College Consultants Providing Sound Advice and Strategies that Drive Results

The college search and application process can be a bit daunting. What schools will be the best fit? When do you start your applications? How do you write an essay that will stand out? Choosing the best school for you or your child – socially, academically, financially, and emotionally – and getting through the application process takes a lot of work. We streamline the process and take the stress out of the college admissions journey so that students and families can enjoy this milestone experience.

At Signature College Counseling, we have a team of skilled consultants and coaches that guide and advise you through every aspect of the college search and admissions process – from identifying best match schools and assisting with applications to interview prep and financial aid assessments.

We work with our students and their families in person, through Zoom, over the phone, and through email. To date, we have helped 600+ students find and gain admission into colleges throughout the country. Here is one example of a Signature College Counseling student from Monroe, New York. Her name has been changed to maintain her privacy.

A Signature College Counseling Monroe, NY Success Story

Andrea, from Monroe, NY, is one of the nicest, most thoughtful and hard-working young people I have ever had the good fortune of meeting, getting to know, and working with on her college admissions journey. Her family owns a small, local restaurant that likely the entire community has eaten at, whether it be through take out or in person. Andrea and her family all have hearts of gold and it is clear that her parents’ values are imparted onto their children. They all have been working in the family business since they were able to do so and it didn’t cross any of their minds that it wasn’t something that they had to do. They work there with a smile, embracing every one of their patrons.

Because of Andrea’s years of working at her family’s restaurant since she was a young girl, her love for the hospitality industry runs deep. She went from greeting guests when she was younger to working in the kitchen when she was old enough, to managing the staff and writing the procedures manual for the restaurant. For such a young person, her knowledge and understanding of the restaurant business is more than that of most adults far older than she is.

Choosing a Career Path and Matching College Major

When students come to me letting me know what they want to major in, most of the time I take it with a very broad stroke since the statistics are that 80% of students change their major at least once. Although they may understand what their strengths are, they haven’t experienced, nor understand, the breadth of potential careers that are available, or those that may be created sometime in the future. With Andrea, I never doubted her once when she asserted that she was sure that her major of choice was hospitality. Clearly, given her desire and experience, that would be her path.

Assessing the Financial Situation

Andrea’s family would need financial assistance to help her attend college. I was sure to put schools on her list that would provide the aid she needed to attend.

Narrowing Down Desired Location and Identifying Academic Matches

Open to being anywhere on the eastern side of the country, Andrea afforded wide search options – but of course a solid hospitality program was a must, along with a friendly and welcoming environment. Andrea’s dedication to working hard was evident from her schoolwork. Her grades were solid, low to upper 90’s, which would prove helpful in presenting herself to each of her colleges. Much to her dismay, she struggled with her ACT scores, but Andrea being who she is, studied and worked very hard and eventually earned a very submittable ACT score to send to her schools. I was elated for her.

She applied to University of Delaware, which was her first choice with an excellent and well-known hospitality program, UMass Amherst, which also has an excellent hospitality program, Endicott College in Boston, College of Charleston, Florida Gulf Coast, and the University of Tennessee to name a few.

The End Result

In the end, Andrea gained acceptance to all of her schools. Financial and merit aid came in and she was able to attend her dream school, University of Delaware. It could not have happened to a nice young lady. All of us at Signature College Counseling are absolutely thrilled for her. Go Blue Hens!

If you are looking for help with the college search and admissions process, our consultants are ready to help. Call or email us today to learn more.