Applying to American colleges and universities grows ever more complex each year. In the most recent admissions cycle a typical round of 10 applications contained these requirements:

• 1-5 long personal statements (4 for University of California, 1 for Common Application)
• 30-40 essays prompting applicants to explain who they are, their experience and skills beyond academics, what they can contribute to a college campus, and how they plan to pursue their interests or major in college and beyond
• a summary of the student’s hands-on experience, work exposure, or research
• a resume, portfolio, video, or writing sample showcasing the student’s academic, professional, creative or research projects
• an indication of demonstrated interest: the applicant had communicated with students, professors, program directors and/or admissions officers online or during a campus visit in an effort to confirm that the college was a fit
• an interview for some colleges

This increased complexity in the college application process poses a challenge to all families –– to every kind of student, to parents unfamiliar with the American college admissions system, and to parents who are new to the current demands of college applications. Combining fifteen years of teaching and advising experience as an academic professor and a decade long career as a college consultant, I lead students to meet these demands, to advance their academic path and their skills in an area of interest to them, and to seek out research internships, collaborative projects, volunteer work or jobs. My personal approach to advising is nurturing, positive and inspiring. I guide students to see themselves and their potential clearly, and to develop and apply their particular character, intelligence and strengths strategically.