College counseling and related services are provided in sessions lasting 1-2 hours. All sessions are led by a college counselor—Owner/Director, Rachel S. Loving, Ph.D. (Scroll down for information on College Boot Camp!)
Sessions may include, but are not limited to
- information on particular colleges
- essay tips
- summer planning
- setting priorities
- determining timelines
- explaining applications
- checking over applications
- college matching (i.e., discussion of college “fit” based on students’ needs and goals)
- career/major exploration
- college visit planning
- narrowing down choices
- academic advising
- advice for special populations (e.g., athletes/transfers/students with disabilities)
Sample Session Topics
Family Conference
This session is designed to help the college counselor learn about the student and where he or she is in the college application process. Goal-setting will occur and a “to-do” list will be established. At least one parent must attend this session. It is recommended that all services begin with a family conference.
Senior Application Assistance
These sessions are designed to help seniors determine an action plan for the fall/winter, select and prioritize college choices, and complete applications. The college counselor can even sit with students as they review their applications, screen by screen if necessary, and be available for questions. This level of support, especially during the first application, can help students feel more confident and ready to tackle subsequent applications. Rising seniors may wish to scroll down to view information on the College Boot Camp.
Essay Critique
These sessions focus strictly on college essays and can cover selecting essay prompts, brainstorming, draft review, and final edits. All essays are, of course, students’ own work and homework may be assigned between sessions. This type of session is a great fit for students who feel confident about the college admissions process, but would like a final check for typos, etc. in a single session.
Next Step
This session is designed to occur in the spring of a student’s senior year and will provide final assistance with the decision-making that goes along with selecting a college among several acceptance letters and financial aid packages. This session can also look to the coming fall and help a family create a check-list of what needs to be done to prepare for college. At least one parent must attend.
Junior Planning
These sessions are designed for juniors who are ready to dive into the college search process. Students will work with their college counselor to determine a timeline, begin to build a list of prospective colleges, plan college visits, and have questions about the college admissions process answered.
Long-Term Goal Setting
These sessions are designed for freshmen and sophomores who are looking to plan ahead. Items such as course selection and plans for extra-curricular and summer activities may be discussed. At least one parent must attend.
Note: During the COVID-19 pandemic, all student meetings have been held via Zoom. Beginning May 28th, 2021, meetings will be held either in person or virtual depending on family preference. Group boot camp participants will be asked for their preference upon registration and a decision regarding the location will be made in July 2021 based on group preference and CDC guidelines at that time. College Boot Camp details and a link to the registration form are provided below.
Rates
Compensation per session is $150. Your college counselor will typically tackle all items on the agenda in 1-2 hours, but will stay as long as it takes to answer all of your questions.
“College Boot Camp” for rising seniors: This service includes three sessions grouped closely together with the goal of completing the Common Application before the school years starts! This program is offered during the months of July and August. There are two options for College Boot Camp:
Group College Boot Camp ($300): This structured three-day program will be offered August 2nd, 3rd, and 4th 2022. This program will be two hours per day (6:00-8:00 pm) plus three individual consults. The camp will aim to have students complete the Common Application (or other application of their choice) and have the primary essay in completed draft form. There will be homework in between sessions. Students will have the opportunity for individual feedback and questions. Unlimited follow-up email communication about the primary essay beyond the boot camp is included throughout the month of August. Click here: “College Boot Camp Registration Form” to register for the program and view payment options by July 27th. Spots are limited, so early registration is encouraged. Contact Owner/Director Rachel Loving (rachel.loving@1stchoicecollege.com) to confirm availability after July 27th before registering.
Individual College Boot Camp ($500): This program can be scheduled to meet the individual student’s needs, with the first meeting being scheduled no later than August 31. This program includes three two-hour, one-on-one sessions that meet the same objectives as the Group College Boot Camp but may also include discussion of individual goals, college list feedback based on individual credentials, parent questions, application supplements and more. Individual College Boot Camp includes unlimited follow-up email communication about the primary essay and other essays through the month of September.
Free Services
1st Choice College Counseling believes no one should have to pay for financial aid or scholarship advice or for explanation of the process. Community members may contact the Owner/Director by phone or email to inquire about tips for completing the FAFSA, CSS Profile, and scholarship applications free of charge.
Get Started
It is never too early or too late to gain valuable information about how to achieve success in the college admissions process. Whether you or your child is just entering high school or is getting ready to graduate, contact Rachel S. Loving, Ph.D. to share your story. Start the conversation by phone, or email. Once Dr. Loving has gathered some preliminary information about you or your child’s goals, she will schedule a face-to-face college counseling session. Dr. Loving can work with you or your child throughout the entire application process or help with the final touches.
Attention High School Seniors! Get your Common Application completed way ahead of your first deadline. Inquire about “College Boot Camp” today!
Dr. Loving has also assisted students who contacted her for the first time during the spring of their senior year for assistance with the waitlist process, prospective transfer options, or creative ways to “regroup” in a pinch.