Because most school college counselors do not have as much time, they typically do not develop a deep understanding of every student. But private college counselors do which allows private college counselors to give personal and tailored recommendations for extracurricular programs to enhance a student’s resume, colleges that will fit a student well, and essay topics that will highlight the student’s strengths.
The college decision is too important not to invest in. For most of our families, college will cost over $200,000. We want to help students gain admittance to a college that will give them a good personal and academic return on that investment.
We connect students to the best possible college counselors who will maximize their chances to gain admittance to top schools.
It varies. A lot. Some sports start giving offers early (typically near the end of sophomore year); others give offers later (at the end of junior year). Women’s sports tend to recruit earlier than men’s. Division 1 colleges can give athletes more support through the admissions process, so their top recruits can have lower SAT and ACT scores (for example, every year we have at least a few recruited athletes who only need a 27 on their ACTs to get into Princeton). Division 3 schools can give athletes support, but typically the student needs to still be a viable applicant without recruitment (so having recruitment still helps because it generally guarantees admittance, but a student still needs to score about at the college’s average SAT or ACT score).
Additionally, college athletes who are hoping to get recruited should typically reach out to college coaches (or ask their own coach to reach out to college coaches on their behalf) so that college coaches can gain more awareness of an athlete even before the official recruitment period begins (before that time college coaches are not allowed to initiate communication with potential recruits, but they can respond if the athlete or their coach initiates communication). If a college coach is interested, then the athlete should keep up consistent (but not annoying) communication with the coach: congratulating the coach when his or her team has a big win, updating the coach on the athlete’s own accomplishments, etc.
If you have questions about your athlete’s specific circumstances, we’re always happy to help.
A target schools is one in which the student’s grades and test scores are in the middle fifty percent of admitted students at that school. Offer letters from these schools is considered to be “likely.” But, the likelihood still depends on “how” a student applies: if a school offers two early decision rounds and a student instead applies either early action or regular decision to that school, the student still risks a “deferral” or even a rejection from the school because the school will (probably correctly) assume that it is not a student’s first choice. The more willing a student is to committing to a school with early decision, the more willing the school is to commit to the student.
A reach school is one in which the student is still typically in the bottom 25% of the school’s average grade and test scores for admitted students. But, either for that reason or simply because of the large number of talented applicants, admission is possible but far from a guarantee. When reaching for “reach” schools, a student’s extracurriculars, character, story, and how well these fit the institutional needs of the school can swing the odds in the student’s favor.
Most colleges require three letters: one from your guidance counselor and two from academic subject teachers. We suggest to ask the teachers who know you best: even if you received a B in the class, perhaps you worked extremely hard, showed interest, sought out extra help, and made an impression. Some schools will also allow up to two extra letters of recommendation that speak to your extracurricular experiences. Perhaps you’ve had a job, attended camp for many years, sing in a chorus, play an instrument, etc. Those letters carry weight.
Students can start anytime after the first semester of freshman year. The earlier we can get to know a student, the more opportunity we have to craft their narrative, highlight their gifts, and make the process deliberate, stress-free, and successful.
Applying to college has never been more confusing, with record numbers of U.S. and international students seeking admission to the same increasingly competitive colleges and universities. At Summit Prep, we understand the changing landscape of college admissions and know how to help parents and students successfully navigate this increasingly complex process.
Whether you are looking to design a four-year academic plan, identify service and internship opportunities, create a balanced college list, or explore financial aid opportunities the expert counselors at Summit Prep can assist you. Contact us today to schedule a one-on-one meeting with a counselor and take control of this process and your future.
Whether you are looking through a window and describing an environment that is significant to you (as Williams College asked its applicants to do) or trying to find Waldo when applying to The University of Chicago, writing a compelling essay is critical in the college admission process. But while many students know what matters to them, most struggle to put those thoughts down on paper.
The experienced teachers and essay readers at Summit Prep can help you generate essay ideas and express yourself in a way that will enhance your application and provide a captivating window into your world. What you say and how you say it matters.
See what our students have to say
Molly and Neve talk about their experience at Summit Prep:
Summer? Among other fascinating parts of Malcolm Gladwell’s “Outliers” is the research he presents in Chapter 9 about the disparity in educational outcomes between students
Discover the factors that colleges use to make admissions decisions, such as GPA, standardized tests, essays, and more. Learn how to improve your chances of acceptance.
Test-optional admissions is changing and has split into three different groups: test-required with rare exceptions, test preferred, and truly test-optional.
If you’re interested, we would love to give you a complimentary strategy consultation over the phone or online to discuss the best plan for your child’s educational goals: which test to take, when to take them, what scores are needed for admission, and any other questions you have.
It is our privilege and pleasure to serve you and to help empower your children to succeed in life.
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The cost of tutoring will vary depending on the number of sessions needed to hit a student’s score goal.
