Whether your teen is considering a two-year college, four-year college or contemplating a Gap Year, Cornerstone College Consulting will guide you through the process.
Freshman Session
A student's first year of high school is a time to explore, but also provides an opportunity to lay important groundwork. Cornerstone College Consulting offers a one hour informational session that will help students and parents understand the importance of:
- Setting Goals
- Choosing challenging high school courses
- Involvement in extracurricular activities
- Developing talents and passions
- Exploring Colleges
Sophomores and Juniors
Cornerstone Session
The Cornerstone Session for Sophomores and Juniors delves deeply into the specifics of the college search and application process. It includes:
Prior to this meeting, student and parents are asked to fill out a questionnaire and return to consultant two days before the meeting along with the student's most recent transcript.
- Conversation with student and parents to understand goals and priorities.
- Guidance on High School course selection
- Overview of the admission process
- Discussion of testing options and strategies
- Review of research sources
- Analysis of five colleges of a student's choice
- Additional information upon request for: Student Athletes, Performing and Visual Artists, Students with Learning Disabilities and Financial Aid.
Prior to this meeting, student and parents are asked to fill out a questionnaire and return to consultant two days before the meeting along with the student's most recent transcript.
Following the Cornerstone or Freshman Session, families can sign up for the Comprehensive Package. Descriptions of some sessions included are below.
Sessions focused on the College Search:
Knowing What Matters: Knowing what matters to a student is the cornerstone of a successful college search. During these two sessions, students are guided through a series of exercises that will allow them to assess and define their priorities for a college environment.
List Development: Using the results of the Knowing What Matters Sessions, an exploratory list of colleges is prepared for the student's consideration. As he or she researches or visits colleges, we collaborate to create a highly individualized final list including reach, possible, and anchor schools, all well suited to his or her educational goals. The student is the guiding force in creating this list, though input from the family is welcome. (Hours vary)
Sessions focused on the College Application:
Organizing Session: Ideally scheduled in the summer before senior year, this session focuses on organizing some of the essential components of the application including the activity resume, collection of supplemental essay prompts, review of letter of recommendation packet, review of research assignments, college visit observations and much more. (1 1/2 hours)
Essay Work: Students are mentored through all stages of the writing process from initial brainstorming to final editing. Equal focus is devoted to the Personal Statement and college specific supplemental writing. Essay work should begin the summer before senior year. Our work with students on the essays occurs in person as well as online. (hours vary)
Developing a Plan: During this session, a detailed timeline is developed to complete and submit the application. It includes a review of college's specific application requirements. (1 hour)
Application review: Prior to submission, the student’s completed application can be reviewed to minimize errors and omissions. (Hours vary)
Interview Preparation: This mock interview session helps students prepare for interviews with alumni, college faculty, and admissions professionals. (1 hour)
Guidance on final choices: Once all acceptances have been received, I am available to help students review choices and evaluate and understand financial aid packages and merit aid offers. (1 hour)
Specialized Services
Performing Arts Students: For students accomplished in the performing arts, the application process will be more extensive and require significant advance planning. Cornerstone College Consulting will provide a detailed overview on the submission of supplementary materials and provide support throughout the audition process. Referrals are available for outside coaching, recording needs, and technical editing.
Student Athletes: Students planning to continue playing their sport in college will face additional requirements throughout the admission process. It is important to understand the steps necessary to best showcase your teen’s ability. Cornerstone College Consulting will provide an overview of the recruiting process and help identify schools seeking your student’s talent.
Transfer Students: Students transfer to a different college for a variety of reasons. Cornerstone College Consulting will help current college students find a new environment that is best suited to their needs.
Knowing What Matters: Knowing what matters to a student is the cornerstone of a successful college search. During these two sessions, students are guided through a series of exercises that will allow them to assess and define their priorities for a college environment.
- Part One: Personality Profile and Major Exploration (1 1/2 hours)
- Part Two: College Factors and Interests (1 1/2 hours)
List Development: Using the results of the Knowing What Matters Sessions, an exploratory list of colleges is prepared for the student's consideration. As he or she researches or visits colleges, we collaborate to create a highly individualized final list including reach, possible, and anchor schools, all well suited to his or her educational goals. The student is the guiding force in creating this list, though input from the family is welcome. (Hours vary)
Sessions focused on the College Application:
Organizing Session: Ideally scheduled in the summer before senior year, this session focuses on organizing some of the essential components of the application including the activity resume, collection of supplemental essay prompts, review of letter of recommendation packet, review of research assignments, college visit observations and much more. (1 1/2 hours)
Essay Work: Students are mentored through all stages of the writing process from initial brainstorming to final editing. Equal focus is devoted to the Personal Statement and college specific supplemental writing. Essay work should begin the summer before senior year. Our work with students on the essays occurs in person as well as online. (hours vary)
Developing a Plan: During this session, a detailed timeline is developed to complete and submit the application. It includes a review of college's specific application requirements. (1 hour)
Application review: Prior to submission, the student’s completed application can be reviewed to minimize errors and omissions. (Hours vary)
Interview Preparation: This mock interview session helps students prepare for interviews with alumni, college faculty, and admissions professionals. (1 hour)
Guidance on final choices: Once all acceptances have been received, I am available to help students review choices and evaluate and understand financial aid packages and merit aid offers. (1 hour)
Specialized Services
Performing Arts Students: For students accomplished in the performing arts, the application process will be more extensive and require significant advance planning. Cornerstone College Consulting will provide a detailed overview on the submission of supplementary materials and provide support throughout the audition process. Referrals are available for outside coaching, recording needs, and technical editing.
Student Athletes: Students planning to continue playing their sport in college will face additional requirements throughout the admission process. It is important to understand the steps necessary to best showcase your teen’s ability. Cornerstone College Consulting will provide an overview of the recruiting process and help identify schools seeking your student’s talent.
Transfer Students: Students transfer to a different college for a variety of reasons. Cornerstone College Consulting will help current college students find a new environment that is best suited to their needs.