For students grades 8-11: The college admissions process is often a stressful topic for college-bound students and their families. This introductory, 30-minute phone conversation between parent/guardian and counselor includes a discussion of concerns and goals regarding the process meant to reduce that stress. Initial concerns are alleviated, and the path forward becomes clearer.

For students grades 8-10: The purpose of these 90-minute meetings between a student and myself as college counselor is three-fold: firstly, to reduce student stress by satisfying any questions or concerns regarding the college application process before these concerns might fester; secondly, to help students begin the process of self-reflection and recognize their strengths as well as challenges; and thirdly, to discover ways to act immediately upon a student’s interests, talents, and goals, rather than waiting for junior year. When college representatives read applications, what makes an applicant stand out is often a personal project that began years earlier.

For students grades 9-11: The Initial Consultation is an in-person (or virtual) 3-step service scheduled after the Introductory Conversation. In step 1, students complete a questionnaire in preparation for the 90-120 minutes meeting (step 2). This meeting usually includes discussions of the following: the student’s grades and grade goals; the creation of a college list; a review of summer and extracurricular activities and ongoing strategies; standardized testing options; and an overview of the college admission and essay writing processes. Following the meeting, the counselor provides a follow-up report with suggestions going forward based on the in-person (or virtual) meeting (step 3).

For students grades 8-10: This service is meant for students and their families who value having a counselor “on hand” throughout a school year. The package fee includes up to six one-hour meetings between the student and counselor over a given 12-month period in addition to providing answers to “quick” questions or concerns related to college goals (any amount, within reason).

For students grades 11-12: This “a-z” package includes assistance with the following: creating and updating the student’s brag/activities sheet; planning essays that form a “self-portrait” of the student that will elicit curiosity and interest in the student’s candidacy; brainstorming sessions related to essay topics and themes; a continual review of extracurricular activities and academic performance and planning; brainstorming in the creation of a long-term project that demonstrates the student’s interests and ability to act upon their interests; unlimited (within reason) online meetings and exchange of emails through college decisions (May 1 of senior year); researching colleges and their programs; meeting application deadlines; college visit and interview advice and preparation; the planning involved with the completion of applications themselves; the editing of college essays (which may include more than 20); and general advocacy and support.

As a committed student advocate, although my main focus is assisting students in the college admissions process, I also view the undertaking as a unique opportunity for their personal growth. Through trusted collaborations, my students develop skills in introspection and organization that will serve them, not only in the creation of effective college applications but also as useful tools for a lifetime.

- Nina Swan