The process of planning and applying to college can be overwhelming. While there is an overabundance of information available on the internet, it can be challenging and time consuming sorting through the details to determine what you actually need to know. School counselors are great resources but many are overburdened with high caseloads and a multitude of responsibilities outside of college counseling, making it difficult for them to keep up with the ever-changing admissions landscape.

With over 4,000 colleges in the United States, identifying strategic, best fit opportunities for students is my goal. Independent counselors focus directly on the admissions process, visit colleges regularly to gain knowledge of the options, and stay current with admissions practices to ensure that the process of applying to college is manageable and easily navigable for your family.

My professional history has prepared me to work with students who have a variety of interests and goals. I work with many types of students, but truly enjoy working with public school students, future STEM majors (including engineering and health sciences), business majors, liberal arts majors (my own path), and Division 3 athletes. Given the inclusion of application oversight in my comprehensive plan, I’m also a strong match for students who struggle with organization and time management.

Students who join the comprehensive Premier Insight Plan have no limitations on the number of meetings that they can schedule. Typically, at a minimum, students can expect to meet 3-5 times in 9th or 10th grade, monthly in 11th grade, and weekly in the fall of senior year. Students who join through other plan options will have a limited number of meetings based on that plan.

No. Your school counselor will continue to be a valuable resource in your college application process. School counselors are experts about your school, including their policies, practices, and course offerings. You will want to maintain a relationship with them since many colleges require students to submit a counselor letter of recommendation. This letter comes from the school, not your independent college counselor. I will work with you to know what to request from your school counselor, but you will continue to rely on them for important information that is specific to your high school.

Insight College Counseling is a virtual practice, offering live meetings using the Google Meet platform. While this allows students outside of the greater Philadelphia area to access my services, it also gives more flexibility to meet with students in a place, and on a schedule, that’s convenient for them. Our meetings will utilize video conferencing and a collaborative virtual workspace in order to share resources and work together, just as we would do in person.

The process of planning for college admissions is one that varies by student. While the majority of students choose to begin working with me during 10th or 11th grade, I welcome students in 9th grade who are looking for additional support with course scheduling, extracurricular planning, or summer programming. Students who have goals of applying to highly selective universities will benefit from an earlier start to ensure that they are building a foundation and making the best decisions from the beginning. Together, we will create a timeline for the student that is customized to their current grade level and goals. Limited space is available within each graduating class, so it’s advised to secure your spot early. If space is available, new 12th grade students will be accepted with a focus on application support only.

No. Like any counselor, independent college counselors cannot guarantee admission to any school or program. This is why it is important to create a balanced college list that meets the student’s preferences. Each student will create a competitive application that tells their story and highlights their strengths, but the eventual decision is at the discretion of the college.

For most families, Insight College Counseling provides services through a fixed-price, comprehensive plan. These fees are determined based on the student’s grade level when they begin. To learn more about pricing, contact me‍ to set up a complimentary consultation where I can learn more about your student and determine the appropriate service plan for your family.