FAQ - College Admissions Consultant
Why do I need an expert college admissions consultant?
Applying and being accepted to your top choice university in today’s highly competitive admissions process can be daunting, overwhelming and oftentimes frustrating. Working with a professional college admissions consultant who can expertly guide you through the process can take a good deal of stress off your plate and enable you to approach the process as it should be: an exciting time where you have the opportunity to put your best foot forward and showcase who you truly are and why you are a great fit for the university. With 20+ years of college admissions consultant experience, I have helped support thousands of students and their families approach this process with a sense of calm and reassurance that comes with working with an expert college admissions consultant who not only understands of the process of admissions but also knows how to bring out the best in students.
Wouldn't I receive the same help from my high school guidance counselor?
No, not necessarily. While your guidance counselors can be very well-intentioned, even at elite college prep schools, their caseloads can be extremely demanding, and they may not have the time to focus on your overall needs or be able to support you every step of the way. My expertise and personal insight into the highly competitive admissions process and my personalized support and guidance may not be available at your school.
Will I work with you or with someone else?
I work directly, one-on-one, with students and, where appropriate, with their families.
What services do you offer and to what age groups?
I offer college admission consultant services to students from grades 9 through 12 and also work with college students. The types of services vary a bit by group. An overview and types of services can be viewed by clicking the links below:
- Overview of Services
- Coaching Program (Grades 9-11)
- Admissions Program (Grade 12)
- Transfer Program (In College)
How can I meet with you? What if I don't live in Santa Barbara, Ventura, Thousand Oaks, Westlake, Calabasas or surrounding areas? Can I still work with you?
Yes! I am available for face-to-face meetings if you live in Santa Barbara, Ventura, Thousand Oaks, Westlake, Calabasas or the surrounding areas where I can visit you and your family in your home. We can also conduct our meetings via Zoom, Facetime or phone if more convenient. For out of area students, meetings are done via Zoom, Facetime or phone. I have worked long distance with students as far away as New York, Massachusetts, Colorado and Texas, and internationally in countries such as Sweden, England, Brazil, China, and Dubai.
When should I start?
I meet with students as early as the 8th grade but it depends on many factors including your motivation, interest in particular colleges and preferred level of support. We can meet for as much or little as you want depending on your particular needs, and this varies from student to student. Some students prefer more long-term, intensive support, while others may just want assistance with the college essay in October. I work with both high school students and transfer students (already enrolled in college).
When is it too late to work with a college admissions consultant?
While my particular services differ depending on your particular needs, I work with all high school and college transfer students assisting them in any part of the college admissions process from A-Z. Whether it be getting a successful start in high school or college, assistance with the college essay, or decisions concerning Early Decision/Action or Waitlisting, at any or all parts of the way, I am grateful to be able to help students get admitted to their top choice universities.
Are parents included? For sure! Parents have known their children the longest and can provide helpful insights and wisdom in support of the student’s goals. My approach is that we are working together as a team, and it is helpful to incorporate parent and student voices in the process of supporting the student’s goals and aspirations.
What happens in a college admissions consultant meeting? From the start of our meetings, the focus is on listening to you and your needs and concerns. I assist students with any and all parts of the application process with the goal being to help students strategically submit exceptional and compelling applications that showcase each student’s strengths, personality, abilities and great fit for the university. With full support through the process, we craft personalized academic and extracurricular plans that build upon each student’s unique strengths, abilities and goals. For academics, we review school courses, standardized testing plans, tutoring needs and study habits. For extracurriculars, I help students find volunteer and internship opportunities, summer jobs and programs, clubs and capstone or passion projects that display their full potential of capabilities and passions. I am also a Success Coach and am adept at helping students to increase motivation, goal setting and problem solving skills.
What is a capstone or passion project?
A capstone or passion project is one where a student finds and issue or problem that they are passionate about and they design and implement practical solutions to the problem. Passion projects help highlight core qualities that top tier universities are looking for: leadership skills, passion and dedication put to work, vision and creativity, collaboration, self-management and problem-solving skills to name a few.
How often do you meet?
We can meet for as much or little as you want depending on your particular needs, and this varies from student to student. Some students prefer more long-term, intensive support, while others may just want assistance with the college essay in November. In our first meeting, we can assess your needs and co-create a plan that works for you and your family. We move forward when you fully approve the plan.
My son/daughter struggles with motivation, can you help?
Of course! My educational background as a Marriage Family Therapist (MFT) and my professional background as both a Success Coach and College Success Instructor makes me very well suited to assist your son/daughter with motivation issues, problem solving, goal setting or other personal challenges. On the academic side, I have extensive experience teaching academic success skills such as memory and study skills, critical thinking and time management.
What makes you stand out from other consultants?
- You work directly with me - Most college admission consultant companies hire staff with often little educational and work experience as a counselor and coach. I do not outsource any of my services.
- Personalized attention, passionate about your success, highly motivational
- Success Coaching and Career Counseling experience - 20+ years helping clients successfully maximize their fullest potential and reach their desired goals.
- 20+ years professional expertise with proven results helping students get into prestigious universities including Harvard, Stanford, Brown, Cornell, UC Berkeley, UCLA, UCSD, USC and many more.
How much do you cost?
Great question! My fees range from $150-225 per hour depending on the package. I am more than happy to review the specifics with you during a free ½ hour consultation.
How do we connect with you for your services?
Click the "Contact Matt" button below for more information. Thank you for your interest.