WHY COLLEGE CONSULTING?
In today's intensely competitive environment, where highly selective colleges will often turn away as many as 11 qualified candidates for every one that they admit, good grades, high test scores, and strong evidence of extracurricular involvement are only the beginning -- enough to get your foot in the door, but often not enough to land that coveted admittance letter in your mailbox. But here's the thing: as students scramble to take the most AP courses, jockey for the #1 class ranking, or sign up for every club on campus, they often lose sight of the one thing that sets them apart from millions of other talented and ambitious high school students: their sense of self.
Irena Smith, Ph.D. spent four years reading thousands of applications at the Stanford University Undergraduate Admission Office. She now uses that expertise to provide in-depth and highly personalized college counseling
to high school students (grades 9-12) and their families. Her unique guidance gives her students a sense of control over what can be an overwhelming and frustrating process; most importantly, she encourages her students to think long and hard about who they are, what matters to them, and what they bring to the table as they embark on the long and arduous journey from high school to college student.
Because of her extensive experience as an admissions officer, writer, teacher, and editor, Irena excels at helping her students identify their strengths and craft essays that are compelling,
memorable, authentic, and absolutely true to each particular student.
Regardless of GPA and SAT scores, regardless even of the decision that
arrives in the mail, applicants with a strong voice and a strong sense
of self -- applicants who understand that having something to say is
very different from having to say something -- have already scored a
victory. To read more about Irena's background please click on Irena's biography.
The process begins with a personal meeting with students and their families during which we discuss the applicants' strengths, interests, and aspirations. By the end of the initial consultation we create a detailed and individualized plan, identifying possible essay topics and approaches that will allow students to articulate who they are and what matters to them in a genuine, powerful, and memorable way. Beyond the essay, however, we will take into consideration the "total package," ensuring that the student appears to full advantage throughout the application, that the letters of recommendation are uniquely suited toward the applicant's strengths, that any and all irregularities have been accounted for, that, in short, everything "clicks." At that point, the majority of our communication will be by email and telephone; we will exchange as many drafts as necessary until the perfect essay -- perfect for you and who you are, that is -- emerges. Please click on Services and fee schedule to see more details.
Do you have questions about the college admissions consulting process? Is private college admissions consulting the right option for you? Please see Irena's answers to many common concerns on her F.A.Q. page.
To contact Irena or to schedule a consultation please send her an email.