FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need a college consultant?
The college admissions process is confusing, difficult and above all, stressful. An effective consultant helps students highlight the strongest portions of their application while also addressing any weaknesses. A consultant cannot guarantee success, but he or she can guarantee that students maximize their educational opportunities in higher education. An effective consultant also helps students find the right fit when it comes to choosing a school and/or major.
What are the benefits of a college admissions consultant?
Traditional high school counselors are overwhelmed and cannot provide the individual attention needed for students to best reach their goals. They may also discourage students from applying to their dream schools in the hopes of improving the overall acceptance rate of their student body.
Why Palo Alto Admissions?
Our consultants have a wealth of experience with the college admissions process, both as students and as consultants. They have graduated from top-tier schools (such as Stanford, Carnegie Mellon, UCLA and UC-Berkeley) at both the undergraduate and graduate/professional school levels.
Aside from our qualifications, our focus on personalizing students helps them stand out from the pack during the admission process. We believe that this focus on personal growth, development and introspection which we bring to our students during the admissions process pays massive dividends when it comes time for the admission boards to make their decisions.
When is a good time to start?
Junior-year Spring or Senior-year early Fall are the most common times for students to begin the application process. In any case, it is never too early to start planning.
Who is your ideal student?
Above all, we value highly-motivated students who are willing to put the work in to make their dreams become a reality.
- We also look for students who are focused on finding the right school with the right for their future educational and career plans. The importance of finding the right fit has become vastly underrated in the college admissions process.
How are parents integrated into the process?
We begin by providing parents with a questionnaire in order to better understand the student and his or her goals in the proper context. In addition, we include parents in the process whenever possible with conference calls, meetings and the final cut of the application.
How long does the process take?
Generally, students can expect to spend anywhere between 1 to 3 months on their application process. For students who are only working on the Common Application, they can expect for their timeline to be closer to one month. For students who are working on the Common Application in addition to several other schools, they can expect to spend closer to 2 or 3 months working on their applications. The entire application process includes the initial intake, research, brainstorming, writing, editing, and interviewing before finalizing the application.
Schedule A Consultation Today!
Take the next step to success. College admissions is too important to leave anything to chance. Learn more about our consulting services and find the right package for you.