Our Process
The College Help Squad Process
At College Help Squad, our college planning process is designed to find the best fit for both the student and their family. Here's how we ensure a successful college journey:
1. Understanding the Student: We begin with an assessment similar to the Myers-Briggs to delve into the student’s desires, passions, skills, values, and interests. This helps us understand what the student enjoys academically and during their downtime, which is crucial for identifying colleges that match their personality and goals.
2. Identifying Potential Majors: After the initial assessment, we work with the student to identify three potential majors. It's important to consider multiple options because students often change their minds in college. Having alternative majors ready ensures that any changes won't disrupt the student’s academic path or the family’s financial plan.
3. Finding the Right Colleges: With the student’s profile and potential majors in hand, we help identify 10 to 15 colleges that are the best fit. This includes considering academic strengths, extracurricular interests, and financial compatibility with the family’s budget.
4. Application and Financial Aid Support: Our counselors guide students through the application process, while our essay coaches assist with crafting compelling essays. We also help families with financial aid forms like the FAFSA and CSS Profile, ensuring that all financial aspects are thoroughly considered.
5. Two-Tiered Plan: We offer two plans: one that focuses on the initial submission of applications and another that continues through the final decision-making process. This includes helping students who are waitlisted or deferred, with a strong track record of getting our students accepted into their dream schools.
6. Final Steps: The ultimate goal is to help the student confidently sign on the dotted line at the college that’s the best fit for them. Our process keeps everyone aligned and on track, ensuring the best possible outcome.
We emphasize sticking to this proven process because it allows us to do our best work and keeps the student and family aligned with our plan. If you have specific preferences or a different agenda, please discuss them with us before deciding to work together. This ensures we can provide the most effective guidance tailored to your needs.