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 second semester of eigth 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

"Sincerely, I don't think I would be where I am today if it wasn't for Rachel. Her passion and belief in me encouraged me to apply to top universities, and her expertise helped me to secure a spot in one! She's warm, understanding, and very sharp! From giving amazing editing tips to video calls and chats about life in between, I am grateful to have met her and to have gotten the chance to work with her. From one student to another, let her help you!"  Claire, student 

College Counseling Services


    College Admission Coach provides customized, comprehensive college planning and application assistance including:

    • 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, Zoom, using shared Google Drive folders or via email. Most coaching uses a mix of all of these communication methods. Face-to-face coaching is available in Portland, Oregon, Southwest Washington and Tacoma, Wasington.