This program includes:

• Proactive design of a plan that addresses academic coursework, extracurricular activities, and summer programs/jobs
• Individual counseling to encourage personal growth and development
• Regular check-in meetings to monitor progress and reassess student goals/accomplishments

We’ll spend time getting to know your student both personally and academically. 

Topics discussed may include:

• Academic progress to date
• Course selections for the following year
• Interests, extracurricular involvement 
• Resume building
• Summer plans 
• Student’s perceived strengths and weaknesses 
• Personal goals and aspirations (and how these relate to strengths/weaknesses)
• Introduction to college visitations and types of colleges that may be in line with their interests, goals, and grades/scores to date
• Option to complete detailed computer-based personality/career/interest inventory 
• Introduction to the college process 
• Standardized testing timeline.

The Personal Best College Coaching plan is designed to be flexible to accommodate each family's needs, with each meeting covering specific topics. 

We will discuss:

• Transcripts 
• Report cards 
• Course selections for the following year 
• Testing timeline/standardized test scores 
• Extracurricular activities 
• Honors and awards
• Summer plans 
• Personal Best College Search Student Assessment and schools already under consideration
• The college application process/terminology
• College visits
• Interview tips
• Standardized Testing Preparation

We will make recommendations for a testing timeline and discuss different types of test preparation depending on the needs of each student and can even do a free diagnostic test. We have a list of private SAT/ACT tutors and companies we work with and will make appropriate recommendations.

List Development and Research Facilitation

After the initial meeting, we will research all college options and generate a customized list of potential schools based on our initial meeting and the survey results. 

We will set up an online session with each student to walk them through how to effectively research a college online so that they are able to make an informed choice as to how each school “rates” in terms of their priorities. We will work with the student and family to refine the list of schools to consider. 

Essays, Applications and Interviews

During the summer and fall of senior year, we will focus on completing the essays and supplements for the applications. 

Our application process includes:

• Working together to determine the application timeline for each student
• Strategizing on whether or not to take advantage of Early Decision and Early Action options 
• Online tools to help the student keep track of schools, requirements and essays 
• Reviewing applications for accuracy and thoroughness before they are submitted
• Where appropriate, we will also conduct mock-interviews and provide interview tips
• Optional essay-writing workshop with counselor and writing coaches
• Brainstorming session to help the student develop ideas for the main essay and any supplements
• Feedback all essay drafts until they are finalized
• Decision support and financial aid

After students receive acceptances, we can help facilitate the decision-making process by helping the student and family evaluate the pros and cons of each option.