Navigate the College Application Process with Ease and Grace
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Whether you are based in the US or abroad, sit back, relax and let me guide you every step of the way!
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​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 applications: 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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Helping Prepare college tour itineraries
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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 (and their applications) in the US, UK, Canada and Europe
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EXPERTISE in special interests: business, engineering, arts and more!
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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. Work remotely throughout the US and abroad; in person in Aspen Colorado and Nantucket Island
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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 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 8 colleges' supplemental essays); 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 (10 hour minimum): For families seeking help with specific tasks, like summer programs; internships; Gap Year planning; personalized college tour itineraries; hourly essay work, guidance on scholarships; scholarship essay review.
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How I work
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Students can reserve my services starting Freshman year. I limit each class to a maximum of 8 students per year.
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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 work remotely from Colorado, coordinating with the student depending on their schedule. I use zoom/google virtual meetings and Google docs. I am reachable via phone, email, wechat and what'sapp
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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 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 am currently Chair of the Post Secondary Counseling Department at Aspen High School. 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, hiking, biking, skiing or paddleboarding.
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I speak French fluently, and some Italian, Spanish, Russian, and beginning Mandarin.
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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!" Archie Williams High School, San Anselmo, CA
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"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
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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
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"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 High School Graduate
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