+ Will you be able to help me even though I don’t have great grades?

We work with students of all abilities ranging from those with learning differences to gifted students. There is a school for every student and we make it a top priority to find the right fit based upon individual preferences, strengths, interests and needs. Grades are but one component of the application and we help students develop dynamic applications that speak to all of their strengths to lead them down a path of success and acceptance.

+ I find the whole college process intimidating and stressful. How can you make it easier?

One of our goals at Pathways for College is to minimize the stress involved in the college selection and application process and make it an exciting and enjoyable journey for families. We provide a warm and reassuring environment where students can explore their interests and goals. We help the student manage responsibilities by creating a personalized, strategic action plan incorporating reasonable deadlines to avoid a “senior year crunch”. Many of our students remark that they were the only one of their friends that was not “stressed out” in the fall of their senior year.

+ Why should I hire you in addition to my high school guidance counselor?

High school counselors are an invaluable part of the process and we welcome the opportunity to work collaboratively with them. However, at Pathways for College we limit the number of students that we service so that we can truly provide individualized attention, a luxury that is unavailable for most guidance counselors. Because we aren’t affiliated with any school, and our sole focus is the college process, we can provide objective and extensive information about schools based upon first-hand knowledge acquired through regular college visits, meeting with admissions counselors and attending seminars and workshops to keep abreast of trends in admissions. We are available on weekends and after business hours to answer questions and/or address any concerns.

+ Can you help me even if I can't travel to meet you in person?

We work with students all over the country via the Internet, e-mail and phone. Our methodology allows us to gain an in-depth understanding of all of our students’ needs, preferences and talents regardless of location. We find that our long-distance clients are equally successful in the college process.

+ The college process is leading to some tension between my child and me. How can you help?

One of the important advantages to working with us is that it allows you to focus your attention on preserving your relationship with your child rather than on the stressful and demanding details of the college process and its inherent deadlines. We take care of the details and keep your child on task so you don’t have to worry and nag. We will also provide you with strategies on how best to support your child through the process and maintain the peace in your household.

+ What sets you apart from other counseling firms?

There are many firms out there that claim to do what we do. We actually do it! We take the time to really get to know your child by employing proven methodologies in order to determine the college environment in which he/she will thrive. Through research, college visits, attendance at workshops and conferences, and connections with our extensive network of professional resources, we stay abreast of admissions and counseling trends and developments. We provide students with a program that helps them manage and meet deadlines and maintains ongoing records of both completed and outstanding application milestones for every school on their list. We do not limit the number of sessions, e-mails or phone calls so that we can truly deliver the best service to you and your family.

+ When should my child start working with you?

We can provide valuable information and insight to ninth and tenth graders about the selection of high school courses, extracurricular and summer involvement, internships and employment that are consistent with, and reveal, the student’s strengths and passions. We advise beginning more intensive work with students early in the junior year. We have the resources and knowledge to assist the needs of seniors at a time when the college selection and application process can be most demanding.