Honest answers to the questions families ask most.
When is the right time to start working with a college consultant?+
Most families start in 10th or early 11th grade, but it's never too late. Rising seniors come on board for full essay support, and 9th graders sometimes start on summer planning and habits. We'll talk through what's most useful for your student.
How are you different from my school counselor?+
Your school counselor is wonderful and stretched thin - often hundreds of students each. I work with a small number of families a year so I have time to know your student deeply, edit every draft, and stay available when application season gets noisy.
Do you guarantee admission to specific schools?+
No ethical consultant ever should - admissions decisions are never guaranteed. What I do guarantee is a thoughtful list, strong applications, and a calmer, better-supported family.
How does the timeline work for Full Service?+
We typically start the summer before senior year (or earlier). We build the school list, plan summer activities, draft and refine the personal statement, then move into supplements through fall. Submission, waitlist support, and final decision help close out the year.
What does an Essays-Only engagement look like?+
It's the same essay support that's inside Full Service: brainstorming, drafting, and editing the personal statement plus all supplemental essays for up to 10 schools, until each is submission-ready.
How do payments work?+
Most packages are paid in installments tied to milestones (signing, draft completion, submission). Invoices come directly from College Aim Consulting, LLC and can be paid via ACH, Zelle, or check. Card and Venmo options can be arranged on request.
Do you work with international students?+
Yes. I've supported students applying to US universities from boarding schools and high schools around the world, including English proficiency planning and time-zone-friendly scheduling.
Can we start with just one conversation?+
Please. The first 30-minute call is always free. It's the best way to see if working together feels right for both of us.