Identifying and applying to your best fit colleges

The college application process can be a wonderfully positive experience, a journey of self-discovery. Unfortunately, for many students and families it can become a time of anxiety, discord and information overload. At College Matters, our aim is to demystify the process. We break it into a manageable, step-by-step course of action tailored for each student to minimize stress and maximize success. Here’s what we cover with 11th and 12th grade students and their parents:

Discovering your greatness

  • How you learn best and what you find intellectually interesting
  • Extracurriculars activities that you will love and how to get (more) involved
  • Career exploration
  • What makes you different from every other college candidate

Putting the pieces in place

  • High school course selection; assessment of coursework and grades
  • Development of a standardized testing plan that plays to your strengths
  • The scoop on summer programs and which ones are worth the money
  • Scholarships and contests that can make a real difference in managing tuition expenses (and you’ll receive our monthly email blast that highlights the best of these opportunities)

The list: homing in on the best academic, social and financial fit

  • Preparation of a targeted, realistic list of potential schools for each student, based on what we’ve learned together about your goals, preferences and characteristics
  • Highlighting schools that offer merit money—and for which you have a chance of receiving some
  • Research and in-depth discussion of pros and cons of each school
  • Development of a college visit itinerary and strategy to maximize the value of each visit
  • Interview preparation
  • Refining the list—removing some schools and adding others--until it feels perfect

Applying to college

  • Development of an application plan and timeline—with all the milestones and deadlines mapped out
  • The essay, or Finding Your Own Voice: We spend as much time as it takes to brainstorm and flush out essay topics that convey your distinctive attributes. We are your sounding board as you craft an authentic essay, editing and revising until we both think it’s ready
  • Guidance in drafting your extracurricular resume
  • Assistance completing financial aid forms
  • Scholarships and contests: identifying and applying to those you are eligible for

The best part

  • Sorting through your options in the spring of your senior year. It’s always tough—because each one is a great fit!

College Matters offers a variety of service packages for 11th and 12th graders, ranging from hourly sessions that focus on particular topics to a comprehensive package that addresses all the above issues for the two-year period. Please contact us for more information.