College Planning 101

This is our most popular and affordable package. For most people, the world of college admissions is like a foreign country. All the different rules, timelines, its own lingo and terminology – these can be overwhelming for both students and parents alike. This package covers all the basics of the college search including information about the most important and relevant resources that you will need and where to find them. Effective and successful college planning is a long-range process, therefore we recommend College Planning 101 for any year in high school – even for students as early as the 7^th and 8^th grade. This service is provided in TWO in-office sessions or can be conducted via phone or skype if you choose to do so.

It includes the following:

• How to decide where to apply to college – this topic covered after completion of Hansen College Strategies College Planning Questionnaire

• Review of transcripts and test scores

• Overview of the college admissions process

• Designing the most effective high school curriculum to meet college admissions requirements

• Standardized testing – explanation of the various types and how to develop a timeline for these

• Extracurricular activities – what colleges are “really” looking for

• Suggestions and guidance for summer enrichment activities

• Admissions committees and policies – how they work

• Decisions Options – Early Action, Early Decision, Rolling, and Regular admission

• Teacher recommendations – how to make the “most” of these

• Resume development

• Planning a college visit

• College interview strategies

• College affordability – financial aid, merit awards, athletic scholarships, and loan programs

• Athletic recruiting

• Understanding wait lists

• Discussion of the various college planning resources and how to best utilize these