SERVICES
The college admissions landscape has changed from a generation ago when parents applied to colleges. With an increasingly competitive and more complex process, especially in light of the pandemic impact of test optional policies and the expanded reach to make colleges more accessible to all, many families are turning to independent college counselors to augment support beyond the high school guidance team. South Bay Educational Consultants provides a range of independent educational consulting services to students as early as the spring of 8th grade throughout high school. Let us help your child through the high school and college search process, reduce your child's stress, and help you keep peace in your family! Book a Strategy Session today and get handouts to help you navigate the holistic admissions process, take advantage of free diagnostic standardized testing, or consider gaining access to the Opportunities Database to help stand out on your college applications.
IDENTIFY INDIVIDUAL OBJECTIVES
Course Selection/Transcript Evaluation
Extracurricular Activities
Summer Enrichment
APPLICATION NARRATIVE
Resumé Development
Brag Sheet Packets
Letters of Recommendation Strategies
Major and Career Exploration
We assist students on articulating
achievements and tasks in a succinct resumé or brag sheet. These are helpful when discussing potential majors and career paths and building a college narrative. Resumés are often used for part-time employment and letters of recommendations for selective extra-curricular programs and college applications. We work with our students on securing the best letters of recommendations from their guidance counselor, teachers, and others.
COLLEGE SEARCH
Balanced College List
College Visits
Resources to Research Schools
We identify colleges that are best suited to academic strengths and personal interests. This list incorporates academic, social, geographic and financial fit. We balance likely, target and reach schools based on selectivity of school and student's academic and extracurricular profile. We teach students how to research schools and provide information to prepare for college visits and supplementary essays. We provide guidance on early action, early decision, and regular decision application deadline strategies.
COLLEGE APPLICATION EXECUTION
Project Management
Essay Brainstorming and Development
Mock Interview Preparation
We utilize an online college planning software and act as a "project manager" for the entire college application process through submission. This helps to reduce the family stress because we customize tasks and timelines to keep students on track. We provide extensive guidance on essay brainstorming, development and revision so that the student's authentic 17 year-old voice is heard. We perform a mock interview to help students prepare for conversations with an admissions officer or alumni interviewer.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Athletic Recruitment
Financial Aid
Artistic Supplements
Scholarship Applications
We are knowledgeable about the above areas, and have successfully helped students with athletic recruitment, showcasing their artistic talents, educating parents on financial aid fundamentals, and reviewing scholarship applications as part of the college application process. However, we do not claim to be experts on the details of NCAA recruiting guidelines for each sport, nor are we financial advisers or financial aid forms preparers, or specialists for visual art/performing art portfolios. Students wanting ROTC or military academies are referred to other specialists.