About Us
Our Approach
Backwards Planning
This means that we do not start with a list of colleges and then try to figure out what a student needs to do to get in. Rather, we take the innovative approach of getting to know the student and their family first by exploring a number of factors and metrics that will ultimately result in students “backing into” a list of colleges that are good fits for them. What constitutes a “fit” college is based on many factors that go beyond merely looking at grades, test scores, selectivity, and perceived prestige.
No Assumptions
We do not like the phrase “dream college” because, when it is used, it is rarely based on a clearly articulated “why.” This often leads to preconceived assumptions, ill-considered decisions, poor choices and, sometimes, disappointment that could have been avoided.
We also avoid using the phrase “top colleges” and “elite colleges” because they speak only to selectivity and perception without regard for other important factors. Oftentimes, the perceived “top college” may not be a good fit for a particular student, even if they can gain admission and their parents can pay for it.
When we remove assumptions about the quality of both familiar and unfamiliar schools, the educational world opens up. This is why rankings lists, while a good resource for introduction to the vast menu of colleges, should never be a primary benchmark for considering colleges. Importantly, you will never hear us belittle any institution.
Fostering Emotional Health and Well-Being
It is great to aspire to achieving high grades, taking the most challenging classes and gaining top scores on the SAT/ACT. However, doing so under incredible stress and increased anxiety (and sometimes depression) will not work for many kids. It is important to us to work with students and their families so that each will achieve a reachable goal while at the same time maintaining the emotional health and well-being of everyone involved.
Saving You Money
The exploding cost of college is no secret and there is no sign of it slowing down. We take pride in finding ways for students to gain admission to great colleges while also increasing the chance that each is a financial fit for the student and their family.
What Makes Us Different
We strongly believe focusing solely on “getting into the best college” is not the best path because there truly is no “best” college. What is good for one student may not be the best road for another, even if both can gain admission to the same school. We work with students to create a plan geared toward the best possible high school experience with a vision toward creating a well-prepared college applicant. Every child is unique in their abilities, interests and personal make-up. Some are extremely focused when high school begins while others need time to find themselves. This is why we help students pursue academic and non-academic paths that align with where they are and who they are. In the end, this is what students need to be a successful college applicant, whether they ultimately enroll at a highly selective institution or at one guided by a different mission that provides just the right atmosphere and programs. We work with students and their families to bring these realities into focus and to create a plan and find solutions to problems that will set the student up for success not only in college admissions, but for the rest of their lives.
