Packages & Services
Packages & Services
Admissions Package
This package focuses on the admissions application aspect of the college process. From selecting a major and picking a school, to writing an essay and presenting a strong application, this package includes:
Identify intended college major
If you don't know yet, we can help with that by discussing:
High school course load and graduation date
AP or transfer credits
Any extra-curricular activities
Work outside of school
Interests, favorite classes or hobbies
Do you have a resume or portfolio?
Ever taken a career quiz?
Compose list of potential colleges
Based on:
Distance from home, geography
City life or country
500 or 50,000 other students
Play sports now, want to play in college?
Any schools of interest yet
College tours done
Type of high school attending
GPA or test scores
What matters and what doesn't
Budget and financial resources
Taking loans, understand repayment
Establish availability of college planning resources for the student at school, at home, or online.
Naviance available at school?
Guidance counselors available?
Essay writing in school?
Admissions 101:
Are you college-ready?
Link between admissions and scholarships
Timeline for applying
Forms needed
Essay work
Tips and jargon
Financial Aid Package
This package focuses on the financial aspect of the college application process. This package includes:
Establish goals, dreams, and concerns for student success
First child to go to school, how many after this?
What schools are on your list
Distance preference
Type of student, GPA, work ethic
Thoughts about intended major
Did parent go to college?
What school did parent(s) attend
What matters and what doesn't
Are you on the same page as your student?
Family financial resources, realistic expected family contribution based on:
Any 529 or college savings available
Feelings about student/parent loans
Could student manage work study, sports, clubs
Household dynamics
Uncover potential aid challenges
Current with tax filing
Parent's retirement plans
Understanding award letters
Comparing out of pocket costs
Assist with financial aid appeals if applicable
Financial aid 101:
What is financial aid?
How is aid calculated?
What is the FAFSA and FSA ID?
Direct college costs vs indirect
Discuss role of custodial parent or other nuances
Student loans
Parent loans and billing
Work study
Full Family Support - Admissions & Financial Aid Package
This package includes everything in the Admissions and Financial Aid packages. Why do both?
A strong admissions application supports a strong financial aid award. Trust me when I tell you that these two college departments are intertwined. A good essay and strong application can affect your scholarship. The admissions office determines the level of scholarship at many schools
Picking the right colleges from the beginning can make the whole process more successful. Students who come to me only for financial aid help, have often already applied to less-generous schools, or ones that expect parent's to take large loans.
Pairing these two approaches together will channel the most productive and effective resources to your benefit.
It is more cost effective to bundle both programs together.
Get everyone in the family on the same page with the same goals
Set expectations for budget
Clarify responsibilities
Timelines and deadlines
Organizing websites, logins, passwords
Communication expectations
Hiring a college counselor with years of hands-on experience will provide the guidance and confidence you need to find the right school without overspending. Here's why:
Experienced | Guys, I have been at this for a while! With two decades of experience working at a college, kids of my own, having helped hundreds of students in the community and local schools, I offer an insider's view behind the curtain of financial aid and admissions offices.
Cost Effective | College advisors can cost anywhere from $5k to $20k. My fees are significantly less, we offer staggered packages, and your costs are recovered in savings many times over versus the DIY approach. You save more than you spend with me. I am not out here to rob you.
Fit | I focus on the best fit for the student's success. That could mean financial fit, the right vibe, location, size, housing, sport or academics. Fit is finding a place where your student feels right and can thrive.
Big Picture | Previously licensed in retirement planning, investing, and life insurance affords me the unique ability to see the impact of financial choices beyond the college years. Most parents with college-aged students are looking at retirement within the next 15+ years and don't want to exhaust savings or be saddled with debt.
Current events | Informed and tuned-in to the rapidly changing federal rules and financial aid procedures involved.
Time is precious | You have a limited number of days with your student under your roof. Make them count.
"Heather lets you the parent be truly present ...for the joyous part of college navigation." (Nicole)