COLLEGE ADVENTURES
Choose Your Path
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why should you utilize the services of an independent college consultant?
The college selection and admission process is vastly different now from what it was when you were a student!
The good news is that our children have incredible opportunities and choices, but the process has become
complicated and competitive. Most students and families can benefit from the assistance of an experienced
college admissions consultant who can clarify their options and provide insight into the right college fit for the
student. Many students need more individualized attention than their high school counselor can give them.
The college search, selection, and application process requires organization and a sound strategy, and a
consultant can help your student “own” the process.
What does the process involve? What happens?
In the introductory phase, I meet with students and parents and get to know them. We discuss the students’
goals and interests, and I assess their academic record, extracurricular activities, and any diagnostic or
educational testing available. I utilize several assessment instruments which are geared toward understanding
personality type, aptitudes, and interests. Based on this information, I recommend which standardized tests to
take and when to take them. I introduce the student and parents to NAVIANCE Family Connection, the
premiere management system for college advising. In the selection phase, I present the student with a list of
schools and explain why they might be good choices. During the selection phase, families gain insight into the
admissions process and gain a better understanding of the different criteria that colleges use in assessing
applications. I prepare students for campus visits and interviews. The student and I work through the list,
ultimately narrowing down the choices to a manageable number of applications. In the planning phase, I guide
the student through the actual application. We discuss teacher recommendations, test scores, and transcripts. I
supervise the essay writing process-- from what subject to write about and how to approach it-- to a final
critique. All items are proofed and no application is submitted without my review. After the schools make their
decisions, in the acceptance phase, I continue to meet with the families to discuss the best school to attend.
Am I limited to a certain number of hours with you?
My Comprehensive Services program has no limit on meetings. Each student is an individual and needs a
different amount of attention. We meet as often as a student needs to, and I am available to parents through
phone, appointments, email and NAVIANCE’s Family Connection.
Do you have contacts or influence with admissions offices that can help a client gain admission?
All consultants know people in college admission offices but the short answer is NO. No ethical consultant will
use influence to get a student admitted. I work with the student to find the right college fit, one where the
student can thrive and flourish.
Do you fill out financial aid applications?
No. I have an understanding of the financial aid process, but filling out the forms is best handled by the family
and their financial advisors.
What other questions do parents or students typically ask?
When should I take the SAT Reasoning Test (formerly the SAT I)?
Should I take the ACT?
Should I take the SAT subject tests? If so, which subject tests and when?
Should I take advanced placement courses?
How much influence do the colleges place on extra-curricular activities?
How important are athletics?
Should I have an influential family friend write a letter of recommendation?
To how many colleges should I apply?
Should I apply early decision?
What can I expect at an interview?
What is the difference between a big, state supported university and a small private
college?
Is it OK if I don’t know what I want to major in?
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How much do you charge?
I have just revised my 2010 Scope of Services, taking into consideration the economy and the need to provide
the most affordable service I can. Here are my 2010 services and costs:
SERVICES
Consultation
For parents and students who wish to discuss college options. Prior to the consultation the student and
parents will be asked to provide a history of the student which includes performance (grades or transcript),
standardized testing, academic schedule, extracurricular activities and community service. We will discuss
your student’s personality, interests, any learning differences or challenges, and the assessments will help me
understand what type of programs, majors, financial aid, and college environments might be best for the
student and the family. Students who find a good fit between themselves and the college they attend are
more likely to have a successful college experience, and are better prepared to take on their careers.
• $250.00 includes preparation (examining transcripts, testing, etc.), a one hour consultation
with student and parents and a follow-up by telephone, email, or personal visit.
• Interpretation and explanation of another professional’s evaluation is $125.00 per hour.
Comprehensive Program
• We will discuss academic planning, community service, and summer enrichment activities, start school
searching, and students and parents will receive help and support. I will assist student in signing up
online for college and scholarship services. Student will take personality and career assessments,
major/career interest inventories and learning style assessments to assist in the research of potential
majors and careers based on the student’s interests and abilities.
• Fresh analysis of the student: looking at a student from a college admission standpoint including
testing, academics, extra curriculars, leadership, community service, passions and interests. Advise
student on any changes that need to be made, discuss personal issues that may impact choices, update
interests and activities.
• Taking into consideration the “whole” student, including financial considerations, developing a list of
colleges which meets the student’s interests and needs.
• Provide college testing (SAT, ACT) counsel and advice.
• Assist in planning college visits, and working with the student on interview skills
• Create a timeline for Admissions activities.
• Provide a list of resources on financial aid and scholarship information. (I am NOT a financial aid expert
and do not handle scholarship applications, etc.)
• Assist with applications, and review applications, and all attachments, for completeness and accuracy.
• Brainstorm with the student on ideas for college essays.
• Proofing college essays: recommendations and advice.
• Help plan school trips and prepare for interviews.
• Counsel student on teacher and personal recommendations needed for college application.
• Check all items prior to application submission.
• Contact college admissions as appropriate.
• Help evaluate offers, waitlists, and assist with 1st year college course planning.
