews we will help you to better know yourself and your needs so that you can make an informed decision about what type of school would make the best match for you.

Advice on Standardized Tests
Scheduling for test taking is an important part of the college admission process. We will help you to plan what tests you should take, your strategy of preparation, the scheduling of the tests and the evaluation of the results.

Guidance for Extra Curricular Activities
Activities outside of the classroom such as athletics, art, music, volunteer work and summer experiences may need special attention in the application process. The depth or lack of such activities may need to be addressed.

Research on Colleges
Based on your criteria, credentials, interests, and goals, we will identify institutions that meet your needs. There is rarely only one college for anyone. Rather, there are usually a number of excellent schools at which you can be challenged and happy, and yet not overwhelmed. Our goal will be to recommend a spectrum of colleges which will include a few colleges where there is a strong likelihood of acceptance, a few where you meet the criteria, but acceptance is not assured, and if requested, one or two which will constitute a reach on your part. We will encourage you to apply broadly so that at the end of the admission process you will have an opportunity to choose among a number of offers of admission. Although we will pinpoint strengths and weaknesses of each college the final application decisions will be yours to make.

College Information Sheet
We will give you current information about the recommended institutions. In addition, we will research up to five schools that you have thought of as possibilities.

Preparation for College Visit and Interview
We provide outlines of what to look for during your campus visits and suggestions for scheduling the visits. We conduct practice interviews with an eye to likely questions typically asked by admission officers, your performance and presentation.

Organization of the Application Process
We will establish a timetable to help you track multiple deadlines for testing, recommendations, essays, application completion etc. We will help you to understand the expectations of college admissions, what information you should include and how to clearly present yourself

Financial Aid and Scholarships
We will provide you with resources to search for financial assistance. Although we will not search for scholarships, we will forward to you any and all information we have concerning available scholarship opportunities. We will make sure that you understand the deadlines for the FAFSA and the Profile. We will critique essays written for scholarship applications.

Essay Critique
We will help you to brainstorm essay topics. You will be encouraged to write clearly, focus on your strengths and present the reader with a clear picture of who you are. We will urge you to start early and to write as many drafts as needed. We will provide a general review of these drafts (not line by line).

Guidance and Discussion of Final Choice
Once the acceptances are received we will help you review the options and the original criteria you established. We will encourage you to choose that institution that will challenge you intellectually and yet provide you with a college experience that will give you confidence and maturity in your adult life.

Services we do not provide
College Planning Consultants believes that the strength of a student's application is based on the quality of the student's academic performance, test scores, quality of essays, achievements, talents and community contributions. These are the qualities that will make the student a competitive candidate for the college of his or her choice. Therefore, in accordance with the strict rules for independent counselors, there are a few things that we cannot and will not do. Specifically, they are:

Write or substantially revise application essays.
Knowingly misrepresent a client's credentials.
Accept compensation based on offers of admission.
Lobby admissions officers in behalf of candidates.
Promise any form of financial aid or scholarships.
Guarantee admission to any institution.