Planning for college can be one of the most stressful things students and families go through. The process should be inspiring, not stressful!
My philosophy for college planning is helping guide students toward self discovery to find their passion for college. I use information and knowledge as my guide in putting students in control, helping to eliminate fear and anxiety.
My process is holistic and comes from my experiences as an educator, parent and admissions representative. I help students discover what they want to do in college through career interest profiling, and I base the process of finding a college and major on this.
I engage students, getting them to take an active role in the process of transitioning to college or between colleges. My goal is guiding students toward college success, helping them find colleges that fit them as well as their interests and learning styles.
Finally, I believe each student has different needs and offer hourly consulting based on this belief. I do not believe in a one-size-flts-all approach to advising and charge accordingly. My goal is helping students with what they need, and letting them control the rest.
Time Frame for College Counseling:
High School Students: It is best to begin working with students no later than fall semester of their junior year. However, no time is too late to begin planning for college success! I can help bring seniors in high school up to speed on the path to college process.
Transfer Students: Students should contact me as soon as they decide to transfer from their current institution. The process of transferring colleges can take longer than expected; I know this first hand as I transferred between colleges.
Graduate Program Applicants: Graduate applicants should plan to take at least a year planning for where to attend, including standardized test preparation and/or portfolio preparation for visual artists.
Time Off Before College:
While most students enter college immediately after high school, some need time to figure out what they want to study and where they want to be in 5 to 10 years. There are several options for students that need a break between high school and college, a so-called "gap year". Some students are not yet prepared for the intensity of academics in college coursework, and a gap year can help them mature and learn to focus their energies more on college after a time of reflection and self-directed learning.