Services include:
- Individualized, ongoing support to give you exactly what you need
- Proven methods for choosing the right colleges for you
- Assistance writing college essays that stand out
- A plan to emphasize your strengths
- A strategy to set you apart
- Interview tips boosting confidence and improving technique
- Assistance in helping you choose the school that best “fits” your needs
Initially:
- The student’s high school transcript (courses and grades), test scores, extracurricular activities, special talents (if any), and projected courses are evaluated
- The student’s accomplishments, greatest achievements, and ways to emphasize strengths are polished
- Recommendations are made on how the student can maximize his or her high school experience both academically, personally and through extracurricular activities
- Specific colleges in which the student may express interest are carefully discussed, and preliminary suggestions of colleges are made
College Search:
- Specific selection factors that the student is looking for in a college (size, location, campus life, major, cost, extracurricular activities) are analyzed and a college list is formulated
- Thorough review of the students’ extracurricular and academic background is reviewed
- Guidance provided through the Early Decision/ Early Action decision making process
- A specific work plan to ensure that all applications and supporting materials are completed
- The list of colleges is reviewed and revised until all applications are successfully mailed
College Visits and Tours:
- Students and their families are encouraged to visit colleges
- Appointments for campus tours and information sessions can be made
- A list of suggested questions and tips to use while on tour is provided
- Professionals in admission offices are contacted on an as needed basis
Brag Sheet:
- The polished list of extracurricular activities will show a commitment and quality of involvement which includes a brief description, years of involvement, hours per week and /or weeks per year, position, leadership and honors/awards, if any, that have been earned
- Methods of how the different colleges like this information conveyed will be addressed
Portfolio:
- Specialized talent of student such as; musician, athlete, dancer, actor, math/science, writer, artist or photographer (as examples) often require additional materials be sent to prospective colleges
- Detailed specialized requirements for auditions and/or additional applications are the focus and careful review of all materials is provided
- Oversee recommendation letter requests from coaches, directors, mentors and other outside of school sources
Essays/Personal Statements:
- Brainstorm essay topics and develop ideas
- Revisions and careful editing are ongoing
- Detailed suggestions for content, correct structure and vocabulary are provided
- Essays are used to emphasize the student’s own voice and reveal the strength of character
- Constantly focus on format and style in each application
Letters of Recommendation:
- Work with student on who to ask, how to best approach them and what to provide each writer
- Help students write about their experiences which helps the students’ teachers and counselors write more effective letters of recommendation
- Help obtain letters from people outside the school environment
Interviews:
- Students are taught about college interviewing and are informed of some crucial tips to remember during the interview
- Students and their counselor collaborate to create a thorough list of possible interview questions as well as questions to ask the interviewer.
- Students feel more comfortable during their college interviews so that they make an excellent impression
Demonstration of Interest:
- After the applications are submitted, expressed interest is important and CAS offers helpful Do’s and Don’ts
- Expressed Interest can, at times, be a crucial component in the admissions process
Submitting the Application:
- After polishing personal statements, brag sheets and any required supplementary materials, all of the student’s applications are submitted paper or paperless, depending what the specific university would like
- All of the student’s applications are reviewed before submitting
- Trouble spots are identified and improved prior to submission
- Up to date admission requirements are thoroughly researched
Support:
- College Admissions Strategies has the expertise to help the student and the parents with ALL of their questions and concerns throughout the entire process
- Students are presented in the best light to maximize their potential of getting admitted to the school of their choice
- College Admissions Strategies provides extensive phone, email, fax and face to face communication
Final College Selection:
- When acceptances are received, the student and the parents receive help in making their decisions
- Start to finish continuous support
