Frequently Asked Questions
Your College Planning Questions, Answered
College Admissions Help and Guidance FAQs
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When should you start college counseling?
Earlier is usually easier. Many families start in their freshman or sophomore year to plan coursework and activities with less pressure. Junior year is common. Seniors can still benefit, especially with a focused timeline.
How much does college counseling cost?
It depends on the level of support, the student’s timeline, and whether recruiting or other specialty needs are involved. We offer comprehensive packages and hourly services. The best way to get accurate pricing is a consultation where we can match the right scope to your student.
Do college counselors help with essays?
Yes. Essay strategy is a core part of our work. Students get support with topic selection, structure, voice, revisions, and school-specific supplements.
Do you offer hourly services?
Yes. Hourly support is available for targeted needs like essay coaching, college list development, interview preparation, transfer applications, and application troubleshooting.
How often will we meet?
It varies by grade level and season. We use a shared calendar and a structured plan, then meet as needed to stay ahead of deadlines and keep students on track.
Do you work with students outside Marin County?
Yes. We are based in Belvedere Tiburon and work with families across Marin County, Sonoma County, San Mateo County, and the Bay Area. We also work virtually with families outside the area.
Do you help with 504 plans or IEPs?
Yes. We work with students with 504 plans, IEPs, ADHD, anxiety, and other learning differences. Strategy often includes building the right list, creating structure, and deciding how to present context appropriately.
Do you work with students who have lower grade point averages?
Yes. Many colleges evaluate more than grades alone. We help students strengthen the parts of the application they can control and build a list that includes strong-fit options.
Do you help student-athletes get recruited?
Yes. We provide student-athlete recruiting support, including division and program fit, coach communication strategy, recruiting timelines, eligibility guidance, and coordination with admissions requirements.
Do you help with NCAA eligibility?
Yes. We help families understand NCAA eligibility requirements and timelines, and we support organization and follow-through so nothing gets missed.
Do you work with artists, musicians, or creative applicants?
Yes. We support students applying to creative programs, including guidance for portfolios, auditions, and supplemental materials, along with the core admissions plan.
Do you help with financial aid and scholarships?
Yes. We support FAFSA and CSS Profile planning, deadline awareness, and award letter comparison. We also help families understand how merit and need-based aid typically work at different colleges.
Do you guarantee acceptance to a specific college?
No. No ethical advisor can guarantee admissions outcomes. What we can control is strategy, execution, writing quality, meeting deadlines, and building a balanced list that creates real options.
Do you handle the applications for the students?
We do not complete applications on a student’s behalf. We guide, review, and manage timelines so students submit accurate work and stay responsible for their own applications.
Will you tell my student exactly what to write about in their essays?
We will help students brainstorm, choose strong topics, and develop an outline and structure. The ideas and writing need to come from the student. Our job is to help them shape it into clear, effective work.
Can you help if we are starting late?
Yes. We can compress the timeline and focus on what matters most. Senior Start and hourly support are good options for families getting a later start.
How do you build a college list?
We use student goals, academic profile, interests, and fit factors to build a balanced list that includes likely, target, and reach schools. The goal is options, not stress.
What makes your approach different from other college counseling firms?
We do not use a one-size-fits-all curriculum. Advising is individualized, student-led with guardrails, and built around strong organization and deadline management. Specialist support, including writing and athletic consulting, is included in the fee for comprehensive clients.
