Some people think 'how hard can it be' or ' we never hired anyone when I went to college.'  The rules have changed since the 80's and 90's and costs have skyrocketed.  Since 1989, tuition  has increased over 180% after adjusting for inflation. Just filling out an application, is no longer a good strategy. A strong admissions application can dictate how much the school wants you, which directly affects how much aid you get for all four years. Going in strong is crucial.    

*The average cost of tuition & fees at private 4-year US institutions has risen 181.3% over the last 20 years for an average annual increase of 5.5%. (Education Data Initiative educationdata.org)

• GUIDANCE COUNSELORS  |  One or two overburdened guidance counselors  for the entire high school (if they have one at all) cannot possibly serve students well for such an important decision. Guidance counselors serve the school and students, not parents.

• FAFSA  |  It can be tricky and there's no shortage of horror stories. Have support behind you every step of the way. 

• HIRE PROFESSIONALS  |  You use an accountant for taxes and  an electrician for your wiring. Professionals save time, mistakes, and money. The initial cost of hiring a college planner is often recovered several times over in savings versus trying to do it alone.

• BUYING FOUR CARS OR A HOUSE!   |  Paying for college can be the equivalent of purchasing a modest home or a luxury car every year, four years in a row, without a trade in. It feels like that is a big decision, requiring  some consultation.

• FAMILY PEACE  |  Students feel vulnerable, parents are terrified, the pressure is on and emotions can get in the way of good communication.  Believe it or not, you will miss this time with 20 shoes by the door and missing silverware. Make the most of the time that they are still under your roof.

• WHAT IF I MESS IT UP?   |  Not completing forms, missing deadlines, or completing forms incorrectly can  change the entire outcome. Our guidance keeps you on track.

• Colleges shut down every year leaving students confused and their plans disrupted. Do you know which schools are financially solvent?  We have a proprietary process of reviewing college viability.

• Picking the wrong school can lead to transfers and starting over with no financial aid guarantees. Do a lot of students leave the school you're considering?

• Costly application errors can keep you from getting the most financial aid.

• Picking the wrong major can add semesters, setbacks, and expenses.

• Parents and students can get buried in loans without realizing the commitment. It adds up fast.

• Getting stuck on stickers. For some, it's all about the name! That can be an expensive bumper sticker.

• Not realizing that your student isn't college-ready. Dropping out leaves the student with no credits, but still paying the bill and paying back loans. Not to mention the exhaustion and emotional toll.

• You don't even know what you don't know yet. We're happy to be by your side as new things come up.

• Career search - figure out what to study                    

• Calculate a budget

• Find the right college for you

• Build a strong admissions application to increase chances of being admitted

• Write a great essay

• Navigate financial aid forms as there can be many for each school

• Maximize your chances for scholarship and need based aid

• Help you appeal for additional aid if the award isn't enough

• We give guidance and support throughout

• Help you feel informed, prepared and knowledgeable

• Keep your family on speaking terms - everyone is stressed (except us)

• Spend less - our clients SAVE exponentially more than they spend