Read on to discover more about the services we offer. Having trouble deciding or need questions answered? Just reach out to us and we’ll be happy to assist.
College Planning
The most popular and cost-effective package, covering all steps through a student’s junior and senior years of high school.
- In-depth interview on college preferences of both student and parent
- Evaluate transcript, standardized test scores, and extracurricular involvement
- Assess student learning style and preferences using aptitude and career discovery tools
- Explore careers and majors
- Ensure Naviance/Scoir student profile is properly populated by the student
- Provide guidance on extracurricular, community service, and summer enrichment opportunities to highlight a well-rounded experience on college applications
- Advise students for standardized testing (SAT and ACT Prep)
- Create a customized list of “best fit” colleges and universities based on academic, economic, and social considerations
- Advise on special academic/admissions programs such as joint-degree programs, structured learning programs, disability accommodations, etc.
- Assistance with financial aid: EFC, FAFSA, and CSS Profile
- Prepare students for campus visits and on-campus interviews
- Determine application strategy and timeline (early decision, early action, rolling admission, or regular decision)
- Advise families on disability documentation and accommodations
- Guidance with identifying references and securing effective letters of recommendation
- Develop individualized applications, brainstorm differentiating college essays, and edit writing
- Evaluate acceptances, scholarships, and need-based awards with student and family
Pre-College Planning
It’s never too early to start planning! Designed for students in middle school through 10th grade.
- Interview with student and parents
- Review of academic record, including IEP, 504, and Neuropsych Evaluation
- Assess student talents, skills, interests, and preferences using grade/age appropriate activities and discovery tools
- Personalized high school timeline
- Course selection planning
- Extracurricular and summer activity planning with guidance in finding opportunities
- Portfolio building with consistent documentation
- Career/Major Exploration & Investigation
Academic Coaching
Academic Coaching is designed for students who need assistance with managing a college course load. These plans vary based on student needs.
- Meet on a regular basis to create an action plan
- Implement an organization and planning system
- Teach students to manage time, plan work and life, and prioritize
- Identify stressful situations that create anxiety and cause students to shut down
- Show students how to manage multiple websites and portals required to complete assignments
- Teach self advocacy when working with Student Disability Services
- Ensure accommodations are set up and being used
- Break down assignments and projects into manageable tasks
- Teach effective study strategies
- Provide personal guidance and support
Application Essays
This is a laser-focused plan specific to the development of college application essays.
- Create comprehensive application timeline
- Support completion of all applications ahead of each deadline
- Discuss Early Action, Early Decision, and Rolling Admission decisions
- Brainstorm for essay, including topic development
- Editing of both common application essays, including critique and proofreading
- Editing of the activities resume
- Editing of supplemental essays
- Review of Applications
Transition Planning
This plan is designed for students with ADHD and learning differences that require support for a successful college experience.
- In-depth interview with student and family to assess strengths, learning style, aspirations, level of independence, and family financial situation
- Review of academic record, including IEP, 504, and Neuropsych Evaluation
- Evaluate transcript, standardized test scores, and extracurricular involvement
- Explanation of learning support options and documentation requirements at the college level
- Provide guidance on extracurricular, community service, and enrichment opportunities to highlight a well-rounded experience on college applications
- Create a customized list of “best fit” colleges or post-secondary options based on academic, economic, and social considerations
- Develop a plan for assessing the scope of academic support services at colleges
- Create college application list or post-secondary option list
Career & Major Discovery
With career discovery, students learn about their strengths and discover which careers and majors align with your interests.
- Interview with student and family
- Assess student talents, skills, interests, and preferences using grade/age appropriate activities and discovery tools
- Learn more about natural strengths and underlying potential
- Explore career and education options
- Provide guidance on activities and internships related to career interests
Customized Services
We offer customized blocks of time to use on topics of your choice. Possibilities include:
- Financial Aid and Affordability Assistance
- College and University Exploration
- Aptitude and Career Discovery
- LD/ND Accommodations
- Campus Visit Plan
- Interview Preparation
- Application review
- Essay Brainstorming
- Essay Editing
- Extracurricular/summer activities
- Internships
All advising plans include access to the Headwaters Educational Consulting software to scaffold the student’s journey. Both students and families have access to this web-based portal where all assignments, status updates, and college lists are easily accessible. Learn More