Jill's Philosophies and Approaches to College Consulting
RIGHT FIT/RIGHT PRICE
Finding the right college, getting admitted, and finding financial assistance are some of the most important tasks and difficult decisions students and their families make. Jill encourages parents and students to avoid typical traps and distractions, and take steps to create meaningful options. While some high school guidance counselors have relationships with or an interest in funneling students to particular colleges, Jill has no such allegiances or preferences. Jill is passionate about helping students and families find the right fit for college.
Philosophically, Jill does not believe that students or families should incur excessive debt for college, particularly for undergraduate study. Therefore, finding the right fit for college includes finding a college that meets the needs and interests of the student and fits within the family's budget.
Jill is passionate about each student’s success and is committed to personalized and student-centered service for each client and she does not hire others to work on essays or other tasks. As a result, Jill limits the number of students that she takes, particularly for the senior year.
Jill provides one-on-one assistance by helping to identify the right colleges and universities, develop timelines for admission process tasks, and think deeply and creatively about the essay prompts so that they stand out from the crowd.
Ideally, a student should begin in the ninth grade to identify and develop themselves authentically and avoid checking boxes or chasing grades and awards. Beginning in the ninth grade, Jill helps students identify the right classes, get involved strategically and appropriately in extra-curricular activities, and discover and develop their strengths so that they are prepared to compete for admission to selective colleges and receive scholarships.
Jill tailors services to meet the individual needs of the families. For example, some families need a consultant to work with a student one-on-one to educate, encourage, help students develop themselves and get out of their comfort zone, along with preparation in all aspects of the college and scholarship applications. Some families benefit from advice and encouragement from an objective third party, who can also keep the student organized and on schedule with college and scholarship deadlines. Some families just need help getting started so Jill helps identify resources to explore colleges and apply for financial aid.
Jill also helps students explore major areas of study and careers so that the student finds a college that will meet the student’s needs. Jill also helps college students identify majors, and seek research opportunities, internships, and explore next steps after college.
Jill understands that most families cannot afford to spend money for a college that is not a right fit, send their son or daughter to a college that cannot help the student graduate in a timely manner, or that will result in high student loans that put the student at risk of financial failure before their careers get started. When it is time to select a college or university, Jill brings a practical,analytical, and strategic approach to college consulting to help avoid these and other costly and time consuming mistakes.