Find Competent, Experienced Independent College Counseling at The Admission Edge
COLLEGE ADVISING SERVICES
Freshmen and Sophomores
I will work with parents and students to:
· Provide personal, one-on-one support and encouragement to reduce stress for students and parents in the pre-college process
· Assess academics, activities, interests, passions, talents, potential and goals
· Identify strengths and weaknesses providing suggestions to strengthen any problem areas
· Make recommendations for course selection, standardized testing, activities and summer plans.
Juniors and Seniors
I will work with parents and students to help them meet their academic and personal goals by:
· Providing personal, one-on-one advice, support and encouragement to reduce stress for students and parents
· Assessing or reassessing academics, activities, interests, passions, talents, potential and goals and making appropriate recommendations
· Identifying strengths and weaknesses with suggestions for improving any problem areas
· Highlighting any unique qualities which can make the student standout in the application process.
Specific services available:
· Assessing courses, grades, extracurricular activities from a college admissions perspective · Developing a preliminary list of potential college options which broadens a student’s range · Revising and balancing the college list as a student’s focus develops · Developing a visitation plan and providing direction on researching schools · Establishing a test preparation plan and test schedule · Providing advice on nurturing relationships with high school counselors, teachers and college admissions officers · Advising students on which teachers to select to write recommendations and how to approach them · Discussing possible majors · Offering direction for athletes · Polishing interview skills · Brainstorming essay topics · Reviewing the “Brag Sheet” · Developing a resume/activities grid · Providing advice on creating a portfolio, CD, DVD, etc. to highlight a talent · Sharing the basics of applying for financial aid · Guiding through the Early Decision/Early Action process · Advising students and families with the acceptance decisions · Preparing for the transition to college
I can create a timetable with specific, definable objectives to assist students and parents with reaching their goals. I am also willing to oversee the successful completion of these goals.
Essay Writing
In today’s competitive climate of college admissions, schools are searching for ways to get to know applicants which go beyond the barrage of GPA, ranking, SAT and ACT numbers. To this end, colleges are including more essay and short answer questions on their applications. Therefore, students may be required to write several essays. It has been my experience that this is the most challenging part of the college application, even for the best writers. This is the “procrastination” section of the college application.
I will provide students with the opportunity to communicate their true selves through their essays. We will brainstorm ideas, develop outlines, and attempt to demonstrate what makes them unique and appropriate “fits” for the colleges of their choice. While I will never write an essay for a student, my experience has taught me how to encourage students to find their own voices and express themselves well. I will review drafts and will make suggestions for improvements in style, grammar, vocabulary and structure.
Application Review
Nothing will sink a college application faster than a statement on the Boston College application which says, “I would like to study psychology at Georgetown.” Completing 12-15 applications can be confusing and daunting. I am available to review completed applications to identify any mistakes or omissions.
College Advising Packages Initial Consultation The initiation consultation includes: · An evaluation of the student’s questionnaire, transcript, school profile, course of studies, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities and summer activities prior to the meeting · A one hour meeting with student and parents/guardians to discuss the student’s profile and to develop realistic goals. · A timetable with specific, demonstrable objectives (i.e. completion of personal statement, completion of application, etc.) for the student to follow · A list of suggested college options to research Junior/Senior Package In addition to the Initial Consultation, this package offers: · An hour long September planning session to update goals and objectives and to create a final list · Access to the adviser at for an additional four hours during the student’s junior and senior years. When your student has questions or concerns about academic issues, summer plans, standardized tests, college list development, visits, interviews, extracurricular activities, essays or applications, he/she can contact the adviser for help. Contact can be in person, on the phone, via Skype or email. (Time will be charged by the quarter hour.) Super Senior The Super Senior package includes the benefits of the Junior/Senior package but adds a weekly email and phone reminder to the student between September 15th and December 15th to help the very busy senior student reach the established goals and /or objectives. Students will be expected to confirm their progress with weekly attachments. If a student does not respond within 48 hours, parents will be notified by email. After review, if attachments need corrections or improvements, the adviser will request an appointment with the student which will be charged against the 4 open hours of advising included in the package. Essay Evaluation Some of the most selective colleges have their own essays. In addition, supplemental essays and short answer essays are as important to the process as the Personal Statement. In this package, students can email their Common Application Personal Statement or three short answer essays and they will be carefully reviewed for content, spelling, grammar, tone, style, etc. A 30 minute conversation to discuss the adviser’s suggestions will follow. Adviser will proof the final draft. Application Review Each application will be reviewed online. The student will have a 30 minute conversation with the adviser to discuss any problems, omissions, changes, etc. The essays will be read for appropriateness of topic and general impression. Hourly Assistance Students and their families may find they need additional hours or simply want to meet to discuss an issue, review a form or need help with a problem. In person counseling can be arranged in Randolph, Chester, Mendham, Harding, Peapack Gladstone, Bedminster, Bernardsville, Chatham, Madison, Short Hills and Summit, NJ. Susan is also available to meet face-to-face with students in Alexandria and Arlington, VA.
Please call 201-632-3343 for fees
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