The college application essay and related college application process can be broken down into three cycles: college list creation, college application essay writing, and the college application process itself. Spark College Consulting offers services that help with all three areas.
We begin work with students wherever they are in the college application process to make the most of the time between now and the deadline dates for college application essays and school applications. Starting in a student’s junior year is optimal, however, we have started working with students as late as the August before their senior year and still made a positive impact in their overall process.
Where are YOU in the application process?
Where would you like to be?
Would you like it to be easier?
You are in the right place!
3-Steps: College List – College Application Essay College Application Process
“As a parent, it is hard not to worry about college applications and whether one’s child will find a good fit. I am grateful that Elizabeth’s knowledge, enthusiasm, and down to earth approach made my family’s life a lot easier and was instrumental in my son’s success in being accepted to the college of his choice.”
– Mom of Summit Preparatory Charter HS Student, Redwood City, CA
- College List Creation: Ideally this process begins in the junior year, to allow for college visits over spring break and other holidays. Over the course of 6-7 meetings, we help students discover their major and career interests and determine which features of colleges most interest them. Together, we research and discuss potential colleges. We discuss what to look for when visiting colleges, and discuss their impressions after they have visited. At the end of this cycle, the student will have a well-balanced list of 8-12 schools that reflects the needs of the student and of his or her family. During this time, we also work with the student on preparing a testing schedule, getting letters of recommendation from teachers and on his or her summer plans.
- College Application Essay Writing: During the summer between junior and senior year, we work with the student as he or she writes responses to 2-3 essay prompts – one from the Common Application and two from the University of California application. We meet with the student as often as necessary to brainstorm ideas and discuss drafts. By the end of the summer, the student will have completed all of the longer essays necessary for the colleges to which he or she wishes to apply. In addition, the student may also have completed some of the supplemental essays required by the colleges on his or her list.
- College Application Process: From September through December of the student’s senior year, we meet with the student biweekly to keep the application process on track, with the goal of having all applications completed before December 15th. We help with deadline management, supplement writing, and linking the Common Application to Naviance. Once the student has submitted all applications, we check in with the student to make sure that all documents from the school have been uploaded and the applications are complete. We also remind students and families of all financial aid application deadlines.
A client can choose to work with us for just one or two cycles, however, there is a complete package discount if the client chooses to work with Spark College Consulting from the beginning until the end of the process.
For more information about our services and pricing, please contact Spark College Consulting at your convenience.
