Q: Why work with an educational consultant?
A: The process of college admissions has become increasingly complex for all involved. Studies show that high school guidance counselors, while likely caring very deeply about offering assistance to students, often experience ratios as high as 500:1. This makes it difficult for them to provide individual assistance. Some families find that working with an Independent Educational Consultant provides their student the personal attention their high school counselor no longer has the time to offer. I give individual attention to students. I evaluate transcripts – making certain that courses taken will satisfy college entrance requirements for specific colleges and universities. I also carefully craft a college list that individually fits the student’s needs and their family’s situation. I prepare students for college entrance exams, assisting with the essay writing and editing process while also helping families understand college financial planning and scholarship options.
Q: Do you write the essays for the students?
A: No. Students write their own essays using prompts provided by the Common Application and individual colleges and universities. It is unethical for any consultant to write essays for a student. It is essential to understand that admissions committees can tell the difference between essays written by a student from those written by a professional or parent. However, I’ll work closely with students, encouraging them to edit, rewrite, and craft their essays to bring out their individual, best voices. The vital element is to start early – in the summer before the student’s senior year, and to thoughtfully approach the essay-writing project together with the student, in an individual and personal manner. In this way, the final essay(s) that the student submits to her/his college provides the admissions committee a sample of that student’s authentic voice as well as a thoughtful and well-crafted essay.
Q: When is the best time to start working with an educational consultant?
A: While there is no “best” time to begin working with an educational consultant, most students find that it is critical to begin no later than the beginning of 11th grade (or junior year). We, at Corin Education Strategies, find that the earlier parents and students begin working with an educational consultant, the easier and less stressful the student’s senior year can be.
I recommend that, whenever possible, we begin working with students and parents in the 7th through 9th grades. In these grades, my work is typically to examine transcripts, test scores, and to suggest course selection, extra-curricular activities and summer programs that ensure the student is on an appropriate academic course to help enrich the student’s overall profile. This also provides me the opportunity to begin to know the student and build rapport, so that once the student reaches those critical final years of high school, we have already accomplished much of the work toward the application process and that work becomes smoother and considerably less stressful.
Q: In addition to your comprehensive rate package, do you also have an hourly rate?
A: I have both a comprehensive rate package and an hourly rate. Most of my clients find that the comprehensive rate package is more cost effective for them, but I am happy to discuss both options with you at the initial consultation. You decide which option works best for your family. I accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and personal checks.
Q: Do you work with students with special needs?
A: Yes, I work with learning disabled (LD) students and am happy to discuss your student’s special learning issues. I have visited many colleges and universities across the nation over many years and am familiar with programs and resources for learning disabled students. I work with a wonderful network of professional, independent counselors and college admissions representatives who remain informed about resources for students with learning disabilities at specific colleges across the United States. If there is a question that I cannot answer, one of these wonderful colleagues will assist.
Q: Do you work with transfer students?
A: Absolutely! I am happy to work with transfer students from the university and community college level. Please feel free to contact me with your individual situation and questions.
Q: Is admission to a college or university guaranteed?
A: No one can guarantee any student or parent admission to a specific college or university. It is unethical for an advisor or consultant to promise you that they are able to do this. What I can do is carefully analyze your transcripts: look at your overall grade point average, the rigor of the courses you have taken, and the actual number and type of courses taken. I then explore your extra-curricular and school-based activities and explore the colleges and universities that describe where you would like to spend your next four years. Finally, I develop a college list that best fits the profile I have developed for you. It includes colleges in which you both want to attend, both universities and liberal arts colleges, and for which you appear to be a good fit. To the best of my ability, based on carefully selected data, I’ll craft a list of colleges for you, which includes “reach,” “fit,” and “safety” colleges and universities. I cannot, however, guarantee your acceptance.
Q: I do not live in Southern California. Can I still work with you?
A: Yes! I work with students from all over the United States by way of Facetime, Skype, and my online portal through Guided Path. During Junior Year, meetings with students take place once every two weeks while senior students meet once weekly. Students upload information on the online portal as needed, communicating with me via text message or e-mail. Meeting with out-of-state students is very easily accomplished. Remember that today’s students are very comfortable with technology!