Planning for college begins early in high school when thoughtful curriculum choices and meaningful involvement in work, community service, athletics, or extracurricular activities can build the profile of an attractive applicant for college admissions.  At College Counsel LLC we can assist with that planning at each stage of the high school career, advising on the decisions that should be made along the way, and then assisting with the college choices and application process. The following lists describe the guidance we offer during each year of high school.

Senior year counseling:

• Critique student and family expectations, objectives
• Review academic record and senior year plan
• Discuss, plan, or review standardized testing
• Fine tune the list of colleges
• Review student’s interests, skills, talents, achievements, and extracurricular activities; identify how the student’s profile will distinguish the application package
• Develop a plan of organization, time management, and a schedule for the student’s application process
• Provide guidance for the personal statement and other supporting essay questions including editing assistance
• Assist in the development of a resume; advise on supplemental portfolios or CD’s/DVD’s
• Provide guidance on making the most of the college interview, college visits
• Discuss letters of recommendation
• Provide guidance on Early Decision I and II and Early Action strategies, if appropriate
• Review financial aid issues
  
• Advise on any other issues of concern to student or parents during the application process

Junior year counseling:

• Critique student and family expectations, objectives
• Review academic record and plan curriculum for junior and senior years
• Discuss standardized testing options and strategy
• Review test preparation options
• Plan and schedule test dates
• Develop a working list of colleges
• Plan college visits
• Provide guidance on making the most of the college interview, college visits
• Review student’s interests, skills, talents, achievements, and extracurricular activities; identify how the student’s profile will distinguish the application package
• Plan summer activities and identify extracurricular opportunities to enhance the student’s profile
• Review information on Early Decision I and II and Early Action strategies, if appropriate
• Advise on any other issues of concern to student or parents during the application process

Sophomore and Freshman year counseling:

• Review academic record and plan curriculum
• Discuss student’s interests, skills, talents, and plan extracurricular and summer activities with the objective of developing a distinguishing student profile
• Discuss standardized testing options and strategy
• Review test preparation options