Reliable college planning services? On the subject of grades, junior year is absolutely the time to commit more of your evening and weekend hours to your studies than ever before. An increase in course rigor means more pages to read, tougher math equations to work through, and more advanced concepts to master. Many elite schools like Duke University, Northwestern University, UCLA, and Pomona College see 90% of their entering freshman hail from the top decile of their high school graduating classes. This translates to earning mostly A’s in honors/advanced courses. There are other uber-competitive schools that are a tad more forgiving, but if you got off to a slow start in high school, now is the time to start acing classes and proving that you are on a sharply upward trajectory. There is no shortage of excellent institutions who will accept late bloomers whose cumulative GPA may not be commensurate with their ability.

Check out our 10 ways to jumpstart college planning below to help you feel a little less stressed about what you need to do before applying – and getting into – college, and browse through our site for helpful information and tips on every step of the college and financial aid application process. Getting ready for college isn’t all work. Find something you really like doing, then dive into it. Maybe you’re drawn to sports, student council, music, art … you get the picture. You’ll develop skills and be more appealing to colleges (they like students who’ll add something to campus life).

With almost a decade of experience in the field of education, I have worked with hundreds of students and their families. Formally a high school English teacher, I noticed the need for more support throughout the crazy college search and application process! I want every student to end up at the school that is the best fit for them- academically, financially, and socially. Each student is unique, so I will work to create a customized plan of action. Get in touch to learn more about my college advising process and build a custom college plan! Read additional information at https://www.cardinalcollegeplanning.com/custom-college-planning.

This program is designed for families who also want assistance with financial aid strategies, funding guidance, and support. Includes everything in the Optimal Package PLUS: Campus Visits/Tours- Preparation and explanation of strategies to demonstrate interest. Activity Resume Completion- Crafted to reflect your student’s commitment to these interests.Funding Guidance & Support, Identify different funding options tailored to your specific situation. Advice and strategies to reduce Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and put you in the best position to receive all the financial aid for which you are eligible.

From tackling the milestones along the way of standardized testing and analyzing financial aid packages to making the final college decision, my job is to guide both students and families on the path to success. I’m fueled by my commitment to excellence and go the extra mile to make sure clients are fully satisfied with my work. The first thing I noticed about Tonica was her honesty and professionalism, in addition to her down-to-earth demeanor. She is experienced and knowledgeable in the education and college planning field which is crucial in guiding parents and students in unfamiliar territory. Although I had gone through the process once before, choosing a college and going through the admissions procedure is tough and different for every student. Find even more details at cardinalcollegeplanning.com.