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College and Secondary School Placement

We’ll provide comprehensive guidance to find the right fit for your child by exploring campus options tailored to your child’s strengths. To make this match, we will arrange a series of interviews with you and your child, and carefully analyze and discuss your child’s academic records and educational testing.

With thousands of colleges and hundreds of prep schools, sorting through campus options has becomes increasingly complex – especially given the current demographic peak of teenagers. We think of the search process as a journey consisting of several steps:

1. Assessment of Students’ Strengths and Composition of an Optimal Student Action Plan Consisting of Academic, Activities, and Enrichment
2. Course Planning and Standardized Test Preparation that leverage the students’ weakness with their strengths and affinities.
3. Establishment of School or College List Consisting of an Appropriate Blend of Three Levels
4. Strategies to Optimize Campus Visits, Interviews, Essay Writing, and Application
5. Determination of The Right Fit from the List of Acceptances

Our Basic and Comprehensive Packages provide two choices of service. We also offer hourly consultation on a limited basis. Feel free to contact us for more information.

Top Ten Strengths and Experiences Colleges Look for in a High-School Student

1. A high school curriculum that challenges the student. Academically successful students should include several Honors and Advanced Placement classes.
2. Grades that represent strong effort and an upward trend. Grades should show an upward trend over the years. However, slightly lower grades in a rigorous program are preferred to all A’s in less challenging coursework.
3. Solid scores on standardized tests (SAT, ACT). These should be consistent with high school performance.
4. Passionate involvement in a few activities, demonstrating leadership and initiative. Depth, not breadth, of experience is most important.
5. Community service showing evidence of being a “contributor.” Activities should demonstrate concern for other people and a global view.
6. Work or out-of-school experiences (including summer activities) that illustrate responsibility, dedication and development of areas of interest. Work or other meaningful use of free time can demonstrate maturity.
7. A well-written essay that provides insight into the student’s unique personality, values and goals. The application essay should be thoughtful and highly personal. It should demonstrate careful and well-constructed writing.
8. Letters of recommendation from teachers and guidance counselor that give evidence of integrity, special skill, and positive character traits. Students should request recommendations from teachers who respect their work in an academic discipline.
9. Supplementary recommendations by adults who have had significant direct contact with the student. Letters from coaches or supervisors in long-term work or volunteer activities are valuable; however, recommendations from casual acquaintances or family friends, even if they are well known, are rarely given much weight.
10. Anything special that makes the student stand out from the rest of the applicants! Include honors, awards, evidence of unusual talent or experience, or anything else that makes the student unique. Overall, colleges are seeking students who will be active contributing members of the student body.

Source: Independent Educational Consultants Association