FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
After initial free consultations, I offer an hourly rate of $150. I also offer comprehensive college counseling packages by grade level: 10th grade (June 2023 - May 2024): $800 for four student meetings (one summer, one fall, two spring) and four parent meetings (similar timing). 11th grade (June 2023 - May 2024): $1500 for eight student meetings (one summer, three fall, four spring) and eight parent meetings (similar timing). 12th grade (June 2023 - May 2024): $9100 for 52 meetings (1-2 meetings weekly all fall, plus a few spring meetings). That might sound like a lot of meetings, and yes, it is! Here's why I say 52 meetings: because I have found over the years that the most authentic, powerful, and compelling essay content is generated in live conversation, I only edit essays live during meetings. This leads to better essay content, and also necessitates more meetings. Plus, seniors and their families tend to have, very understandably, a great many questions that deserve plenty of time and attention--so, I budget for more meetings than I think we'll need, to ensure that there's always abundant time.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I began my career in higher education in Undergraduate Admissions at the University of Notre Dame, after which I worked as an independent educational consultant in Shanghai, China, and then as a member of college counseling teams at independent schools in Florida and the SF Bay Area (Silicon Valley in Northern California). All of this experience has led me to develop an advising philosophy of a) excellence, intentionally defined (it's important to be clear: what does success look like for you?) ; b) unconditional positive regard (I assume everyone is doing their very best); c) practical optimism (ensuring that as many doors stay open as possible for as long as possible); and d) kind candor and authenticity (I will be direct with the truth of any situation, and I will also be nice about it). I am a professional member of the Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA), National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), and Western Association for College Admission Counseling (WACAC).
- What types of customers have you worked with?
I work with students of all backgrounds, countries of residence, lived experiences, ideologies, levels of numerical achievement (GPAs, grades, test scores), manifestations of intelligence (I feel strongly that everyone is smart), levels of familiarity with the college application process, and timing for beginning this work (10th grade fall - 12th grade fall).