for 6 classes
One-On-One College Application & Preparation Mentoring
Completed by 18 learners
Ages 14-18
Live Group Class
Live video meetings
1x per week, 6 weeks
1-2 learners per class
40 min
What's included
6 live meetings
4 in-class hoursHomework
1-2 hours per week. Students will be given personalized assignments each week, depending on where they are at in the college process. Assignments could include tasks such as researching colleges, completing college applications, writing a draft of an application essay, completing the FAFSA, etc. Independent work could take between 30 minutes to 2 hours. My goal is to move each student along at an appropriate pace for their needs. For students who are not yet ready to actively apply to college, they will be doing online research so that they will feel ready and confident to start applying when it's time. Homework hours vary between 0 to 2 hours/week.Assessment
Assessment is informal. Written feedback may be provided to the student or parent if needed as a result of the class or requested by the parent.Class Experience
US Grade 9 - 12
First Outschool Course? Get $20 towards any Outschool class (even if it's not this one)! Enter this code when enrolling: CARISSAH20 Not new to Outschool, but this will be your first class with me? Message me for a $45 off coupon! ATTN PARENTS: Some parents like to know where my students have been accepted. While I personally feel this is not at all the best way to select a college consultant (because your student's situation is very different from every other student I've worked with and just because student A was accepted at College X does not mean your teen will be, even with similar credentials...), the short answer is my students have been accepted all over, with a focus on teens being accepted to colleges that are a good fit for them, not someone else. So yes, I've had multiple students accepted to Ivy Leagues and other very competitive programs. But I've also worked with students who decided to attend community colleges, trade schools, private institutions (both religious and non-religious), large public institutions, and everything in between. There are a million paths to college and beyond. If your teen does not have any idea where to start for college, I suggest enrolling in my Preparing for Admissions course. *All students are expected to have their cameras on due to the conversation style of this one-on-one course. **Non-North American/international students hoping to attend college in the USA are welcome. If you don't see a time that works for you in your time zone, please message me and Iet me know when you're available. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- WHY WORK WITH A COLLEGE APPLICATION MENTOR: The college application process has become so much more intense in recent years. It has changed completely from when parents applied. The process requires significant life skills - organization, time management, critical thinking, clear written communication, and planning ahead. The good news is this makes the process an excellent preparation for college, but this can also be very overwhelming for students who have not yet perfected these important skills. While there is so much more to know, there are also so many more options out there that students can choose from! This course seeks to help bring back some sanity to the college application process. By helping students get more organized and empowering them with information and understanding (and yes, even better writing skills), applying to college becomes less stressful for everyone involved. COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course provides ongoing guidance, structure, and mentoring as students begin their college journey: - Goal of class is to reduce stress by bringing structure, organization, and helpful tips to an often dizzying process - Conversation-based mentoring that is fully student-centered and customized to each student - Designed for high school students, wherever they are on their college journey - Provides accountability and encouragement to help students apply and/or plan for college - Meet as many times as you'd like! WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR? As this is an adaptable course, students of various backgrounds will benefit. This course is open to students planning to attend a traditional 4-year college/university, community college, or trade school. It is open to non-American students hoping to attend an American university as well as American students considering colleges abroad (in certain cases). This course is an ideal fit for those students who need an accountability partner, those who identify as first generation college students, those who are stressed with applying to college, or any student who may just need a bit more help staying on-track and motivated to complete all college application aspects on-time. The more students understand about the process, the more confident they will feel in owning their own transition into college. WHAT IS THE COURSE STRUCTURE? The general format will be: 1. Getting to know each student's goals and the areas they need help with during the first class 2. Depending on the needs of the student, creating a plan or list of things for the student to accomplish or focusing on an area the student needs help with right now. 3. Working on each item, and continue to provide personalized assistance at each meeting. EXAMPLES OF TOPICS OFTEN DISCUSSED: - Discussing the college list to ensure it's balanced and accurate to student's academic record (If you'd like me to suggest a list of colleges that may be a good fit for you, this requires a substantial additional fee due to the hours of research involved. Of course, if I know of a college off the top of my head that may be a good fit, I'm happy to share in class!) - Selecting a college - The application process - Financial Aid - Writing powerful essays - Proofreading and providing detailed feedback on essays - All about college majors/selecting a major - College living options, and their impact on the college experience - What professors (and advisors) expect from students - Online classes at the college level - Building a strong resume during college - Study abroad - Internships - Part time (or full time) employment during school - The American college system/structure (for international students) - Other topics possible upon request As a mentoring-style class, consistency and participation are important. Students are expected to come ready to discuss ideas and be open about their questions and concerns.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
My role is to provide personalized mentoring and guidance; my role is not to make decisions for students or parents nor to create a student's entire college list for them. I also will not write a student's essay for them. I cannot make any guarantees that students will be accepted at their schools of choice as that decision is solely determined by the institution and based on each student's unique qualifications.
I will give students information, even if it may not be what they want to hear. For example, if a student is applying to all colleges that would be considered a 'reach' for them, as their mentor, I will let them know my concern, explain my reasoning, and suggest a solution.
Language of Instruction
English
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
We will use public college/university/community college/technology school websites. We may also reference the studentaid.gov website.
Meet the teacher
Teacher expertise and credentials
Master's Degree from Inter American University San German Campus (Universidad Interamericana)
I have my own college consulting business. I hold an Independent Education Consultant Certificate, an M.A. in Teaching English as a Second Language, and a B.A. in Sociology (with minors in English and Spanish).
I've worked with students making education transitions (from a foreign high school to an American high school, from high school to college, and from college in home country to college in foreign country) since 2010 through both my professional career and through volunteering at two non-profit organizations. I have been assisting students specifically with applying to and starting college since 2014. I have worked as an advisor at a university for over five years as well as taught general education English courses at a university for one year. In addition, I have been a reviewer for two different Department of State competitive scholarship programs.
I regularly take classes and attend professional conferences and workshops to improve my skills in helping students evaluate, select, and apply to colleges. As an independent college counselor, I visit college campuses (both in-person and virtually) to learn as much as possible about various colleges and universities. I am also an Associate Member of IECA, the professional organization for independent education consultants.
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