Navigate the College Application Process with Ease and Grace
Whether you are based in the US or abroad, sit back, relax and let me guide you every step of the way!
Services include:
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Advising on high school classes/summer programs/internships
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Creating the college list specific to student's interests
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Strategizing application strategy: Early Decision/Early Action/Regular Decision
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Guiding students to craft unique and memorable essays
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Overseeing the application process/timelines
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Major/Career exploration
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Working with students who have special interests: arts, global studies, business etc
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Preparing detailed college tour itineraries
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Escorting students on college tours
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Scholarship guidance
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Exploring Gap year programs
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Navigating Canadian, UK and other non-US colleges
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Special packages for international students as well as students applying to grad school
Why College Concierge Pro?
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PASSION for education
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PATIENCE with teenagers (and their parents!)
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In depth KNOWLEDGE of colleges and universities in the US, Canada and Europe
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EXPERTISE in special interests: business, engineering, arts
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PROVEN track record
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LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL experience and expertise
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ALWAYS 1:1 INDIVIDUALIZED CONSULTING. In person throughout the Bay Area and online work throughout the US and abroad
Our work is all about helping students thrive
Services and Packages
I work with families to come up with services and a budget to suit their needs, offering hourly or package rates. Rate sheet available on request.
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Concierge Starter Package: This is an introductory package which includes up to 3 in-person meetings, plus: Assessment of student's strengths/interests; Developing a timeline of tasks; Creating a personalized "best fit" College list; Managing Common Application Essay. Other services would be add-ons.
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Concierge Plus Package: This is an all inclusive package, with unlimited in-person meetings, plus: Assessment of student's strengths/interests; College Major exploration; Creating a personalized, "best fit" college list; Developing a timeline of tasks and ensuring student stays on track; Advising on college visits and college tour itineraries; Managing college essays (Common or Coalition essay; 4 UC Personal Insight Questions; and up to 4 colleges' supplemental essays); a career exploration package which encompasses assessment of strengths/interests related to careers, guidance on resume and LinkedIn page building, and in-depth consulting on summer programs and internships; Review of applications before submittal; and Advising on final decisions. This package guarantees my services from start of contract through May 1 of Senior Year.
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Hourly Packages (5 or 10 hours): For families (including Freshmen) seeking help with specific tasks, like summer programs; internships; Gap Year planning; personalized college tour itineraries; resume building; guidance on scholarships; scholarship essay review.
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Essay Only Packages:
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Essay Plus: Common or Coalition Application essay and 4 UC essays or 4 colleges' supplemental essays
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Common Application Essay or UC Personal Insight Questions: Work on Common App or UC PIQs
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Supplemental Essays only: Per college
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Special Services: Rates available on request for students interested in chaperoned college tours; international student packages; and graduate school packages.
SUMMER PROGRAMS
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1:1 Common Application essay bootcamps. Craft an unforgettable Common App essay and get it done before Senior Fall!
How I work
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It all begins with an intake session with the student and parent(s) to learn about the student's interests, aspirations, goals, and unique stories.
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I then work directly with the student, updating parents after each meeting.
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I work collaboratively with high school counselors.
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I meet with students at my office in Marin, their home or another convenient location, and for non-local/international students, I work via skype, wechat and other video options.
About Me
I'm passionate about education and finding the right college fit for students.
I am from the East coast originally. I graduated from Milton Academy, and then in quick order, received a B.A. from Colgate University (majored in Russian and International Relations); a Masters in International Affairs from Columbia University; an MBA from New York University, and a Certificate in College Consulting from UCLA. I am a member of HECA, WACAC and NACAC
Before I began my college consulting business, I co-founded three tech companies in the San Francisco Bay area. I love working with students and their families, both locally (Marin County/San Francisco Bay area), across the US and globally. I donate some of my hours to pro bono work with under-served communities. I go by the pronouns she, her, hers and I respect my students' rights to define their identities. When I’m not working, I’m traveling, visiting my own children at college, hiking, biking, skiing or paddleboarding.
I speak French fluently, and some Italian, Spanish, Russian, and beginning Mandarin.
Student Testimonials:
“I was so stressed out about applying to college, and Karen made the process so manageable. I think she saved my relationship with my parents as well!" JL, Drake High School '17
"As a Chinese student, the application process can be overwhelming. Karen walked me through each step, and was always available for my questions. Plus she's great on wechat, whatsapp and the other communications methods international students are using these days." BZ, Lehigh University '18
Parent Testimonials:
"Karen was AMAZING! She had such a great rapport with our daughter, kept her on track and on task, with easily-managed to-do lists and regular check-ins. Her involvement took the burden off of us and made applying to college almost enjoyable, with the end result being our daughter realizing her dream of attending NYU in the Fall." CQ, Parent of Tamalpais High School graduate '16
"All I can say is thank goodness for Karen. She really gets teenagers and has a knack for keeping them on task, and still smiling, throughout the college process." BN Parent of Redwood Graduate '17
