A Letter to Students

My role in your journey to college is as your partner in the process. I will help you manage it in a way that is reasonable and affirming, and will help you put your best self forward to the colleges to which you apply.

Your parents’ role in the process will also be important. I will ask for their input at the outset, so that I can know you from their perspective. I will also ask them about their wishes and goals for you and about their boundaries, if there are any – financial, perhaps, or geographical. If I discover that they have any hidden agendas, we will put them on the table for discussion. I will also ask your parents to alert me if they think things are going awry as we progress – if you are getting bogged down, discouraged, too anxious. Communicating honestly is essential during this process.

Beyond these clearly-defined roles, you will be in charge.

The two of us will handle most of the work together, one step at a time. We will analyze and think through your ideas about the kind of college that will suit you best; we will sort through school after school in order to come up with a good list for your consideration. We will analyze the pros and cons of early action or early decision, figure out a testing plan, decide who should write your recommendations, and manage the essays. We will tackle all of the application questions together and be sure you are prepared for interviews. We will do all of this on a timetable that keeps you feeling in control. We can communicate by phone or email about minor details, but most of our work will be face-to-face.

I have learned through years of experience that this is an important rite of passage for young adults in our society. I will help you find your own voice and make your own decisions – but I will try to make certain that you make them only after being armed with good advice, good information, and some thoughtful reflection. I will counsel, inform, and guide, but in the end the decisions will belong to you.

What I can’t and won’t do is nag, cajole, or drag you through the process – you have to want to do this. I will not write essays, fill out forms, or register for tests for you – you have to do the work yourself. I cannot get you in and will not call the colleges on your behalf – I have no strings to pull. I will provide information and help you stay on top of the details, but you own the process.

I believe that my approach to the college application process will give you the support and confidence you need to experience this important time of your life as a positive step toward becoming an independent adult.