Services

It's Never Too Late

or Too Early

Planning and knowledge are critical elements in successfully applying to college. No matter when we start the process, we will meet frequently throughout the year to monitor progress, answer questions, adjust your personalized plan as new elements are presented and encourage your commitment to your goals. And when it is time to start applying, we will be there every step of the way monitoring deadlines, writing requirements and everything else that makes a complete application.

Let's Chat

How often have you and a group of friends gotten together and the conversation turns to college? You all have lots of questions but no one has answers. Well, I do and I would be glad to answer yours!

I offer “Let's Chat College” gatherings for small groups and families which include my presentation “The FAQs about College Admission” followed by an informal Q & A. These chats are designed to be full of practical suggestions and important information.

So, invite your friends and Let's Chat!

To host one, contact me at

Ila@thecollegeexpress.com

No sales, just information!

The FAQs About College Admissions

Designed for parents and students, this presentation answers the most frequent and critical questions that both students and parents have.

"Is it really harder to get into college these days?",

"What is the difference between UC and CSU?,"

"What exactly are A-G requirements?,"

"SAT, ACT or both?,"

"Why is my GPA not my GPA?,"

"What should I/my student be doing now?," and the big one,

"How much is it really going to cost?"

Please join me for a presentation full of practical suggestions and important information.

Personalized

We start by finding out what your interests and goals are, where you are academically and what you hope to accomplish in the future.

With this information, we:

Evaluate your best testing options and create an individualized testing timeline,
Make course recommendations while in high school,
Encourage and advise on extracurricular and community service activities that correspond to your interests and skills,
Identify a strong list of potential schools based on your academic profile, career goals and college vision,
Plan college visits and offer suggestions for getting the most out of the visits,
Create a detailed and personalized college admissions deadlines timetable,
Research scholarship options,
Keep you updated on San Diego high school vists and community presentations that universities make,
Practice interviewing skills,
Provide guidance on college applications essays, including writing strategies, theme development, review and revision,
Review completed applications before submission,
Celebrate with you as you make the "big decision."

Schedule a Consultation

International Students

Early planning is essential for international students as US universities will evaluate you on coursework as early as Grade 9.

As well as completing all the steps outlined to the left, we will help you understand the different criteria that US universities use in their selections: coursework, academic standard, testing and activities outside of the classroom.

From there, we will determine the individual steps you need to take to achieve your future educational goals. We will evaluate your course choices and make recommendations on the strongest options for you; we will plan an appropriate testing schedule, and help you get prepared for them; and we provide specific recommendations for after-school and summer activities that will enhance your overall student profile. We will also introduce you to universities that meet your personal preferences and academic record, and help you to evaluate your options.

How it works:

Introductory presentation on the US university system for parents and students,
Annual fall and late winter meetings in person,
Scheduled video conferences (approximately December, April, June) as well as additional conferences as requested or needed,
Ongoing email communication with individualized updates and information,
Invitation to our US University Tour- each year we escort a group of students to visit a variety of different types of colleges and universities in a selected area of the US,
USA College Day, London- students will have the opportunity to develop a personal plan prior to the fair as well as discuss strategies for making the most of the event,
Grade 12 Application Workshop, London. Designed specifically for international students applying to US universities, students work in small groups, guided by an experienced adviser, to complete the Common Application and required personal statement.