Catalyst College Prep provides a range of academic tutoring and advising services. Specifically, during the Summer and Fall season, I am focused on helping students write the best college essays they are capable of, ones that distinguish who they are personally, and help them stand out amongst a competitive applicant field.

The initial consultation with families focuses on learning about your child’s interests, strengths, and background. If you have a high school student who’s early in the process (freshman, sophomore, or junior year), I am happy to offer guidance on scheduling, ACT/SAT, enrichment activities, and Summer opportunities.

If your child is going to be applying to college in the near future, I help students identify the types of colleges or universities that might be the strongest fit, and that have strong programs matching your child’s interests.  It’s important that your son or daughter take a leading role in this process, but your input and support are both appreciated.

From there, I will help your child put together an outline for their UC Personal Statements, Common Application essays, and supplemental essays for specific private schools. I offer guided support, expert knowledge of best practices, and strong outcomes.

Many students have a vague idea of what their college years might look like, but I help them with the following:

• Identifying the size, location, and type of school in which they are most interested
• Identifying potential areas of academic endeavor (majors) or future professional goals
• Finding their voice and telling their story in such a way that strikes the ideal balance between too much humility and too much self-promotion
• Crafting a personal narrative that will also help them in interviews

This approach can support students across a variety of interests and applications, and, if I don’t offer the particular service you are looking for, I would be happy to refer you to someone excellent and local who does. If your son or daughter is going to be a Senior in the Fall, now is a great time to get started.

Contact me today. (510) 388-6875

Fees, Promotions, and Discounts

Basic essay packages:

• UC Application and Personal Insight Questions:  Start-to-finish, and includes initial consultation, brainstorming, and multiple rounds of 1:1 crafting and editing for all 4 essays (1400 words total).  $1600
• Common Application:  Start-to-finish, and includes initial consultation, brainstorming, and multiple rounds of 1:1 crafting and editing to produce a superior statement.  $950
• UC Personal Insight Questions and Common Application Essay: includes all components of both packages above.  $2500

Costs for supplemental essays (in combination with the Common App) vary based on length and number.  Give me a call, and I’d be happy to talk with you about it.

This process will produce an excellent essay that represents your child’s best qualities and effort, and each of these can be used for application to several different highly competitive schools. It is also tremendous value, when you consider that it can make the difference between students getting into a college that they are interested in, and one that they are incredibly excited about.

In addition to the assistance around the college essay process, per-hour tutoring is available on a limited basis, and on a sliding scale. Contact me for further details.

Spots are filling up fast, and the UC/CSU application deadline is approaching. Call or email today, and get started on successfully negotiating a challenging but immensely rewarding endeavor. Catalyst is located in San Mateo, but I serve clients throughout the Bay Area, and can help you today. Special discounts are available through November 1^st.

Contact: jgraingercatalyst@gmail.com, (510) 388-6875