College selection is one of the most important decisions you will make during your high school years. We offer comprehensive services from interest identification and course selection planning to college list development. We work with our students throughout the application process to produce a resume that captures the student’s many interests and talents and coach them on writing authentic and competitive essays that truly reflect who they are. Through the journey we support both parents and students with the most up to date information and guidance so together we can find the best “fit” college or university for the student. Taking advantage of College Direction’s many counseling services will maximize your future educational investment dollars and minimize your risk of going in the wrong direction.
Initial Consultation
- Let’s find out about you, your interests, your dreams, and your academic record.
- We discuss what your needs are in the college search process.
- You’ll find out more about the process and how we can work together.
- As a result of this meeting, we design a customized plan for you and your family.
Four-Year Plan Review
- During your high school years, you build the foundation that will determine what choices are out there for you for your post-high school education.
- We review the classes you have taken, what you plan to take, summer school options, summer program opportunities and how they all relate to you, your academic background, and your future plans.
- We also help you with your extracurricular choices and outside interests.
- Our goal is to keep you on track, helping you make wise choices so that you will have strong and unique experiences to present on your college applications.
Building A Strong Resume
- How one spends his or her time outside the classroom can have long-term impact on directions taken in the future.
- Together we explore how to do what you love and how then to use it to make you a stronger admission candidate.
- Clients learn how to track, describe and promote their roles and accomplishments in their extracurricular life.
Testing Considerations
- A little confused by all the college entrance testing requirements?
- During our time together, we discuss your personal situation and develop a testing plan of action for you to follow that includes timeframe, deadlines, and registration process.
- The need for participating in and the opportunities that are available for SAT/ACT prep course reviews or other study skills classes is evaluated.
Summer Program Opportunities
- Colleges are most interested in how students utilize their time outside the classroom.
- We help the student in planning worthwhile summers that will make a positive impact on the application process. Opportunities such as summer school, academic enrichment programs, summer camps, travel experiences and summer employment are considered.
Essay, Applications and Recommendations
- Mrs. Blackwell coaches her students on how to get started on those daunting essays and developing ideas.
- With the eye of a former admission officer, she offers essay critique and reviews, application reviews, and protocol for recommendations, appeals and other forms of communications and correspondence with the colleges.
Interview Coaching
- Being prepared for an interview is key. We coach students prior to a scheduled admission interview or scholarship competition interview.
- We also review interviewing questions and assist students in knowing what to wear, how to behave and what to expect.
- Practicing makes the interview less stressful for the student and allows him/her to prepare to make a positive impression.
Exploring Options
- Student, parents and consultant together develop a realistic list of colleges for the student to further research and consider based on outside interest areas, course of study, academic record and admissions qualifications.
- We customize how we work together with the needs and style of the student.
- We take the role of a coach through this process and keep students on track, making sure no deadlines are missed and that we maximize all opportunities he/she might be eligible for, including financial aid, merit scholarship and Honors College opportunities.
Selection of the Best Matched College
- The final decision on accepting a college offer is the most important one of all.
- When needed, we sit down after all your admission letters are received and evaluate each place and each offer in order to make sure the right choice for the student and his/her family is made.
Transitioning to College
- We help students prepare for the sorority and fraternity recruitment process at their respective college.
- After college selection, we coach students through proper acceptance notification and housing and orientation registration procedures at their chosen college.
- We maintain contact with our clients to ensure the proper “fit” with their college, advising on college course selection and other issues college freshmen often experience.
