Do you need help with the college admissions process?
College consulting is something that I love to do. I take great pride in working with students and parents in order to help them to better understand the process, and thus maximize their chances of being admitted to their first choice college. College consulting is also referred to as "educational consulting," and "private college counseling." I encourage you to go online and seek out these services elsewhere in order to compare what I have to offer to you. I have done so and I am proud to offer a fair rate compared to many of the prices charged for similar services. If you will take the time to do your research and you are an informed consumer, I am happy to work with you.
How I can help (8-10TH GRADE)
I can be of assistance with helping to determine the best courses to take in high school to increase your student's chances of being accepted at a competitive college. I assist families in devising a high school and college admissions game plan that takes a look at the "big picture" so that the student can meet important benchmarks along the way. We will also discuss how to grow and cultivate unique talents that will stand out to competitive colleges during the admissions process. This could be a musical, athletic, artistic or low-incidence talent that can be nurtured and eventually leveraged to set your student apart from many other talented and qualified applicants. I cover concepts such as how summer programs, extracurricular activities, leadership and service learning will eventually play a part in the process. I highlight standardized test scheduling, timeline planning and levels of educational attainment. I also begin the early college research process with students at this point.
How I can help (11TH GRADE)
In 11th grade, I am keenly aware of the critical time that high school juniors are going through. By utilizing PSAT results and reviewing the high school transcript, I help to formulate and then narrow down a student's college selection list. SAT preparation is covered in greater detail at this point. I also help students prepare for initial college visitations. By focusing their efforts before senior year on the specific colleges that are a good fit and that they have identified as being on their "short-list," I help to focus the efforts of senior year into maximizing the chances of admission at their selected colleges.
How I can help (12TH GRADE)
During 12th grade, I assist families in "putting it all together." Knowing that some families wait until senior year to contract for these services, I make it a point to cover any topics mentioned above as needed. Utilizing PSAT and SAT results along with the current high school transcript, I cover the intricacies of the application process at competitive colleges. This includes 2nd visit planning (interview process), structuring and organizing the admissions/application process, assistance with the paperwork portion of the application, help with essay writing, and overall instruction as the process evolves.
Fee structure
I am available on an hourly basis or by purchasing four-hour time blocks. Please contact me for current pricing. Families renew if they are pleased with the service offered and this is a motivating factor for me to work hard for you. I recognize that many families have read about and researched the process on their own and thus may only need assistance with certain aspects of the college admissions process. I also can attest to the fact that some colleges admit students "by the numbers" and therefore families may need very little of my time. Please know that I am pleased to work with you regardless of your situation.
Availability
I will gladly schedule an evening or weekend appointment to best fit your family's schedule. I am proud of the quick turn-around and response time that I offer to families. I take on a limited number of families to ensure that the proper amount of time is spent with each student.
Why hire me?
1) The admissions, application and financial aid process is frustrating and confusing to you.
2) You want to find the "best-fit" school for your student.
3) You are struggling with how to narrow down your list of potential schools.
4) You are finding it difficult to track down data that will help you determine your child's likelihood of acceptance at certain schools.
5) You want to better understand the various challenges associated with the competitive college admission process.
6) Your student will need extra assistance with college interviews and essays.
7) You need a third party to help kick-start the process for your student.
8) You want to have all admissions paperwork completed by October 1st of your student's senior year so that they can enjoy their last year of high school.
9) You want to help your student "put their best foot forward" for admissions purposes.
10) You want someone on your side that is energetic, passionate, patient and brutally honest
Testimonials
"Joe helped my son make the transition to a competitive college and stayed in touch with him through his sophomore year to ensure that he was doing well. He was available on evenings and weekends."
-Penny S.
"As a parent of a student who is focused on academics and another student who is focused on athletics, I can attest to the fact that Joe knows his stuff. I have also referred other parents to him, especially if their child gets stuck in the process and needs help moving forward."
-Ken A.
"I was completely and thoroughly satisfied with the service that I received. Joe helped my daughter understand the benefits and challenges of graduating from high school one year early and moving on to a competitive college."
-Carrie B.
Joseph M. Connolly, M.Ed., M.S.
Phone: 717-476-0166
E-mail: joe@selectapplypay.com
