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.