Frequently Asked Questions

Do top students with great grades and high SAT scores really need help to get into selective colleges?
Yes, because there are lots of students with great statistics. The subjective  factors such as teacher recommendations, compelling essays and demonstrated passion for an activity or cause may make the difference, and a coach helps the student accentuate these positives.

Do you work with students who have struggled in high school?
Yes! If student has at least a 2.5 GPA and wants to go to a four-year college, there are schools that are an appropriate match. There are also schools that have great support systems for students with learning differences.

When should a student start getting coaching?
Students are accepted for coaching as early as ninth grade and as late as November 1st of their senior year (pending available space).
“Jodi has a rare quality that allows her to connect with high school students. Without her coaching I sincerely doubt our son would have received as many admission and merit-scholarship offers.”
- Dave, parent

College Counseling Services


    ​Jodi Walder-Biesanz, Emily Standish and Deb Sankovitz provide independent college counseling services based in Portland, Oregon from westside and eastside locations. Customized, comprehensive college planning and application assistance includes:

    • Pre-college Planning: high-school course review (including Advanced Placement/International Baccalaureate options); extracurricular review; community service review; summer experience review; internship or work experience review; advice regarding standardized testing (what tests to take when and investment in prep courses)

    • College Selection: college aspiration review; student likes/dislikes in relation to college type, location, and culture; review of student career interests and possible college majors; financial considerations; transcript and class rank review; suggestions of colleges to research; review of support systems available at colleges being considered; creation of college wish list including safety, match and reach schools; tools for college comparison; college visit planning; blogging and “insider” resources about colleges

    • Application Process: application timeline creation; advice regarding early decision, early admission, and early action options; assistance with the common application and school-specific applications; disclosure of special needs; disclosure of special circumstances; reference letter advice; admission essay topic selection; admission essay critique and editing; synergy of multiple essays; student resume creation; student website creation; Facebook/social networking review; admission and alumni interview practice

    • Scholarships and Financial Aid: financial aid resources; financial aid guidance on FAFSA and CSS Profile; scholarship resources; scholarship essay topic selection; scholarship essay critique and editing

    • Decision-making: review of admission offers and assistance with the decision process; admitted student visits/overnights; appeal negotiations; waitlist follow-through; negotiation of offer packages

    Coaching may be performed face-to-face, by phone, Skype or via email. Most coaching uses a mix of all of these communication methods. Face-to-face coaching is performed in Portland, Oregon. Students from other geographic areas will be considered, but a minimum of one face-to-face meeting with the coach is desired.


    Comprehensive college counseling  
    Westside: Jodi Walder-Biesanz,  jodi.walder@comcast.net, (503) 720-7114,  
    Eastside: Emily Standish, emilystandish@comcast.net, (503) 267-4605, 
    Portland Metro: Debra Sankovitz, debra.sankovitz@gmail.com, (503) 901-0059,
    College Admission Coach, LLC makes no representations, warranties or guarantees about admission to any school. 
    Content copyright 2009-2016. College Admission Coach, LLC. All rights reserved.
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