The independent educational consultants (IECs) at College Planners of America are passionate about preparing each of their students for success. Laying the foundation for a rewarding academic career ideally begins in 8th grade so that both students and their parents feel confident and are well prepared for the choices made upon graduation five years later. No matter when your family begins to work with College Planners of America, our IECs will help you with the transition from high school to higher education and beyond.

Our services are unique in two ways. First, we work with both the student and the family to ensure a straightforward transition into higher education. We realize that the myriad of choices which need to be made, the nearly-endless forms that must be submitted and the amount of money involved can be overwhelming. College Planners gives you the roadmap your entire family needs to efficiently navigate the path ahead.

Secondly, we support the student and the family with many options to lower the cost of college. Many of these are little known, proven strategies that go way beyond the basics of obtaining financial aid or applying for every scholarship a family can find. Our recommendations are tailored to the unique situation of each student and family. We lay out all the available options (with all the pros and cons) and each family then selects the precise strategies that are best for their situation.

Our students and families enjoy unlimited phone and in-person consultations. We give each of our clients the specific support they need, when they need it.

To find out more about our services and if they’re right for you and your family, schedule a no-cost Meet & Greet Session today.

Though we help all our high school students with course selection and load, in junior and senior year, there’s a lot more to do! Our independent educational consultants (IECs) and staff will provide guidance as:

• Students complete admission applications to the colleges on their list.

• Students fill out scholarship applications.

• Students and parents make the final decision regarding which college the student will attend.

In addition to creating and assisting our students in sticking to crucial timelines, each IEC offers personalized mentoring and support throughout the process. The student’s counselor will help them answer the three most important questions when it comes to college: Who are you? Where are you going? How are you going to get there? Sadly, most students (without professional help) start their college search by figuring out what school they are going to attend, often based on what their friends are doing. We know that’s no way to make one of the most important decisions a student will make at this point in life. College Planners will assist your young adult in making thoughtful, timely decisions.

Student Services Include Assistance with:

• Course selection during both high school and college.

• Creating a schedule of SAT/ACT testing and strategies to improve test scores.

• Identifying personal interests, aptitudes and strengths.

• Systematically assessing (and narrowing down) potential majors.

• Individualized career counseling.

• Compiling a targeted list of colleges to research and visit.

• Completing admissions applications.

• Composing college essays and personal statements. (Brainstorming, draft evaluation, editing, polishing, and whatever other help you need, including nagging if you’re a professional procrastinator.)

• Preparing for college interviews.

• Forming a strong resume, even if you don’t have much experience.

• Searching for little known scholarships.

• Wait-list options and strategies.

• Financial aid award appeals.

• Finalizing your final college decision (along with your parents).

• Identifying the best professors for classes when there’s an option.

• Advice and assistance with summer jobs, job shadowing and internships throughout high school and college.

As a College Planners of America Parent, you can expect to:

• Get proven strategies to increase your student’s chances for admission

• Gain understanding about the financial aid process

• Learn strategies to increase your financial aid eligibility

• Avoid costly mistakes on your forms (which could cost you thousands of dollars in financial aid)

• Have your needs met, as well as those of your student. (Their college choice should also work for the family pocketbook!)

• Have College Planners keep your student on task to get the next step in the process completed…so you don’t have too!

College Planners of America provides parents and students with private one-on-one consultations along with unlimited in-person, telephone and email support.

Our College Planners of America parents and students have the confidence and reassurance that comes with the knowledge that a team of experts are coaching and consulting with them on all the planning and funding responsibilities that come with higher education.

Parent Services Include Assistance with…

• Strategies and recommendations for optimally financing your child’s college education.

• Repositioning both your and your student’s assets.

• Developing personalized strategies to reduce the Expected Family Contribution (EFC).

• Annual preparation for filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

• Annual completion and processing and filing of the CSS Profile if required. (*Additional costs required by the College Board are not included.)

• Checking the accuracy of your Student Aid Report (SAR).

• Processing of College Financial Aid Verification forms or any other related forms.

• Support in selecting the best college for your student and family.

• Evaluating financial aid award letters.

• Guidance and advice on appealing college decisions and financial aid decisions.

• Negotiating a better financial aid package (if using our strategies).

• Consultation on post-college financial issues.

• Communication with your student, using College Planners as an objective third party.

Our Independent Educational Consultants will help you every step of the way.

Parent Services Include Assistance with…

• Strategies and recommendations for optimally financing your child’s college education.

• Repositioning both your and your student’s assets.

• Developing personalized strategies to reduce the Expected Family Contribution (EFC).

• Annual preparation for filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

• Annual completion and processing and filing of the CSS Profile if required. (*Additional costs required by the College Board are not included.)

• Checking the accuracy of your Student Aid Report (SAR).

• Processing of College Financial Aid Verification forms or any other related forms.

• Support in selecting the best college for your student and family.

• Evaluating financial aid award letters.

• Guidance and advice on appealing college decisions and financial aid decisions.

• Negotiating a better financial aid package (if using our strategies).

• Consultation on post-college financial issues.

• Communication with your student, using College Planners as an objective third party.

Our Independent Educational Consultants will help you every step of the way.