Having served more than 700 college bound students and their parents over the past 20 years, we have fine-tuned our services to best meet the needs of our clients. We offer a free 45-minute introductory meeting with parent(s) and student for the purpose of clarifying and discussing expectations and services with no obligation. You may consider three options as you proactively approach this critical stage in the life of your child and family.
Our three college consulting packages are:
A Basic Package of 24 hours, a Mid-Size Package of 30 hours, or a Plus Package of 36 hours (best value).
Services
One-on-one counseling with students to explore their unique interests, passions, gifts, and values- Support for creating healthy interaction between parents and student during this time of transition
- Research and identification of “best fit” colleges based on the desires and academic record of each student
- Advice regarding high school coursework, transcript review, and development of extracurricular interests
- Development of topics and editing of all college essays
- Assistance in preparing and proofing college applications
- Guidance creating the resume or activities list
- Up-to-date information on the newest changes in college admissions trends
- Strategies regarding various admissions programs (i.e., Rolling, Early Action, Early Decision I & II, Regular) and support for meeting deadlines
Additional Services
Identification of additional services for students (i.e., SAT/ACT prep courses, financial aid/scholarships and grants, educational testing services, summer enrichment opportunities, etc.)- Advice for corresponding with admissions personnel about special circumstances (i.e., physical limitations, diagnosed learning disabilities, etc.)
- Information on how to gain the most from campus visits
- Interview preparation, including coaching and mock interviews
- Assistance responding to a wait list offer, if necessary
- Access to AchieveWORKS Personality, Intelligences, Learning & Productivity, and Skills assessments powered by Human eSources
Early Light complements the work of school counselors–augmenting their services and addressing topics they may not be able to cover due to time limitations and under staffing.
Our Statement of Ethics*
IN KEEPING WITH THE ETHICAL STANDARDS OF NACAC:
THESE ARE THE THINGS WE WILL DO FOR YOU:
- Help you explore a variety of educational options to help you maximize your success
- Help you understand the selection criteria of the most competitive colleges or programs or the schools that are “reach” schools for you
- Advise you on which tests to take, how to prepare, and how to interpret the scores relative to the colleges you would like to attend
- Help you explore possible careers and college majors based on your interests and talents
- Review your essays and resume (several times, if necessary) to be sure that they reflect your strengths and interests and are written to the best of your ability
- Review your completed application forms for admission and for financial aid to minimize accidental errors and omissions
- Help you narrow your college choices and make a final decision
- If you are not yet a senior in high school, advise you on the best courses to take based on your college/career aspirations
- In very unusual cases, contact an admission officer to discuss special circumstances
THESE ARE THINGS WE WILL NOT DO FOR YOU:
- Write your essays or fill out your application forms
- Guarantee that you will be admitted to a particular school or college
- Contact the admission officer of a college to “push” you
- Write your “counselor” recommendation (this is done by your school counselor)
- Pick a career or college major for you
- Call you to remind you to make an appointment with us
WHAT YOU MUST DO FOR YOURSELF:
- The VERY best academic work possible
- Meet all deadlines required for testing, completing applications, and requesting letters and transcripts from your school personnel
- Take the initiative to call and email us when you need an appointment, have questions, or have essays ready for review
- Choose to be happy with your college and make the most of the available opportunities
*Written by esteemed colleague, Mary Carter O’Connor, MA, Educational Counselor, Former Chair of the Rocky Mountain Association for College Admission Counseling Admission Practices Committee and Co-Chair of the Colorado Council Admission Practices Committee. These committees monitor the ethics of the college admission process and the counselors and admission officers who work in the field of college admission. Ethical standards are set by The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) Statement of Principles of Good Practice.