For students who begin work with me prior to second semester of junior year, a review of extracurricular activities and courses taken may help find gaps to fill during the remaining time in high school. Are there classes that need to be added? Do the activities reflect you accurately as a student and help an admissions counselor know your interests?

A great deal of information that will help you make a better decision about a school is very difficult to find. What percentage of students is accepted that match your profile? What is the average debt of graduates? How difficult is it to graduate in four years? Given your specific criteria, I will research and provide data to compare schools on the specific factors that are important to you.

After defining your needs and exploring possibilities, we will look at a variety of factors such as academic rigor, selectivity, location, size, culture, programs of study, finances, extracurricular activities, affiliation, etc. We will work together to create a list of possible schools that would be great fits for you.

The application process has become opaque and complex. Which is best, Early Action or Regular Decision? Is Early Decision the right choice for me at this school? When should I take the SAT? What scores do I submit to this school? May I submit my research project? Every school has different requirements, deadlines, and forms. I will work with you to make sure everything needed lands in the right place at the right time.

A favorite service of Custom Fit clients is our BIG FAT COLLEGE CHECKLIST. After you have made your list of schools, I will create a customized calendar including all deadlines for each school, all testing deadlines, timelines for requesting interviews, etc. Checklist to track completion of each step is also included. You’ll love it!

Many schools have multiple application forms and rules. In addition to the Common Application, supplements and specific scholarship forms are often required. We will work together to assure that your applications meet the requirements of each school, while also highlighting your unique talents and experiences.

Your application essays are your chance to have complete control over one aspect of your application. Choosing a topic and writing in a voice that defines you as a unique applicant is worth extra time and effort. Using my experience as a professional writer and editor, I will work with you to brainstorm topics, edit and revise drafts, and take the time to make this an outstanding portion of your application.

A college education is often the second largest expense in the life of the family. Each school must meet your financial needs in order to be a “custom fit”. One of the services Custom Fit clients have complimented the most, is help interpreting the language of the complex and changing financial aid system, including grants, loans, and merit aid. Understanding differences between the FAFSA and the CSS Profile may be significant in your choice of schools. Custom Fit College Planning will help you maximize your financial aid and scholarship opportunities by doing in depth individualized scholarship search, and by considering your unique profile and financial needs in light of each school’s policies. We will also work together to interpret and compare financial aid awards.

Presenting a complete and accurate picture of your activities outside of school can be a great way to identify you as a memorable applicant. If you are pursuing athletics, music, drama, debate, or other significant roles in your college setting I will help you create a resume in your area of expertise to help you achieve your goals.

Custom Fit College Planning can help you plan and maximize your visit trips by helping you coordinate campuses, brainstorming questions you have for each school, and researching ahead for areas of interest to investigate when you are on campus. Representatives of many colleges also visit our area. College visits at your high school, at area college fairs, or at presentations by specific schools give you an important chance to show interest in a school, make direct contact with admissions staff, and get answers to your questions.

Many schools require or recommend an interview with admissions staff or alumni. I will help you prepare for these interviews by brainstorming questions and answers and participating with you in mock interviews. These conversations give you a chance to ask questions as well as show your knowledge and enthusiasm for the school. For some colleges, the interview is a small part of the admissions process, while for others it may play a role not only in the admissions decision, but in the awarding of scholarships as well.

Congratulations! You have admissions decisions in hand, as well as financial aid offers. You have visited the schools that are top on your list, and now it’s time to make a decision. Which one to choose? This decision is a big one for you and your family. I will be here to answer questions and weigh options, as well as to celebrate your choice. During your first semester or quarter of college, however, you don’t have to feel alone. If you have any questions that Custom Fit College Planning can help you with, I am available to all clients and families through the first semester as you are adjusting to your new college life.