Common Questions
What is college admissions consulting?
College admissions consulting is a personalized service that helps students and families navigate the college process with greater clarity, strategy, and confidence. I create an individualized plan for each student based on their current profile, goals, interests, and family priorities, rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach. The process combines planning, data-informed guidance, and structured support to help students build a thoughtful college list, stay on track with deadlines, and make well-informed decisions about fit, affordability, and long-term goals.
Who do you work with?
I work with students from middle school through 12th grade, transfer students, adult learners returning to higher education, and their families. Some families come to me early for long-term planning in middle school or at the start of high school, while others seek support in junior year for college list development, testing plans, and strategy, or in senior year for application planning and deadline management. I also support transfer students who are exploring a new path and need guidance through transfer planning, application requirements, and next-step decisions. And for adult learners returning to college after time away, I provide personalized guidance that accounts for their unique circumstances, goals, and timeline.
Do you work with transfer students?
Yes. The transfer process has its own timeline, requirements, and decision points that are meaningfully different from a first-year application and most students navigate it without dedicated support. I help transfer students evaluate their current academic record, understand what target schools require, build a balanced and well-matched college list, and manage the full application process. Because transfer deadlines and credit policies vary significantly by institution, having a clear and structured plan early makes a real difference in your options and outcomes.
Do you work with adult learners returning to college?
Yes. Returning to higher education as an adult comes with its own set of questions, such as how prior credits apply, which programs are the right fit, how to balance applications with work and family, and where to even begin. I provide personalized guidance that accounts for your specific situation, goals, and timeline. Whether you are returning after a gap of a few years or much longer, my role is to help you cut through the complexity, identify realistic options, and move forward with a clear plan and genuine confidence.
Where do you meet with students and families?
I am based in the Philadelphia metro area and meet virtually with students and families anywhere in the United States.
When should we start?
The answer is the same regardless of where you are in the process: start earlier than you think you need to. For middle or high school students, beginning early creates time to shape coursework, activities, and long-term planning — though high school juniors and seniors benefit from focused support with college lists, application strategy, and deadlines. For transfer students, one to two semesters before your target enrollment date is the right window, since transfer requirements and timelines vary more than most people expect. For adult learners returning to higher education, there is truly no wrong time to begin — earlier simply means more options, less pressure, and a plan that can be built around your real life.
Do you guarantee admission or scholarships?
No. I cannot guarantee admission, scholarships, or outcomes on behalf of any college or organization. What I do provide is thoughtful, evidence-based guidance that helps students build stronger applications, make better decisions, and identify realistic scholarship and merit opportunities.
Can you help with essays or test preparation?
Yes. I support students with essay strategy, structure, and feedback, and I can also advise on testing timelines and overall test strategy. I help students write in their own voice and present a clear, consistent story across the personal statement, activities list, and supplemental essays. I do not write essays for students or offer traditional test-prep tutoring, but I can help students identify weaker testing areas and approach review in a more targeted, strategic way.
What are your fees?
I offer comprehensive flat-fee packages, hourly blocks for targeted support, and flexible check-in sessions. Pricing depends on the student’s grade level or undergraduate status, the scope of service, and the level of support your family is looking for. After a brief fit call, I’ll recommend the best option and provide clear, upfront pricing.
Who is involved in the process - just the student, or the whole family?
It depends on the student. For middle and high school students, I encourage parents to be meaningfully involved — students lead the process and take ownership of their journey and applications, while parents contribute to important conversations about priorities, affordability, and family budget. Those financial conversations in particular are essential to building a college list that is both realistic and well-matched. Transfer students and adult learners typically work with me more independently, though anyone is welcome to involve a trusted person in key decisions.
How is Apply Savvy different from other consultants?
What sets my work apart is my ability to bring academic fit and real cost into the same conversation. With nearly 30 years of experience across higher education, I offer an informed perspective on how institutions evaluate students and how to build the strongest possible application strategy. My approach is clear, structured, and data-informed, helping families understand where a student is likely to be a strong fit, what each option may realistically cost, and how to move forward with confidence. Along the way, families receive practical guidance, parent-friendly explanations, and a process built around clear milestones and deliverables.