Frequently Asked Questions

Our team consists of experienced counselors who are committed to finding the right fit for every student. We take a personalized, team-based approach, keeping our caseload small so every student receives the attention they deserve. With over 60 years of combined experience, 30+ college campus visits per year, and a track record of helping more than 700 students navigate their pathway to college, we bring real knowledge and a passion for helping students find the college that's right for them.

Your student's school counselor works hard, but they are often managing hundreds of students at once and are available only during school hours. An Independent Educational Consultant works exclusively with a small number of students and is available at your family's convenience, including the summer. We bring extensive knowledge of colleges across the country and internationally, help broaden your student's options, and provide guidance in weighing factors like academic and social fit, location, and cost. Our priority is finding the right fit for your student.

Yes, and it's one of the most important questions to ask when choosing a college counselor. Membership in organizations like IECA and HECA requires counselors to meet strict standards of experience, education, and ethics. Every counselor on our team holds membership with a nationally recognized college counseling organization and is held to the highest ethical standards in the field. For a helpful guide on how to choose the right Independent Educational Consultant, visit the IECA website. IECA Guide: How to Choose the Right IEC →

The earlier the better. Many families begin working with us in 8th, 9th, or 10th grade to build a strong foundation through course planning, extracurricular strategy, and college exploration. That said, it is never too late to get started. We work with juniors and seniors as well, and customize our support to wherever your student is in the process.

Every family's needs are different, which is why we offer a range of service options from hourly support to our full Comprehensive Package. The best way to find the right fit is to start with a free introductory call with our Director, who will walk you through each option based on your student's grade level, goals, and timeline.

Yes, essay coaching is included. Our team of essay coaches brings extensive experience in English, journalism, and professional writing, and some have worked in colleges or admissions offices. Once we get to know your student, we match them with the essay coach we feel will be the best fit for their personality and writing style.

Yes. Making college counseling accessible to all families, including those who are underserved, is important to us. We also offer a sibling discount for families enrolling more than one student. If you are a high-achieveing student from a low-income family, please fill out this form: My Pathway to College Scholarship Application. You can reach out to our Director at info@mypathwaytocollege.com to learn more about available options.

While we provide guidance and support across nearly every aspect of the college admissions process, a few things fall outside the scope of our services: Test prep for the SAT or ACT. We are happy to share our list of recommended tutors and provide guidance on testing strategy and timelines. Financial aid paperwork. We will walk you through the process, share helpful resources, and refer you to CPAs who specialize in college financial aid. Standardized test registration. We will guide your student on which tests to take and when, but registration is the family's responsibility. Submitting college applications and essays. Applications and essays are prepared and reviewed with our guidance, but must be written and submitted by the student. Academic integrity is a priority for our team and a requirement of the college admissions process.

Yes. Our team has experience working with a wide range of students and application types, including: Student athletes navigating the college recruitment process ROTC and Service Academy applicants Neurodiverse students Students applying to art, film, music, and theater portfolio-based programs Ivy League and highly selective college applicants Every student's pathway is different, and our team is equipped to provide specialized guidance no matter where your student is headed.

Getting started is simple. Book a free introductory call with our Director. We'll learn about your family's goals, answer your questions, and match you with a counselor for your consultation meeting.