College Planning, Grounded in Perspective

Support for Students and peace of mind for parents.

Reach out for your 30-minute consultation

PHILOSOPHY

I believe in more than just “getting in.”
I guide students to discover fit, purpose, and opportunity—wherever they go. 

I’m an independent educational counselor who’s guided hundreds of students and families through the college planning process. My approach is calm, clear, and built around your needs—not just your college list.

I’m also certified to give and interpret the Strong Interest Inventory, a powerful tool that helps students understand their strengths and possible directions.

How it works

  • One-on-one advising sessions

    • Students meet with Jennifer over Zoom, generally an hour in length but longer when writing essays.
    • Students write up their own follow-up emails or record sessions. Jennifer will draft summaries for the first few sessions. (After 24 years as an IEC, the students who take their own notes are more likely to complete assignments.)
    • Jennifer treats these sessions as confidential. It is up to the student to share email summaries or video with their parents.  (This is a good practice for their college years when professors will not speak with parents.)

  • Student check-ins & parent guidance

    • Between meetings, text check-ins regarding students’ college research.
    • Reminders about scheduled meetings.
    • For parents, reviewing an 8-page dictionary of terminology and be accessible via phone or zoom meetings.
    • For parents, heads up regarding student deadlines and general approach to helping a young adult through the search and application process.
    • For both, if requested, a compare/contrast session of financial aid/scholarship offers.

  • Strong Interest Inventory Interpretation

    • Completed by student early in the process, with regular references to interpretation.
    • Fee included within full contract. (Separate fee for students on an hourly contract.)
    • Jennifer was certified initially in 1981 and again recently; utilizes the Strong in every professional position since then.
    • The Strong is easily understood by students and applicable when building a college list as well as for narrowing of major/career fields.

  • Timeline planning and application strategy

    • External and internal deadlines and activities help drive the timeline.
    • When a student is ready to start college search, having a strategy helps direct and ease the process. 
    • Career goals & aspiration and financial need guide application strategies.

  • College list building & essay coaching

    • After self-reflection of goals, interests, values, and personality, then it’s time to apply that information to building a list of best fit college options.
    • Building a solid college options list takes time, research and interaction with the colleges.  Jennifer shares her decades of college knowledge for fit and match.
    • “Share your story” best describes how Jennifer approaches the essay writing process.  It’s not about passion or a project but rather what is it you want the admission committee to know. To have your voice, heard during that application review.

Testimonials

"Attending Chapman University was one of the best decisions I have ever made, and I wholeheartedly believe I couldn’t have made this choice without Jennifer’s patience, guidance, and support throughout the whole process."

Caroline, Chapman University:

"Jennifer worked closely with both of our high school kids to find the right fit for them. Our daughter and son couldn't be more different, both in how they work and what they were looking for in a school. Jennifer very quickly was able to establish a relationship with each of them and helped them through their college searches. She has a wealth of experience and her guidance was indispensable. I HIGHLY recommend her services."

Mary, Parent

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Contact us

Address

Northern Chicago Suburbs

Phone

847.680.1217

Email