What about the college search and application process are you finding challenging right now?

Find out how I can make it successful for you. Let my years of connecting with students and providing them with strategy, expertise, and support make a difference for you.

Here’s how we’ll do it if you’re joining me sophomore or junior year.

Phase 1: Developing Your Initial College List

  • We will begin with a series of conversations so that you can get to know me and learn about how I can support you during this process. You will tell me about your personal and academic interests and your hopes for college. We will be sure to discuss the overall timeline and map out the big picture for our work together so that you can see how our work won't interfere with your high school life.

  • I assess your academic records, standardized tests, and participation in extracurricular activities. I then develop and discuss with you and your family a strategy and plan for future standardized testing, junior/senior year coursework, and targeted extracurricular involvement during the school year/summer.

  • Based on the information I have gathered, I enjoy the hours I spend crafting and then presenting to you and your family a well-balanced “long” list of schools that meet your specific social, academic, geographical, and financial needs. My list is not complete without your contributions, though. As a partner in the process, you add the colleges that you have an interest in.

  • I provide resources and ongoing support for you so that you can effectively research and learn about these colleges, their qualities, and the programs they have that are a fit for your interests, needs, and goals.

Phase 2: Finding the Fit

  • I teach you how to connect with colleges and universities and set up visits. Additionally, I teach you how to effectively conduct your visits so that you can make the most of your time while on their campuses and the surrounding areas.

  • I keep track of your academic performance noting changes and making new recommendations for senior-year coursework or extra support if needed.

    I work with a member of your family so they can share their unique perspective of you by writing a thoughtful letter to your college counselor.

  • We determine what teachers, coaches, or other adults know your specific strengths and unique interests and can best portray you through a letter of recommendation.

Phase 3: Your Application Plan

  • Based on your research and college visits, we continue to narrow down your list of colleges to those that feel like the right fit for you.

  • I employ strategy to maximize overall fit and acceptance rates. During this phase, we will have more discussions with your family, and I will provide my advice on how to apply. (ie: if early decision is the best way for you to apply).

  • Based on your schedule and extracurricular involvement, we develop a timeline for completing the common application essay as well as an initial plan for completing the remaining parts of the applications.

Phase 4: Your Main College Essay

  • For some students, the main essay may feel like the most daunting part of the college application process. However, through this writing, you are afforded the greatest opportunity to share your individuality and let admission committees truly get to know you - what you care about, think about, and the characteristics that you will bring to their campus.

  • I initially help you uncover your unique qualities and the stories that reveal the characteristics that define you.

  • I support your growth as a writer by helping you develop a memorable, carefully crafted personal narrative. College admission officers get to know you in ways they cannot hear or see you in other parts of your application. My clearly defined process includes

    • Collaborative brainstorming

    • Specific steps for essay development

    • Feedback on drafts with annotated comments and suggestions for improvement on content, organization, voice, and grammar

    • Final review

Phase 5: Completing Your Applications

  • Depending on the types of colleges and universities to which you apply, you may have no additional essays to write, or you may have many.

    Should you have additional essays to write, I will work with you to ensure that they are targeted to the questions being asked and reflect new characteristics that you want the school to know about you.

    There is art in completing the activities section. Our work together will highlight your unique characteristics and bring even more depth to your overall application.

  • Keeping you organized and on time are incredibly important to me. I make sure that you meet your deadlines while putting forth your best work.

    Your parents can maintain their roles as parents. They can leave the organization and oversight to me. It decreases stress for all members of the family, I promise.

  • By this time, we will have come full circle.

    From the very beginning of our time together to the end of the process when you make your final decision about which college to attend, I am will be there for you and your family. I am invested in ensuring that you attend a college or university where you will be happy and thrive.

Let's Get Started

  • <autoplay speed=6></autoplay> What's it like to work with Margaret?

    Margaret took the time to get to know my interests and learning style. She helped me truly think about what I wanted from my college experience; most importantly, she pushed me to dig deep and write a very meaningful essay.

    — student from New York, NY

  • What's it like to work with Margaret?

    The prospect of completing college applications was daunting. In my experience, the most stressful part of applying was figuring out how to appeal to the schools on my list. Margaret’s expertise helped me understand what colleges want to see; with her help I was able to tell schools who I am and why they'd want me at the same time. Working with Margaret eliminated the stress and allowed me to feel truly confident when I pressed that "apply" button.

    — student from Carlisle, MA

  • What's it like to work with Margaret?

    I came to work with Margaret later in the process. With a draft in hand, I was able to rework my essay and turn it into something that was very meaningful to me. Margaret’s suggested changes and questions encouraged me to go deeper, be more detailed, and concise. Her support allowed me to be far more confident in my final product.

    — student from Franklin, MA

  • What's it like to work with Margaret?

    I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to work with Margaret. I came to her after I had my college list in place. Her help throughout the application process was essential for me; her expertise helped me strengthen my main essay and supplementals and made this difficult process much easier to navigate. Margaret truly was the greatest help during my college process.

    — student from North Attleboro, MA

The goal is not just about going to college but attending a college where you can thrive and build the foundation for a life of meaningful engagement.

Let's Begin