I’m only half-joking when I say that a certain amount of my value as a college advisor and essay tutor consists of repeating things to your child that you’ve said many times, verbatim, with the only difference being that they finally listen. I know, it can be frustrating, maddening even, but take heart- that’s essentially the way adolescents are designed, and it’s not your fault.

As college-bound adolescents begin to pursue the most independent step they’ve ever taken in their lives, advice from mom and dad makes it feel like they’re NOT making their own decision, or getting a chance to test their abilities. Please don’t take it personally, or as a sign that you’re not doing your job well as a parent- this is something where they want to figure a lot of it out on their own, and the ideal guide is someone who is not a parental figure.

That’s where I come in. I am great at the essay part of it, but I’m just as good at injecting sanity and stability into the process. The college application process is, in a word, insane. It’s so competitive. There are three times as many applicants as there were a generation ago. The Common Application has opened up a world of possibilities, and it’s hard to keep track of all the supplemental materials. What about letters of recommendation?!? Let’s not even get started on how incredibly expensive it is…

There is SO much about the process that can be overwhelming, and this often leads to arguments, unnecessary stress, and tension when you’re just trying to help put your child in the best position to succeed. This is where I can help, and provide value far beyond academic support.

Here’s what I do- I work with you, the family, and with your student in particular. I guide them towards identifying schools and fields of study they may be interested in, and in putting together incredibly strong applications towards those schools. I institute deadlines, keep you updated on progress, and take the stress and conflict out of your relationship with your teen, at least around the college process.

I have been through the stress of the college application process, and have developed expertise and insight around it. This will help guide your son or daughter through the process. That way, you and they can focus on the more important questions, and less on the difficult and stressful parts that are hard to navigate without professional expertise.

After all, if you have a 17 year-old in the house, there’s plenty to disagree about over the coming year- make this one less big thing, AND let us help give your child their best shot at their dream school.

-Jess