Our Signature College Roadmap Program provides one-on-one support for students throughout their high school journey, focusing on key milestones in each grade to ensure a smooth and successful college admissions process. We recommend that students start with us in 9th grade to give us the most amount of time to build their confidence and develop a stand-out application portfolio that aligns with their values and vision. We still make sure that all students entering the program in 10th or 11th grade complete all previous parts of the curriculum to ensure their success.
9th Grade: In 9th grade, we lay a strong foundation by helping students clarify their values and create a vision for high school success. Our coaching focuses on self-awareness, independence, and self-advocacy, with an emphasis on developing a standout application portfolio. This includes building a meaningful activities resume, nurturing relationships with teachers, and applying to curated summer programs that align with their interests. We also guide course planning through senior year to ensure academic readiness. Family meetings are integrated to keep everyone aligned and informed.
10th Grade: During the 10th grade, we continue portfolio development and help students explore interests through summer programs designed to prepare them for junior year. We begin positioning students for success on standardized tests by introducing ACT/SAT diagnostics and developing a junior year plan. Regular meetings and family sessions ensure students stay on track and are well-prepared for the more rigorous demands of 11th grade.
11th Grade: Junior year is critical for college admissions, and we support students in refining their application portfolios and crafting a tailored list of 12-15 best-fit colleges. We provide structured research frameworks and tools for making the most of campus visits. We also focus on a clear testing strategy, course planning, and summer programs to enhance college readiness. Mindfulness training is integrated to manage academic and college-related stress. Our students receive regular one-on-one coaching and family meetings to ensure confidence in their college list and future plans.
12th Grade: In 12th grade, the focus shifts to writing authentic and compelling college essays. We guide students through essay development, application deadlines, and finalizing their college list. Our program includes essay coaching, strategy sessions, and regular family meetings to keep everyone aligned and reduce stress during this crucial year. With personalized guidance, students are empowered to submit standout applications and feel confident about their future.
Our Group Masterclass Program provides a structured and supportive approach to navigating the college admissions process for 11th and 12th graders. It combines individualized guidance with small-group sessions to ensure students are well-prepared for college applications while giving parents the tools and insights they need to support their children through this important time.
11th Grade: The program begins in the summer of junior year with a focus on creating and finalizing a best-fit college list, planning virtual and in-person campus visits, and completing the application portfolio. This includes curating an activities resume, gathering teacher recommendations, and interpreting standardized test results. We also work with students to establish key application deadlines for their senior year.
Throughout the year, students will attend monthly masterclasses designed to keep them on track with trends in the admissions process and provide accountability. These masterclasses will cover topics like college research, strategy sessions, and portfolio refinement.
12th Grade: In senior year, we shift to supporting students as they tackle college essays and applications, including essays for scholarships. Our team provides comprehensive coaching on all aspects of the application process, including financial aid guidance, spring decisions, and negotiation. Students also receive help with preparing for their freshman transition into college.
Additionally, families will have access to our college knowledge and financial affordability database, and students can attend our Signature College Apps and Essays Boostcamp in July and August to kick-start their application process.
Parent Support: Parents also receive monthly masterclasses from September through May, focusing on the latest trends in admissions, financial aid, and guidance on how to best support their children. These sessions include action plans and accountability to ensure families stay on track throughout the process.
What’s Included:
The Group Masterclass Program is designed to empower students to take ownership of their college journey while giving parents the confidence and knowledge to navigate the admissions process alongside them.
Our Senior Essay Coaching Program provides comprehensive, one-on-one support for students focused exclusively on writing standout college application essays. Each student is matched with one of our trained essay coaches, who is personally supervised by Dr. Pamela Ellis to ensure high-quality guidance throughout the entire process.
How It Works: Students receive up to 11 coaching sessions, where they’ll be guided through every step of the essay-writing process, from brainstorming ideas to final polishing. This includes support for CommonApp personal statements and high-priority supplemental essays, ensuring each essay is compelling and authentic.
What’s Included:
This program runs through December 15 and is perfect for students looking for focused, expert guidance on crafting their best college application essays.
Our One-Time Strategy Sessions offer families targeted support to address specific areas of the college admissions process. These sessions are perfect for students who need expert guidance on finalizing their college list, devising an essay plan, or reviewing their admissions portfolio.
1. Finalize College List Session
For students who have already started researching and visiting colleges, this session helps finalize their college list and prepare for writing standout essays. We work on fine-tuning the list to ensure it aligns with the student’s goals, while also reviewing their activities resume and application portfolio. Each session provides valuable insights into how the student compares to other applicants at similar colleges. This option includes three months of access to our premier college knowledge and financial affordability database.
What’s Included:
2. Comprehensive Family Strategy Session
This 90-minute session is an opportunity for families to receive a one-time, in-depth assessment of the student’s admissions profile. We review the college list, application portfolio, and provide expert insights on how the student is positioned compared to other applicants. Families will leave the session with a clear understanding of their next steps and customized recommendations to enhance the student's chances in the admissions process.
What’s Included:
Both options provide valuable, actionable insights to help students stand out in the competitive college admissions landscape.
Chicago - (708) 725-0782
Columbus - (614) 618-3335
