Frequently Asked Questions
What is your opinion regarding the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT, Quillbot and Wordtune during the college application process?
Students sign an ethics statement that says the work they submit is their own creation. Please see our detailed policy.
Do you write essays for students?
No, we never write essays for any student. We sign an ethics pledge, and so does the student, that their submissions are 100% their own work. We do help students brainstorm and select essay topics, and we most definitely teach students how to write effective personal narrative. Many students report back to us that our writing tutorials helped them be more successful during college.
Do you help students with finding and creating passion projects?
Yes, we love to help students explore their interests and create projects that align with them. The earlier a student starts with us, the more help we can provide since many worthy projects span multiple years.
Do top students with great grades and high SAT/ACT 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, extracurricular activities, community service and demonstrated passion for an activity or cause may make the difference, and a coach helps the student accentuate these positives.
In a test-optional landscape, should students still take the SAT or ACT?
Test prep and planning are highly individualized. We help each family decide (ideally by the end of sophomore year) whether or not testing should be part of the student's college prep process.
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.
Do you help students plan for and request accommodations?
We are very knowledgeable about accommodations for IEP and 504 plans and what students may request from their high school and testing centers. We also have substantial experience with the requirements for being awarded accommodations during college. We give students the information they need to advocate for themselves.
Do you work with students outside of Oregon, Washington and California?
Yes! Appointments with our coaches are available virtually, and we have a large roster of students from all over the U.S. and abroad.
Do you help students apply to universities outside the U.S.?
Yes! There are lots of programs taught in English at schools abroad, and we love to help students explore those options.
Do you work with non-U.S. citizens applying to American colleges?
Yes! We love helping non-U.S. citizens who are fluent in English apply to colleges in the U.S.
Do you help with planning the gap year?
Yes, we love to help students plan a gap year. We typically recommend that they apply to college with their high school cohort and then defer for a gap year rather than applying during their gap year.
If a student takes a gap year after high school, will they still be your student until they enter college?
Yes!
Do you work with students applying to Master’s/PhD/MD/JD/MBA programs or Post-Graduate Fellowships?
We do this work on a selective basis, most commonly with students who worked with us for undergraduate coaching. Please let us know your situation if this is of interest to you.
When should a student start getting coaching?
Students are accepted for coaching as early as second semester of eighth grade and as late as December 1st of their senior year (pending available space).
Does it cost more for a freshman to start working with you versus a junior?
No. We charge a flat rate for comprehensive coaching regardless of when students start because we need to accomplish the same amount of tasks in either a longer or shorter time frame. We encourage students to start when they feel excited about the college search and application process.
Do you give financial advice?
No. We are not financial advisors, and we suggest you work with your CPA or financial advisor as early as possible to strategize how to save for your student's college costs. We do inform families about the financial aid process and alert them to deadlines.
Is there a "half" comprehensive package?
No. We offer comprehensive coaching, App Camp and hourly services. Most families choose comprehensive services, and some families choose to combine App Camp and hourly to fit their budget. Our goal is to be completely transparent about the cost of working with us. Details are here.
Students sign an ethics statement that says the work they submit is their own creation. Please see our detailed policy.
Do you write essays for students?
No, we never write essays for any student. We sign an ethics pledge, and so does the student, that their submissions are 100% their own work. We do help students brainstorm and select essay topics, and we most definitely teach students how to write effective personal narrative. Many students report back to us that our writing tutorials helped them be more successful during college.
Do you help students with finding and creating passion projects?
Yes, we love to help students explore their interests and create projects that align with them. The earlier a student starts with us, the more help we can provide since many worthy projects span multiple years.
Do top students with great grades and high SAT/ACT 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, extracurricular activities, community service and demonstrated passion for an activity or cause may make the difference, and a coach helps the student accentuate these positives.
In a test-optional landscape, should students still take the SAT or ACT?
Test prep and planning are highly individualized. We help each family decide (ideally by the end of sophomore year) whether or not testing should be part of the student's college prep process.
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.
Do you help students plan for and request accommodations?
We are very knowledgeable about accommodations for IEP and 504 plans and what students may request from their high school and testing centers. We also have substantial experience with the requirements for being awarded accommodations during college. We give students the information they need to advocate for themselves.
Do you work with students outside of Oregon, Washington and California?
Yes! Appointments with our coaches are available virtually, and we have a large roster of students from all over the U.S. and abroad.
Do you help students apply to universities outside the U.S.?
Yes! There are lots of programs taught in English at schools abroad, and we love to help students explore those options.
Do you work with non-U.S. citizens applying to American colleges?
Yes! We love helping non-U.S. citizens who are fluent in English apply to colleges in the U.S.
Do you help with planning the gap year?
Yes, we love to help students plan a gap year. We typically recommend that they apply to college with their high school cohort and then defer for a gap year rather than applying during their gap year.
If a student takes a gap year after high school, will they still be your student until they enter college?
Yes!
Do you work with students applying to Master’s/PhD/MD/JD/MBA programs or Post-Graduate Fellowships?
We do this work on a selective basis, most commonly with students who worked with us for undergraduate coaching. Please let us know your situation if this is of interest to you.
When should a student start getting coaching?
Students are accepted for coaching as early as second semester of eighth grade and as late as December 1st of their senior year (pending available space).
Does it cost more for a freshman to start working with you versus a junior?
No. We charge a flat rate for comprehensive coaching regardless of when students start because we need to accomplish the same amount of tasks in either a longer or shorter time frame. We encourage students to start when they feel excited about the college search and application process.
Do you give financial advice?
No. We are not financial advisors, and we suggest you work with your CPA or financial advisor as early as possible to strategize how to save for your student's college costs. We do inform families about the financial aid process and alert them to deadlines.
Is there a "half" comprehensive package?
No. We offer comprehensive coaching, App Camp and hourly services. Most families choose comprehensive services, and some families choose to combine App Camp and hourly to fit their budget. Our goal is to be completely transparent about the cost of working with us. Details are here.
"Loving my college so much has pushed me to do better and study more, and I now do better in college than I did in high school. My roommate is from New York City, my two best friends are from St. Louis and my big in my sorority is actually from Eugene! Thank you so much for guiding me to this decision throughout my junior and senior year in high school because I couldn't imagine myself anywhere besides Ole Miss."
-Rachel, student
-Rachel, student
“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
- Dave, parent