sophomores focus on identifying and developing their interests in concrete ways, through school clubs, summer programs, jobs, and their own projects.  At the same time, I make sure their high school courses are supporting those growing capabilities.  Juniors complete their testing and research colleges, along with deepening their commitment to their chosen activities.  Fall of senior year, with a final college list in hand and testing and essays completed, we turn to filling out applications and taking the last steps as they make their best case for admission.

 

While I offer occasional in-person meetings in the Chicago and Boston areas, most of the time students and I will get together via video conference.  Virtual meetings allow for flexible and convenient year-round scheduling, and students easily take to this format.  The technology available through the software platform Custom College Plan and the conference call and screen-sharing program Zoom -- in addition to other cyber tools -- allows us to complete most tasks on the web.  There's little paper to misplace or leave behind.  In addition, each student's college research, requirements, deadlines and test scores remain accessible 24/7.​

 

In my experience, most young people are happy to take ownership of the process, come to appreciate the responsibility of planning and working toward their own future, and enjoy our one-on-one meetings.  But that doesn't mean parents -- who often know their child in a unique way -- are shunted aside.  I keep parents in the loop with regular updates, especially as we make application strategy decisions in the fall, and I am always just a phone call or e-mail away.  I strictly limit the size of my practice to ensure a high-quality experience and satisfying results.