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College Lists

Creating a well-thought-out and targeted college list based on the criteria that’s most important to you is the first step in the college application process.

Leaf

At a Glance

Up to four 1-ON-1 sessions

Deciding Early Action, Early Decision, and Regular Admission strategy

Creating a balanced list of “safety,” “target,” and “reach” schools

Exploring and deciding intended major at each college

Comprehensive review of your academic profile

Anything else you’d like to discuss

Prices starting at $425

Importance

Formulating a thoughtful and meaningful list of colleges you’re interested in is the best starting point in the college application process. The key is to create a list of colleges where you will thrive and graduate in four years. Although including colleges that are interesting or intriguing to you is tempting, the best approach is research, research, research! These sessions will help you create a manageable and balanced list of “safety,” “target,” and “reach” schools where you’d be happy to attend based on the academic, social, and financial fit you’re looking for.

Leaf Stem
Courtney was able to offer valuable guidance on what the colleges look for, make suggestions on how to improve the structure, and answer other related questions about the Common Application and expectations. Well worth the time and money!

FAQ's

What is a “safety” school? 

A “safety” school is a school where a student is almost certain to get into. This is a school where admission is highly likely based on the student’s profile.


What is a “target” school?  

A “target” school is a school where your academic profile including test scores, GPA, and class rank fall well within the average of the latest freshman class stats. While the chances of being accepted are good, there is still the possibility of being waitlisted or denied.


What is a “reach” school? 

A “reach” school is a school where your academic profile falls below the average of the latest freshman class statistics.


What are my chances of getting accepted to an Ivy League school? 

Ivy League schools are highly selective and should always be considered “Reach+” schools for all students. Although a perfect academic profile, a stellar extra-curricular activities list, and pristine college essays will help boost your admission odds, these schools accept few students and regularly reject students with perfect grades and test scores. Classifying an Ivy League school as a target school is difficult for anyone.


How many schools should I apply to? 

I recommend applying to 6-12 schools. A good start is to create a college list balanced with 3 “safety” schools, 3 “target” schools, and 3 “reach” schools.


What is Early Action? 

Early Action acceptances to college are non-binding. Students receive an early response to their application but have until May 1 to commit. You can typically apply to multiple colleges under the Early Action plan.


What is Restrictive Early Action? 

Restrictive Early Action is non-binding, however, you may only apply to one school under this plan. You may pursue admission to other schools under Regular Decision.


What is Early Decision? 

Applying Early Decision to a school is not a decision to be taken lightly. Early Decision is a binding agreement meaning you may only apply to one school under this plan. If accepted, you must enroll. Additionally, if accepted, you are expected to withdraw your applications to other institutions. It’s essential to do your homework to be sure the school you are applying to for Early Decision is truly a good choice. It’s also essential to know that if you’re accepted that your family can afford to pay the Estimated Family Contribution determined by the FAFSA or will be able to pay the bill that the college will send.


What is Regular Decision? 

You may apply to as many schools as you’d like under this plan, and it’s non-binding.


What is Rolling Admission? 

This means colleges evaluate applications as they receive them instead of waiting until a specified deadline to review them. Although they usually have a wide application window, you should set an early deadline for yourself and apply early. As spots fill up, it could become more challenging to gain acceptance.


Where will we meet? 

We’ll collaborate over Zoom. Finding a time is easy since I offer appointments mornings, afternoons and evenings 7 days a week.


How will we work together? 

We’ll meet over Zoom and collaborate together using a shared Google Doc.


How do I pay? 

50% payment for Creating A College List sessions is expected upon booking and will hold your spot. The remaining 50% is due upon completion of your 3rd session. I accept most forms of payment including Venmo, Zelle, ApplePay, Paypal, MC, Visa, AmEx, and Discover. Would you like to request a different payment arrangement? Just ask.

Book your appointment today!

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