SERVICES

Students and their families need different levels of support when it comes to applying for college. These packages are designed to help students wherever they are in the application process. Each service is aimed at making the process as low stress as possible by providing direct guidance and expertise, all while keeping the individual student front and center. All packages are available in person for those living in the East Bay (or virtually by request).

Comprehensive Package

This package guides families through the entire college application process from beginning to end. Ideally, our work would start near the end of sophomore year or beginning of junior year, giving us plenty of time to proactively shape a college list. It includes:

  • Personality and Intelligences self-assessments utilizing AchieveWorks state-of-the-art software

  • Academic planning, including 11th and 12th grade course selection, standardized testing options, exploration of educational opportunities outside of the classroom, advice on letters of recommendation

  • Extracurricular planning, including guidance around summer plans/programs, in-school activities, and volunteer work to align with a student’s goals and interests

  • Development of a balanced college list and guidance on admission strategy*

  • Guidance on navigating financial aid, including merit aid, scholarships, and need-based aid

  • College essay support, including brainstorming, drafting, and editing of all college essays, including UC Personal Insight Questions, the Common Application Personal Essay, and all supplemental essays*

  • Review of all application materials

  • Ongoing support to ensure tasks are completed, deadlines are met, and questions are answered

*All components of the College List + Essay Support Package are included in the Comprehensive Package.

College List + Essay Support Package

This package starts by helping students develop a balanced college list that is a strong academic, personal, and financial fit. We then shift our focus to college essays. Ideally, our work would start during the second half of junior year. It includes:

  • Thorough examination of a student’s academic record, personal interests, and goals using student and parent surveys and interviews

  • Development of an initial college list that will be thoughtfully refined until final list is determined

  • Guided research on colleges to shape college list

  • College essay support, including brainstorming, drafting, and editing of all college essays, including UC Personal Insight Questions, the Common Application Personal Essay, and all supplemental essays

Complete Essay Guidance Package

The college essays are where students can stand out among thousands of applicants with similar academic records. This package guides through every step of the college essay process. Ideally, students our work would start at the end of junior year/early summer of senior year. It includes:

  • Overview of college essay process for each type of application

  • Brainstorming of essay topics to ensure student’s strengths and story are highlighted

  • Guided drafting and editing of all college essays, including UC Personal Insight Questions, the Common Application Personal Essay, and all supplemental essays

  • Ongoing support and deadlines to ensure essay work is paced in a realistic, sustainable way