Frequently Asked Questions

  • Start early—many students begin college prep as early as 9th grade. Early planning helps you set goals, build strong habits, and create a standout profile before applications open in junior year. No matter your grade, we’ll guide you step-by-step toward a successful application.

  • The key parts of a college application include your academics, essays, extracurriculars, recommendations, and overall story. Strong applications show both your academic ability and personal purpose. We help you craft a complete, authentic narrative that highlights your strengths.

  • Absolutely—we guide students through every stage of essay writing, from brainstorming to final polishing. We help you find your voice, craft compelling narratives, and tailor your writing for each school to ensure your story shines with clarity and confidence.

  • Yes! We help you create a balanced college list tailored to your goals, interests, academic profile, and campus fit—ensuring you apply to schools that are right for you.

  • We help you develop a unique personal narrative, enhance your extracurricular impact, and guide every part of your application. This includes rigorous essay coaching, mock interviews, and strategic communication like waitlist follow-ups to help you stand out authentically.

  • Yes! We assist students at all stages—whether you’re starting 9th or 10th grade or planning to transfer. We provide tailored academic planning, extracurricular advice, and help you navigate transfer applications with a strong, compelling story.

  • That’s completely normal! We help you reflect on your interests and strengths to craft an application that tells a clear, compelling story. Being undecided can even be an advantage when thoughtfully positioned in your essays and college list.

  • That’s completely normal! We help you reflect on your interests and strengths to craft an application that tells a clear, compelling story. Being undecided can even be an advantage when thoughtfully positioned in your essays and college list.

  • Yes, we help you find scholarships and craft competitive applications—especially with our Comprehensive Package. We also offer guidance on merit aid and financial aid processes like FAFSA to maximize your funding options.

  • Most students apply to 12–16 schools, balancing reach, target, and safety options. The right number depends on your goals and timeline. We’ll help you create a strategic, manageable list focused on quality over quantity.

  • Yes—we work with all application platforms, including UC, Coalition, and individual portals. Each has unique requirements, and we make sure your materials are tailored and submitted correctly to keep the process smooth.

  • Yes! We prepare you for interviews by practicing common questions and boosting your confidence. Plus, we guide you on how to request strong letters of recommendation and share key information with your recommenders.

  • Absolutely! Even if your GPA or test scores aren’t ideal, every student has a unique story. We help you highlight your strengths and experiences so colleges see your full potential beyond numbers.

  • Our team consists of young counselors who recently navigated the college admissions process, so we truly understand your challenges. We avoid cookie-cutter advice and instead create personalized plans that reflect your unique goals and strengths.

  • You’ll have a dedicated primary counselor who supports your journey, plus a team of experts who provide additional perspectives and advice—just like a college admissions committee.

  • Our packages start around $100 for focused help and go up to $10,000 for full coaching, depending on your needs. We’re transparent about pricing and ready to help you find the best plan for your goals and budget. You can find out more about our services here.

  • The Foundation package covers basic application prep. Accelerator adds personalized strategy and ongoing support. Comprehensive offers full start-to-finish guidance, including essay coaching, interview prep, and scholarship assistance. We’ll help you pick the best fit based on your goals. You can find out more about our services here.

  • Currently, we focus on personalized 1-on-1 coaching for tailored support. However, we do offer group training sessions for schools or organizations by request—just ask!

  • Not at all! We work with students internationally and across multiple time zones. Our counselors are based in different regions to provide flexible scheduling and support whenever you need it.

  • Our students have been admitted to a wide range of universities, including highly selective schools like UChicago, Columbia, UCLA, and USC. They’ve also earned scholarships and found schools that match their unique goals and strengths. You can find our list of acceptances here.

  • Absolutely! We specialize in helping students who start late by creating clear, focused plans that maximize your time and keep your applications high-quality.

  • Our College Match Tool helps you find schools that align with your academic profile, interests, and values. It’s a great way to start building a balanced and personalized college list. You can access the list here.

  • Yes! All our tools are free and available for anyone on our website. Coaching adds personalized guidance to help you get the most from these resources.

  • No account is needed—you can use our tools anytime, no signup required. Just dive in and explore at your own pace.

  • It’s easy—just schedule a free consultation on our website. We’ll discuss your goals and create a personalized plan to help you feel confident and prepared.

  • Yes! We provide free tools, blog posts, and guides on our website.

  • The timeline varies, but most students begin serious work in junior year and finish applications by senior fall. We help you build a manageable schedule to reduce stress and stay on track.

  • Parents play a key supportive role. We encourage open communication and provide tools to help families stay informed and engaged throughout the college planning journey.

  • Absolutely! Our personalized services complement school counseling by offering in-depth guidance and extra support to help your application stand out.