1. We help you get organized and develop an application
timeline
Our Consultants create schedules and timelines for our
students, enabling them to meet deadlines, achieve goals, and
have plenty of time for multiple revisions on essays and
applications.
Student 1: Joe's family came to Kaplan
because, as his Dad said, "Joe put the P in procrastination."
Joe's consultant worked closely with him, arranging weekly phone
calls and achievable weekly tasks. When Joe didn't meet a
deadline, his consultant was there to gently remind him to get
going. Joe managed to complete all of his applications before
Thanksgiving, which allowed Joe and his family to enjoy a
stress-free holiday season! Admissions Consultants help our
students get on track!
Student 2: Jane came to Kaplan applying to
competitive B.S./M.D. programs. Most of these programs require
several separate and distinct essays. Jane worked with her
consultant to prioritize which schools were the most important to
her, and she managed to complete 12 separate essays between July
and December, in addition to 6 AP classes. Many top students are
overwhelmed by the amount of work required to complete
applications, and feel rushed to create a variety of interesting
essays. Our consultants help students prioritize their work and
create polished application packages.
2. We help with the college search
Most families have at least a few colleges in mind when they
begin the process. Our consultants will help review your college
list, identifying which schools are potential reach schools,
match schools, and safety schools. We can also suggest additional
colleges that will meet a student's needs academically, socially,
and geographically—or create lists for students that allow them
to begin researching colleges. Consultants provide more than
"just the facts," and also share insight about the environment,
academics, and mission of the schools.
Student 1: Scott came to Kaplan considering
Ivy League schools. While he had a very strong academic profile,
there were a few "bumps" on his transcript. His consultant
provided an honest evaluation of his chances for admission to the
Ivy League and also offered a wide variety of other colleges to
consider. hrough his research of this expanded list, Scott found
that UNH had a wonderful equestrian program that perfectly
matched his academic interests. Our consultants encourage
students to dream but also provide them with reasonable
alternatives.
Student 2: Karen thought she wanted to attend
a large college located in a city. Her consultant encouraged her
to visit a variety of schools, and recommended some smaller
schools as well. Karen realized that she would be lost in large
lecture halls, and that she wasn't quite ready for the challenges
of living in a city. Kaplan admissions consultants help students
identify their needs and challenge their assumptions to help them
find the right college.
3. We prepare you for the college interview
Consultants prepare students for the college interview, if
required. Students are often tongue-tied in an interview because
they don't know what questions to expect. Consultants rehearse
questions, and advise students on body language, clothing, and
responses so they can feel confident in the college
interview!
Student 1: Sam was applying to B.S./M.D.
programs. After experiencing difficulty with his first B.S./M.D.
program interview, Sam came to Kaplan and his consultant
conducted practice interviews with Sam until he felt confident.
Sam needed to be encouraged to expand on his responses, simplify
the scientific jargon in his answers, and to let his personality
shine in the interview. After practicing with his consultant, Sam
was admitted to an extremely competitive B.S./M.D. program. We
can provide students with the confidence and information
necessary to succeed in campus visitations.
Student 2: Mary was an excellent student,
with strong grades, scores, and courses—but she was exceptionally
shy. Mary's consultant worked with her to find schools that did
not require a campus interview, since it would hurt her chances
for admission, and encouraged Mary to let her personality shine
through her essays. Admissions consultants respond to students'
individual strengths and weaknesses, and provide strategies to
overcome obstacles.
4. We advise you on the application/essay process
Each student has a unique story to share with colleges.
Consultants work with students to identify what makes them unique
and help them create essays that reflect those strengths,
passions, and unique backgrounds. Consultants do not write essays
for students—not only is it unethical, but it may harm a
student's chances for admission. Admissions officers quickly
notice when an essay does not sound like a 17-year old student,
and they will also notice if a student has a brilliant essay and
mediocre English grades, or if a student's essay is in sharp
contrast to his/her SAT Writing score.
Student 1: Vanessa wanted to write an essay
about her grandfather, and the role he had played in her life.
Her first essay began, "I admire my grandpa. He is very important
to me." While her idea was a good one, her writing style needed a
little help, and her admissions consultant worked with her to
polish her essay so it would catch the attention of admission
selection committees. After multiple drafts, Vanessa began her
essay, "I come from a long line of storytellers." She continued
to write about the legacy of community service that her grandpa
had given her, and why it motivated her to be a nurse. Our
consultants allow students to find their voice and to share their
story with colleges.
Student 2: Tanya appeared to be a lackluster
student. Her grades and scores were average, and in discussions
with her consultant, she did not seem to have many activities or
interests. After meeting with her consultant repeatedly, and
establishing a good relationship, the consultant learned that
Tanya was exceptionally involved in her religious community,
spending more than 20 hours a week in related activities. Tanya
hadn't mentioned it, because she thought it wasn't interesting or
relevant to colleges. Kaplan's consultants help students identify
strengths, and brainstorm the best way to present those qualities
to admissions committees.
Student 3: Jack was a straight-forward guy,
and he wanted to tell colleges that he was unique because he was
a team player. The first draft of his essay began, "I have always
been a team player." His consultant helped him to realize that
the essay might not immediately engage the attention of an
admissions officer, and he worked hard to revise his essay.
Eventually, Jack's essay began, "Although I have a .367 batting
average, I have never hit a home run." Consultants encourage
clients to present their stories in an engaging manner while
being true to their own voice.
5. And everything in between...
Consultants are prepared to answer parents' questions, mediate
between battling parents and students, respond to financial aid
queries, and everything else you can imagine!
Student 1: Sarah was concerned about how to
inform colleges that she had been suspended from school after an
alcohol-related incident. Our consultants help students address
specific issues and provide insight about admissions committees'
responses.
Student 2: Hannah was hearing-impaired. She
was an excellent student and wanted to apply to top colleges. Her
consultant recommended that she write an additional statement so
colleges could understand the impact that her hearing impairment
had on her learning style and her abilities. This statement
allowed her to educate colleges and made her accomplishments
shine. We can help students educate admissions officers about
their unique circumstances.
Student 3: Mike attended a rigorous
preparatory school. His mother was concerned that colleges would
not admit him because he was in the bottom of the class. The
consultant helped Mike to strategize how to communicate the rigor
of his coursework and his abilities to colleges. Kaplan
consultants know how different high schools and their curriculum
will be perceived by colleges.
Student 4: Emily wanted to complete her
college application process and then take a year off to work for
Habitat for Humanity. Emily's consultant guided her through the
process, and advised her about how to defer her admission for a
year.
Student 5: Mr. and Mrs. Smith were concerned
about financial aid for their son, thinking that colleges might
not award them any financial aid because they owned their own
business. Their consultant advised them about what should be
included in a letter to the financial aid office, and their son
did receive financial aid. Consultants can provide "insider
advice" that helps families achieve their goals.
Student 6: John had been home schooled. He
needed extra help from his consultant in choosing appropriate
schools and in developing a transcript for his work. His
consultant worked with the family to develop a transcript that
would be easily understood by colleges.
