Services

When to contact Academic Options?
Some families choose to begin consultation at the start of high school and others wait until junior year. It is up to you, but the sooner you start planning for college the better. An early start allows more time to consider your college options, and to tailor your choices to meet your goals.

Consultation is on a retainer basis and includes a series of meetings and ongoing availability by phone or email. While services are tailored to your individual needs, consultation often entails as many as 25-30 direct contact hours.



Phase One: College Planning
Consultation begins with a series of conferences in order to get to know you and your family. We will review your transcript and discuss your study habits, high school course selection, and resume development. You will also fill out various questionnaires and assessments to help further illuminate your interests, learning styles, and possible major choices. During this phase, I will provide an overview of the financial aid process and help you strategize around taking requisite standardized tests.

Phase Two: The College Search
Based on our college planning conversations, I conduct a comprehensive college search and present you with an initial list of 25 - 30 colleges that I think are good choices for you. I will guide you through how to research and assess the colleges and together we will begin to narrow the list down to colleges to target for admission. As we narrow your list, I will help you plan your college visits and advise you on how to get the most out of them. We will also discuss what to expect during college admissions interviews and practice interview skills.

Phase Three: Applications
Once work on applications begins, I assist you with all aspects of preparing your applications including resume development, writing essays and completing financial aid forms. I help you stay organized to meet various deadlines and review each application for accuracy and completeness.

A writing workshop gives special attention to your essays and personal statements. This includes a brainstorming session to explore topics that will best reveal who you are and help you stand apart followed by a session on how to write strong and memorable essays. As you work on your multiple drafts, I continue to offer comments and editing advice until you are satisfied that your essays reveal your personality and strengths. Please Note: Academic Options does not write or rewrite essays.

Phase Four: Acceptance and Matriculation
When you receive your letters of acceptance and financial aid awards, we will discuss and weigh your options as you make your final decision. Consultation continues through to your integration into the college experience. This includes reviewing your selection of first semester courses and discussing how to implement good study habits. We also review how to take advantage of specific services, resources, and opportunities offered by your college of choice. I continue to be available to you by phone or email through your first semester to discuss issues that may arise.