Values.
My approach blends first-hand experience with educationally sound strategy. These are my three values:
1. Intellect First
I get my clients results without losing sight that our work is fundamentally intellectual in nature.
In other words, my process is built on the dual outcomes of admission and personal growth. My coaching style encourages students to engage with new and complex ideas, to develop resilient habits of mind, and to be strong (but humble) self-advocates. More than anything else, these qualities are what's important to admissions committees. They're also traits of students who succeed in the long-term.
Focusing on these pillars helps students grow into impactful, action-oriented thinkers. Guided by these outcomes, I’ll send my students articles and books; we’ll discuss current events as peers; and we’ll challenge each other in a supportive setting. We'll practice writing and interview exercises. When my students engage with faculty and peers, they’re equipped to be successful beyond the college process.
Along the way, we’ll work hard. We’ll even laugh a lot (if you like puns and other corny forms of humor). I’m here to take the guesswork out of this process so you can enjoy the adventure.
2. Calculated Results
If you’re reading my value proposition, then I suspect you’re also researching a range of private admissions advisors. I encourage you to be extremely discerning—whether or not you work with me, I want you and your family to find an advisor who will ensure your success.
We’ll customize a responsible, calculated college admissions strategy that incorporates lofty goals, anticipates risk, and ensures you have only high-quality options come decision day. Our plan will be balanced and educationally sound. We’ll build a list of schools that you're 100% excited about. This way, the hardest part of the process will be choosing among your options.
3. Achieving with Integrity
My mission is to help students get into schools they’re excited about by producing work they can be proud of.
My students’ work is all their own. I’ll be by your side advising closely, providing detailed feedback, and equipping you with the guidance you need for a strategic edge. Ultimately, my students are empowered to take control of their college process—through work that isn't fundamentally altered by the folks cheering them on. To that end, our collaboration will be informed by a clear honor code.
Final thoughts
You’ve got big choices ahead of you. The nature of college admissions has changed drastically within the last generation, and especially the most recent decade. I’m sympathetic to how daunting that feels, and I’d like to provide some assorted words of encouragement.
If you’re researching a college admissions advisor, you’re already in great shape. I mean that. Whether you’re a student or parent reading this, your proactive approach to understanding this process will serve you better than you can imagine.
Parents:
- Stay lighthearted about this process. Ask your student about what makes them happy. Help them find ways to go after it.
- Be patient when they’re anxious. Try to intuit the subtext of their concerns.
- Give them the space to explore independence, and let them make decisions about their future.
Students:
- Your parents are just as anxious about this process as you are. Be kind.
- Ask for your folks' advice and receive it humbly, even if it's not always what you want to hear.
- If you have a license, offer to split the drives to college campuses. C'mon.