College Planning Services

I provide insight and expertise to guide families in preparing for admission to college, through a variety of strategic services, including four package offerings.

One package is focused on a successful start to high school. The Premier Comprehensive package is designed for a thorough planning process, starting in tenth or eleventh grade, and including the entire application experience. If space is available, two of the packages are for seniors only, a Fast Track one for students starting the college planning journey in June or July before senior year, and a Terrific Ten option for those needing support starting in August of senior year.

I utilize a variety of tech tools and assessments to support students in identifying and exploring their strengths and interests, clarifying their goals, and managing the many details, including essays, of successfully applying to college. My desire is to make this journey a calm and organized one, as stress-free and enjoyable as possible.

Testimonials

“ We hired Donna when my son was a junior in high school and her knowledge and expertise in college admissions was beyond valuable to us. Not only did she navigate us through the process of applying, Merit Aid, advising on essay writing and SAT testing, but she tailor-made a list of colleges that fit, not only our son’s major, but also his personality. He just graduated (in four years) from the college that we picked, Baylor University, and he could not have picked a better college. Without Donna’s help, we would have never thought to leave our home state of California. We are so grateful to her as Baylor was perfect for him.“

My Package Offerings

  • Spring of 8th grade-June 1st end of freshman year

    Up to 7 hours

    Designed to help freshmen make the most of their high school experience, this package offers education about the importance of course selection, extracurricular activities, and summer planning.

    • 3 meetings

    • AchieveWorks assessments to start exploring careers & education plans

    • Academic, Extracurricular & Summer Planning

    • Behind the scenes research & communication

    • Tips for Successful High School Start

    To engage in college planning beyond freshman year, the family can purchase a Premier Comprehensive package if mutually agreeable.

  • For Classes of 2026 & 2027

    This package is available for high school sophomores & juniors until June 1st before Senior Year, unless the roster fills.

    Up to 35 hours

    Full-service, comprehensive, college planning services may include:

    • High School Academic Planning & Activities Review

    • Testing Strategy and Prep Options

    • Summer Planning

    • Career Assessment

    • Financial Aid Strategies

    • Creation of Balanced, Customized College List with a range of admission selectivity that fits academic, social, and financial criteria

    • Behind the scenes research & communication

    • Instruction on researching colleges

    • College Visit Tips & Planning Suggestions

    • Application Timelines and Requirements-up to **10 applications

    • Strategy for Early Action/Early Decision Application Plans

    • Brainstorm for & review of required application essays

    • Instruction on writing powerful activities descriptions

    • Resume Development

    • Final detailed review of student’s application(s) prior to submission

    • Interview Preparation

    • Wait-List and Final College Decision Guidance

    • Financial Aid Package Review

    • Communication with parents-meeting summaries and emails

    • Use of collaborative software account-College Planner Pro and essay management software, Prompt

    *If hours exceed 35, additional hours can be purchased in 3-hour increments.

    **The UC & CA State University applications each count as 1, no matter how many campuses are selected on each of those applications

    Student may apply to more than 10 colleges for an additional fee per college, determined by the number of required essays.

  • Available now for seniors beginning college planning in late May to late July before senior year, on a space available basis.

    Up to 20 hours

    Focused support to create strong applications, which may include,

    • High School Academic Record & Activities Review

    • Creation of or rounding out to create a Balanced, Customized College List with a range of admission selectivity that fit academic, social, and financial criteria

    • Instruction on researching colleges to quickly finalize list

    • Application Timelines and Requirements-up to **8 applications

    • Strategy for Early Action/Early Decision Application Plans-if timeline permits

    • Brainstorm for & review of required essays

    • Instruction on writing powerful activities descriptions

    • Final detailed review of student’s application(s) prior to submission

    • Interview Preparation

    • Wait-List and Final College Decision Guidance

    • Communication with parents-meeting summaries and emails

    • Use of collaborative software account-College Planner Pro and essay management software, Prompt

    *If hours exceed 20, additional hours can be purchased in 3-hour increments.

    **The UC & CA State University applications each count as 1, no matter how many campuses are selected on each of those applications Student may apply to more than 8 colleges for an additional fee per college, determined by number of required essays.

  • For high school seniors, available starting August 1 until August 15.

    Up to 10 hours

    If you are a senior in need of college planning support, this package offers focused guidance, depending on what you need, including,

    • Application Timelines and Requirements-Common Application, UC, CA State University Applications

    • Brainstorm for & review of essays

    • Instruction on writing powerful activities descriptions

    • Detailed review of application(s) prior to submitting

    • Use of collaborative software account-College Planner Pro & essay management software, Prompt

    *If more time is needed, additional time can be purchased in 5 hour increments for this package, on a space available basis.