Initial College Consultation

The counseling process always begins with a first consultation meeting. This consultation is usually a family meeting, including the student and at least one parent or guardian, and typically includes the following process, though every meeting is unique and personalized to the individual student and family situation. I meet students where they are.

We review the student’s educational and personal profile compiled from the completed Questionnaires submitted by both student and parents prior to the consultation, and any other material provided by both student and parents which will help inform our initial discussion. Such advance materials will include academic transcripts, along with teacher comments, and a record of any standardized testing, a résumé, and any other helpful information.

The informational forms will highlight your personal interests, achievements, and goals, which will help me get to know you. I would also like to see any specialized, individual testing if the student has been evaluated by an independent or school-based psychologist or learning specialist, as this will give me insight into particular learning needs or other educational issues.

During our first consultation meeting, we will usually spend time:

• Reviewing the student’s current and future curriculum.
• Developing a schedule for taking appropriate standardized tests, and discussing test preparation options.
• Discussing extracurricular interests, school activities and personal hobbies, summer involvements and programs, volunteer and employment opportunities, and specialized study options.
• Guiding the student to consider their personal profile and ways to focus or expand it.
• Developing a list of colleges and universities that fit the student’s academic and personal profile, goals, and preferences.
• If appropriate, advising on athletic recruiting, and pursuing competitive sports in college.
• Discussing the many different kinds of U.S. and international college and university programs and environments, including liberal arts, business, engineering, visual and performing arts, and other specialized choices.
• Explaining the college admissions process and timeline.
• Responding to any particular questions or concerns students or parents might have.

After the initial consultation, you may choose to schedule additional individual consultations. Or, you may decide to become Ongoing Counseling clients. Initial consultations are payable meetings scheduled for 90 minutes. Additional consultations are scheduled for one hour. We may meet in person in my Wilton office, by appointment in New York City, or via video or audio conference. My hours are flexible to accommodate families in various U.S. time zones, as well as international families around the world.