• Unlimited student appointments, whatever is necessary (within reason) for the student
• $3500.00 (250.00 consultation goes toward this fee) Monthly payment plans are available.
Assessments
Personality Assessment, Major/Career Inventories, Learning Style Inventories, School Match
Indicator Assessment
These assessments are extremely helpful when exploring majors and future careers for students. They also
help in determining what size/type college is right for each individual.
• 100.00 per assessment
College Match List and Assessments
Four assessments and an initial college match list of 20 colleges/universities. This package does not include
college application assistance, but such assistance is available at a maximum of 8 appointments at the hourly
rate of 125.00 per hour.
• 1600.00
*250.00 consultation fee does not go toward this fee.
*Parents and student agree to advise Tam of which colleges are applied to and what the results are.
Hourly Rate
Meetings beyond the initial Consultation for those who do not wish to utilize full services but wish to receive
advice on college admission strategies, researching Summer Programs, or planning. Billable time includes all
meetings (in-person or videochat), email and phone communication, and information and essay review.
• $125.00 per hour
Speaking Engagements/Presentations
• 100.00
College Visitation Services
At the request of the parents, I am happy to work with you and your student to plan college visits, set up
interviews, and/or to accompany the student(s) on the trip.
• When accompanying your student on the trip, I charge travel expenses and 250.00 per day.
• Trip planning is $75.00 per hour.
Cancellation Policy
• 24 hours notice no charge
• Within 24 hours 50% of fee
• No show/no call: Full charge
I have just revised my 2010 Scope of Services, taking into consideration the economy and the need to provide
the most affordable service I can. Here are my 2010 services and costs:
SERVICES
Consultation
For parents and students who wish to discuss college options. Prior to the consultation the student and
parents will be asked to provide a history of the student which includes performance (grades or transcript),
standardized testing, academic schedule, extracurricular activities and community service. We will discuss
your student’s personality, interests, any learning differences or challenges, and the assessments will help me
understand what type of programs, majors, financial aid, and college environments might be best for the
student and the family. Students who find a good fit between themselves and the college they attend are
more likely to have a successful college experience, and are better prepared to take on their careers.
• $250.00 includes preparation (examining transcripts, testing, etc.), a one hour consultation
with student and parents and a follow-up by telephone, email, or personal visit.
• Interpretation and explanation of another professional’s evaluation is $125.00 per hour.
Comprehensive Program
• We will discuss academic planning, community service, and summer enrichment activities, start school
searching, and students and parents will receive help and support. I will assist student in signing up
online for college and scholarship services. Student will take personality and career assessments,
major/career interest inventories and learning style assessments to assist in the research of potential
majors and careers based on the student’s interests and abilities.
• Fresh analysis of the student: looking at a student from a college admission standpoint including
testing, academics, extra curriculars, leadership, community service, passions and interests. Advise
student on any changes that need to be made, discuss personal issues that may impact choices, update
interests and activities.
• Taking into consideration the “whole” student, including financial considerations, developing a list of
colleges which meets the student’s interests and needs.
• Provide college testing (SAT, ACT) counsel and advice.
• Assist in planning college visits, and working with the student on interview skills
• Create a timeline for Admissions activities.
• Provide a list of resources on financial aid and scholarship information. (I am NOT a financial aid expert
and do not handle scholarship applications, etc.)
• Assist with applications, and review applications, and all attachments, for completeness and accuracy.
• Brainstorm with the student on ideas for college essays.
• Proofing college essays: recommendations and advice.
• Help plan school trips and prepare for interviews.
• Counsel student on teacher and personal recommendations needed for college application.
• Check all items prior to application submission.
• Contact college admissions as appropriate.
• Help evaluate offers, waitlists, and assist with 1st year college course planning.
• Unlimited student appointments, whatever is necessary (within reason) for the student
• $3500.00 (250.00 consultation goes toward this fee) Monthly payment plans are available.
Assessments
Personality Assessment, Major/Career Inventories, Learning Style Inventories, School Match
Indicator Assessment
These assessments are extremely helpful when exploring majors and future careers for students. They also
help in determining what size/type college is right for each individual.
• 100.00 per assessment
College Match List and Assessments
Four assessments and an initial college match list of 20 colleges/universities. This package does not include
college application assistance, but such assistance is available at a maximum of 8 appointments at the hourly
rate of 125.00 per hour.
• 1600.00
*250.00 consultation fee does not go toward this fee.
*Parents and student agree to advise Tam of which colleges are applied to and what the results are.
Hourly Rate
Meetings beyond the initial Consultation for those who do not wish to utilize full services but wish to receive
advice on college admission strategies, researching Summer Programs, or planning. Billable time includes all
meetings (in-person or videochat), email and phone communication, and information and essay review.
• $125.00 per hour
Speaking Engagements/Presentations
• 100.00
College Visitation Services
At the request of the parents, I am happy to work with you and your student to plan college visits, set up
interviews, and/or to accompany the student(s) on the trip.
• When accompanying your student on the trip, I charge travel expenses and 250.00 per day.
• Trip planning is $75.00 per hour.
Cancellation Policy
• 24 hours notice no charge
• Within 24 hours 50% of fee
• No show/no call: Full charge
