Services
The consulting process can begin anytime between 7th and 12th grades, and the services offered are made appropriate for the grade level; however, the effectiveness of a personal consultant increases the earlier a student starts his or her work.
Though it may seem early, 7th and 8th grades are the perfect time to set your child on a course for college. In a single meeting, as well as phone, email, or other in-person consultations throughout the year, I will provide:
- Advice on academic courses to prepare for a college prep high school program
- Developing interests into future extra-curricular opportunities
- PSAT and PLAN test planning
- Advice for planning fun individual and family summer experiences to encourage a student's academic and extra-curricular interests
In 9th and 10th grades, the student's academic record for admission purposes begins. This is an excellent time to review how the college process works in relation to a student's academic and extra-curricular goals. Consulting consists of several family meetings, research on behalf of the student's needs and phone and email contacts throughout the year. In these years, I will provide:
- Advice on academic course selection for grades 10-12
- Guidance for the development of interests into extra-curricular opportunities
- PSAT/SAT and PLAN/ACT test planning
- An in-depth assessment of a student's academic profile in order to advise for improvements if needed
- Conversation and interview strategies for best interactions with teachers, counselors and visiting college representatives
11th grade is the last full year of a student's academic record that colleges will see before most applications are submitted. At this time, it is important to have an overview of the current admissions process, and guidance for choosing colleges which best match a student's interests and profile. Consulting consists of regular family and/or student meetings, "best fit" college research, and phone and email contacts throughout the year. For juniors, I will provide:
- Advice on academic course selection for grade 12
- Recommendations for furthering extra-curricular activities
- SAT and/or ACT test planning and advice for test preparation
- An in-depth assessment of a student's overall profile for college selection
- Conversation and interview strategies for best interactions with teachers, counselors, and college admission representatives
- Advice for college visits, college fairs and college representative visits to high schools
- Preparation of a carefully researched "Target List" of colleges
- Organization of an application plan so as not to overwhelm the applicant
- Self-reflection exercises to prepare for essay writing
- Guidance on financial aid, scholarships and for the student athlete
Second semester 11th graders and fall semester 12th graders are working toward the same goals, but juniors have the advantage of time. Consulting consists of regular family and/or student meetings, "best fit" college research, and phone and email contacts throughout the year. During the summer to fall application season, I will provide:
- Final SAT and ACT advice
- An in-depth assessment of a student's overall profile for college selection
- Strategies for obtaining a student's best letters of recommendation
- Conversation and interview strategies for best interactions with teachers, counselors, and college admission representatives
- Advice for college visits, college fairs and college representative visits to high schools
- Preparation of a carefully researched "Target List" of colleges
- Organization of an application plan so as not to overwhelm the applicant
- Essay topic selection, and professional writing guidance throughout the essay process
- Detailed application review
- Post-application support and acceptance guidance
* All students are treated as individuals; therefore, services vary based on individual need.
** Students do not need to be in the San Diego area -- consulting can be successful using conference calls and email.
College Admissions Crash Course
Along with Michelle Berkowitz, MS in Ed Counseling, P.P.S., Certified College Counselor, and Youth Director at Congregation Beth Israel, Amanda will be leading the College Admissions Crash Course for 11th and 12th graders at the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center, Jacobs Family Campus in La Jolla, CA.
August 10-13, 2009
Please see the www.lfjcc.org website for information about this Jaycee Camp opportunity.