Equipped's Consulting Framework
A Three-Point Advising Model
While some organizations focus just on 'getting in,' I focus on utilizing the admissions process for what it can be – an excellent preparation for success in college. With more and more students showing up for their first college class underprepared, gaining independency and responsibility practice through the admissions process is even more important today than 20 years ago.
Born out of my own personal experiences working as a college advisor and volunteering as a mentor for students transitioning from high school to college, my advising model focuses on three things:
- Build a mentor-like relationship between the student and consultant. A trusted third-party adult can be a huge benefit for students and parents alike when it comes to exploring new ideas and asking tough questions. College tidbits and advice are often brought up naturally in conversation, and students feel more free to express their concerns honestly.
- Gradually increase a student’s responsibility throughout the admissions process. Parents often play a larger role in the admissions process in the beginning, but the student takes over the lead no later than halfway through the process (with my guidance, of course). Parents can rest easy knowing that they will be alerted of any concerns and kept in the loop throughout the process.
- Teach writing while reviewing a student’s essays. Our essay sessions are discussion-based. I don’t simply make corrections and have the student accept them as suggested changes. (As a former college-level English instructor, I can tell you this never works.) In fact, most students gain very little with this approach. Students are an active part of their own review process, and every point of praise or concern in an essay is an opportunity for the student to improve their writing. The college essays require students to think and write in a way they usually have never been taught, and the skills that make great admissions essays also contribute to necessary college writing skills. In short, students must develop the ability to think critically when they write!
What is T.I.M.E. (Timely Insights and Matriculation Essentials) for College Admissions,
and why is it the first part of every package?
Admissions has changed so much in the past 30, 20, and even 10 years. These changes have a direct impact on a student's application process and their likelihood of being admitted to a specific college.
T.I.M.E takes place over the first 10 - 11 sessions of every package, culminating in the student's final college list. Students and families get to know the current admissions landscape and what this means for a teen's individual admissions profile and their choice of colleges. The good news is it is not as bad as the media sometimes makes it out to be! It's just different, and what worked for parents' college applications usually will not work today. Understanding and applying knowledge of the current admissions environment can often mean the difference between an acceptance or a rejection.
T.I.M.E. Includes reviewing and guidance on:
- high school course selection
- extracurricular activities
- testing options
- summer activities
- multiple surveys & an aptitude assessment
- current trends in admissions
- college rankings knowledge
- college readiness skills
- career and major selection
- college research
- college visits
- college list (building from beginning)
- recommendation letter prep
- Financial Aid
- admissions deadline options
How do you stay up to date on the constantly changing world of college admissions?
I actively and regularly engage in learning about colleges and universities. From visiting about 15 to 20 colleges in person each year, to attending webinars hosted by various colleges, to attending conferences, I am constantly learning new things and fascinating facts about institutions. As an Associate Member in the Independent Educational Consultants Association, I also have access to a vast array of knowledge as well as a broad network of other college consultants.
The farthest American-accredited institution I've visited - Franklin University in Switzerland.
What Parents are Saying:
You are the first consultant that we talked to. We don’t regret our choice. After talking with other parents that hired a consultant, I found a few things about you stand out:
1.) You know how to communicate with students effectively.
2.) Your help on student writing skills is great.
3.) Your communication with parents is also great and becomes a bridge between student and parents.
~ A Parent from Memphis, TN
