10 Reasons to Work with Maureen at Right Place College Planning
The college admissions process has been shaped by significant changes in our world, and this has influenced how students apply to college. I stay current on both the substantial and the subtle changes to help students create a strong plan as they embrace the college process.
Recent shifts include colleges moving to standardized testing requirements from test optional or test free policies. We are now seeing some colleges return to standardized testing requirements. However, many test optional policies and test free policies will live on. Students now need a firm plan on whether or not to share scores with schools that are test optional. In addition, sharing life experience has risen in importance putting a spotlight on a student’s application narrative. As a college counselor, I understand that essays and letters of recommendation may be the place to share diverse perspectives and experiences and to establish context of one’s life.
In addition, IP’s, or institutional priorities, have become part of the college planning discussion as colleges refine their business operations and set goals for managing their enrollment. Understanding if the school has its sights set on building a stronger visual arts program and/or adding a larger cohort of engineering students can sometimes identify places of opportunity.
These days, admissions decisions for students have become unpredictable -- and students need help with creating a plan that will be relevant to their personal strengths and goals. Being an informed applicant is more important than ever. Applying to college is not a simple exercise; it is a complex endeavor. I can help you to understand what colleges are looking for and will work with you to build an application that makes you stand out.
I can support you through the college admissions process by offering the benefit of one-on-one instruction, a tailored plan, and keen insight that will put you in the best position for selecting and being admitted to a college that is right for you. There are many reasons to team up with an educational planner, and I have included the top ten below.
An Experienced Professional softens the parental role yet listens to both student and family goals while sharing pertinent and current information related to college admissions. With years of experience and first-hand information on hundreds of students, I work to create options for you by suggesting a list of colleges and evolve the list with you to create a balanced list of reach, target, and likely schools. I help manage your outcomes –of acceptance, deferral, and denial – and of the nuanced position of being a wait list. I attend conferences & webinars and engage with industry colleagues—all to keep active and informed.
A Focused Planner listens to the personal interests and strengths of students and helps them to make good decisions in areas such as choosing extracurriculars, selecting courses, or even identifying appropriate teachers for college recommendations. For example, my onboarding Right Place College Planning Maureen Delaney experience gives the counselor, student, and parents the opportunity to discuss the high school plan, courses, interests, activities and more-- and helps students to build and articulate their college preferences and goals. Our discussion-based session allows me to collect information and learn about you. Then, I think carefully and critically about your experiences and develop a personal plan. I focus on suggestions for moving ahead and providing a framework that highlights the milestones of college planning.
A Supportive Listener assists students in identifying college preferences such as size, location, campus life or academic programming in addition to developing a list of colleges that match a student’s vision. He/she encourages both reflection and research by asking students questions about their ideas and goals and inspiring them to go out, visit, and seek more information about colleges and the four-year experience they hope to have. I can also assist parents by addressing their questions and concerns. As students begin to speak about their ideas, parents can share their own thoughts of support or even exercise a voice of disagreement.
A Match Maker shares insights on colleges and universities (both their culture and academic programs), takes a student’s learning style into account, and looks for a list of “best fit” schools. The student looking for spirit, football games, and a robust Greek Life may find a fit in a large university rather than a small New England liberal arts college. College visits are a great way to predict a strong fit, so head to campus to check out the vibe as well as the biology lab, art studio, or computer science lab. Greenspace, Greek life, athletics, spirit, small community, or urban density, abroad opportunities –may be just a few of the points to consider because good fits come in a variety of descriptions. Keep in mind that knowing yourself and keeping your priorities aligned is key.
A Strategic Thinker is up to date with current Information and trends and is able to think objectively about all aspects of college admissions, including application policy strategies such as early decision, single choice early action, regular decision, or rolling policies in addition to whether or not to send standardized test scores. I can help suggest when an early decision application would be your strongest application – perhaps when applying to a reach school -- or can assess when your reach school has moved into the unlikely category. It is important to strategize on the timing of applications while, at the same time, applying to a wide range of schools – colleges from reach, target, and likely categories. Having an insurance program – or several likely colleges on your list -- is always a wise move.
A Myth Buster takes the stories you hear around the neighborhood and translates them into real terms. Right Place College Planning Maureen Delaney Myth: Standardized test scores can make or break the chance of being accepted. A student’s academic record and the rigor of their coursework are the most important factors when it comes to college admissions. Myth: Teacher recommendations should come from teachers/courses where you earned an A+. A student should ask for recommendations from teachers who will add to their narrative by speaking to the student’s character, accomplishments, and how the student interacts with others in the classroom. The best choice is the teacher who knows you well and can speak to your ability to do well and to weather storms.
A Creative Partner brainstorms essay topics and suggests narrative themes that would help you present your strongest self. I am genuinely interested in your story and love working to open conversations that will inspire you to expand your own tale. I look for ways to share and develop ideas to help you share insights and set you on your storytelling path.
A Provider of Safe Space allows for a comfortable space to talk about hopes, dreams, fears, and aspirations and helps students talk about themselves and become comfortable with sharing information through an interview or essay. Choosing a college is an opportunity for teens to gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their goals. Supporting a student’s decision-making skills helps them to make good decisions.
A Trusted Advisor is able to guide you with a strong start and comprehensive plan forward – while utilizing a collaborative approach. Being honest and reliable is very important. I build trust with clients by being consistent, informed, and compassionate – throughout the college admission process.
A Stress Reducer is there with you to inform, listen, and guide you through this multidimensional world. I can keep you one step ahead and add clarity to your plan. We will share timelines, focus on deadlines, and stay on track – all at a healthy pace. From freshman to seniors, I can help you to create a plan for yourself and help you to see new opportunities and create options that are right for You. The college application process requires students to navigate a series of important decisions and choices, and this transition from high school to college can, therefore, become a very stressful time for students and parents. It is important for students to feel confident and in control as they navigate the path that lies ahead. Making the right choices for You (!) when facing the twists and turns of timelines, deadlines, essays, college lists and applications is the key to lowered stress and a happy college choice.
