Frequently Asked Questions

Your College Admittance Advising Questions Answered

  • I work with students at many different stages of high school, including families who reach out during junior year. That said, there are real advantages to starting earlier, ideally in ninth grade or even the summer before high school begins. Working together over time allows me to truly get to know each student so I can help identify opportunities, programs, activities, and colleges that align with their individual strengths and interests.

    Starting earlier also helps reduce stress later on. By the time application season arrives, students already understand the process, expectations, and timeline, allowing them to approach senior year with greater confidence, organization, and balance. My goal is always to help students complete applications thoughtfully and ahead of major deadlines whenever possible.

  • Yes. My practice is fully virtual, and I work with students both locally and throughout the United States.

    Many families have found that virtual advising offers greater flexibility and convenience. Students can meet from home between school, activities, athletics, rehearsals, work, or travel without adding extra commuting time to an already busy schedule. Virtual meetings also make it easier to stay connected consistently throughout the year, including during the summer months.

  • I enjoy working with students with a wide range of interests, strengths, goals, and learning styles. Some students are highly organized and know exactly what they want, while others need more structure, encouragement, or help identifying the environments where they will feel most successful.

    One of my favorite parts of this work is helping students discover colleges that truly fit who they are, including schools that may not have initially been on their radar. I also have a growing interest in learning differences and neurodiverse learners, and I continue to pursue professional development in those areas.

  • I view college advising as a collaborative process between students, parents, and advisors. Parents provide valuable perspective and support, especially during major decisions and planning conversations, while students are encouraged to take increasing ownership of the process as they move through high school.

    One of the benefits of working with an independent advisor is helping reduce family stress around college planning. My role is to provide structure, communication, and accountability so students can build confidence and independence while parents feel informed and supported along the way.

  • Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming one of the biggest topics in college admissions, and there are still many unanswered questions surrounding ethics, authenticity, and appropriate use. While AI can be a helpful tool for brainstorming, organization, and idea development, students should never rely on it to replace their own voice, experiences, or critical thinking, especially in personal essays.

    I encourage students to approach AI thoughtfully and responsibly, using it as a tool rather than a shortcut. For more on this topic, including current articles and resources, please visit my AI and College Admissions page under Resources.

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