Private College Consulting
Hear What OUR Clients Have To Say…
Over the past twenty years, I’ve helped guide hundreds of students through every facet of the college admissions process, supporting them in gaining acceptance to some of the world’s top universities. Today, I’m proud to work alongside an exceptional team of experts who bring their own experience, insight, and dedication to each student we serve.
People often ask us when it’s time to start thinking about college. Of course, the answer differs from person to person – we have clients that start with me in middle school because they want to get a jump on course selection, summer plans and financial considerations, and as late as the first semester of twelfth grade, when they find out the applications and the essays are far more overwhelming than they anticipated.
Regardless of where you are in this process, our team has one goal:
To get you into the best school for you.
Holding your hand through it all.
As independent college admissions consultants, the College Expert team supports students through every stage of the admissions journey—from standardized testing strategies and summer planning to building a thoughtful college list, selecting recommenders, organizing campus visits, and crafting standout essays. Our approach is highly personalized, tailored to each student’s unique strengths, goals, and aspirations. We ensure that every part of the application presents a clear, compelling, and cohesive message—one that aligns with the values and expectations of their target schools.
Why Private Consulting Might Be Better For You
The college admissions process can feel overwhelming; there are so many conflicting messages out there and the last thing you want to do is go about things the wrong way. Our straightforward, yet nurturing approach appeals to parents and students alike, and when you’re working with us, you’re entirely taken care of. From the school selection process to crafting the personal statement, Alexis and her team will guide you through every step to ensure that you don’t waste any time or resources – and of course, so that you get into the schools that are best for you.
We Do Things A Bit Differently
Our service is unique because we are entirely holistic. We look at the whole student – taking into account all of the aspects that contribute to their story. From the student’s academic profile to their extra curricular activities, hobbies, cultural backgrounds, and everything in between – we want our students to show admissions offices who they truly are…with integrity and an original voice. This approach has ensured that our students not only have incredible success in the application process but that they also end up at the schools that are truly right for them.
Here’s an overview of what WE accomplish with OUR clients in the various stages of their journeys:
9th-11th grade:
When parents bring us on to work with their students from 9th-11th grade, we focus on preparing them to have a high school career that is strategic and conducive to getting into their desired schools. We will work on selecting courses, resume-building, strategizing how to approach the SAT/ACT, creating a college list, scheduling college visits, and overall, crafting a compelling and engaging profile.
12th grade:
Once students are in twelfth grade, we’ll continue to hone the college list and strategize deadlines as we focus on the applications themselves – from essay writing to resumes and last minute tours.
Private college consulting includes, but is not limited to, the following:
-Academic strategy
-Course Selection
-SAT/ACT planning
-Resume building (community service, athletics, arts, activities)
-Scheduling/planning college tours
-Personal branding & marketing
-College list development
-Outreach to admissions advisors
-Waitlist/Deferral strategies
-Parent Education
-Pre-College Life Coaching
-Demonstrated interest
-Recommendations
-Deadline strategy (Early Decision, Early Action, Regular Decision, etc.)
-Assistance with filling out the application (Common Application, UC Application, etc.)
-Crafting the personal statement
-Crafting the supplemental essays
-Financial aid/scholarship strategy
-Portal System Assistance
-Letters of Continued Interest
-College admission to-do list
Student Profile Strategy Session
(Done anywhere from 9th – 12th grade)
For each of our clients, we do a Student Profile Strategy Session during which we discuss the landscape of the process as it relates to the individual student. This includes but is not limited to:
-Academic history & profile
-Student’s interests & passions
-How the student/family envisions the college experience
-Whether the student has an idea about small/large/rural/urban universities
-Testing
-Summer plans
-Tours
-Recommendations
We cover a lot of territory in about 90 minutes, after which we come up with a preliminary list of schools for the student to research and begin crafting the through line of the student’s application (their “story” based on their interests and profile). In addition, we’ll discuss plans for test prep and when/if the student will be taking his first round of SATs or ACTs.
How To Begin:
Step 1:
Fill out the intake form. This is allows us to get to know you, where you are in the process, what you need, and how we can help.
Step 2:
Once we receive the intake form a line of communication will be opened up via email where we will send you packaging and pricing information and answer any other questions you may have before moving forward.
Step 3:
To move forward after reviewing packaging info and pricing, you can then schedule your Student Profile Strategy Session on the calendar link we will send you.