This is not just a process, it is a partnership.
After an initial introductory call or meeting with a parent, Linda insists on meeting with the student to get to know her through her own, and not the parent, lens. Linda, the student and the parents all need to feel comfortable that they can be a successful team, and she will meet with you as many times as needed to gain this comfort.
Linda took such a special interest in our daughter and entire family, partnering with us to build her future. We could not be more thankful for having found her.
Phase I
Assessment
This is an essential and often overlooked (or underdone) part of the process: exploring the interests, goals, strengths, and challenges of the student. The major steps in this phase include:
In-Depth Exploration of Student and Family Values: Linda will use a variety of techniques to gather information about the student and family, including but not limited to:
interviews
questionnaires
collected transcripts
collected report cards
academic testing
other pertinent information
Foundational Report: using the discoveries from the first step, Linda will prepare a report that will be used as the bedrock of the application, to include:
Summary and analysis of the information collected
Assets to highlight during the admission process
A unique list of ‘thrive school’ characteristics for the student
List of Thrive Schools . With her first-hand knowledge of schools across New England and beyond, as well as her intimate understanding of your child, Linda will identify schools at which she would thrive.
Linda will meet with the student and family to review the written report before moving on to Phase II.
Linda has a gift for assessing students, and an even greater gift for connecting with them. I cannot recommend Linda’s perspectives any more strongly to anyone who is fortunate enough to work with her. One bit of advice: get out of the way, and let her and your child connect directly, and frequently.
Phase II
Application Strategy and Tactics
The application process can be daunting and Linda will be available to provide strategic council and tactical advice every step of the way. The major components of this phase include:
Individualized Timeline: a personalized calendar for tests, visits, applications, deadlines, meetings, etcetera so you stay on track and don’t miss any dates.
Application Strategy and Assistance: using the discoveries from Phase I to help build strong applications, advice on how and when to ask for teacher recommendations and schedule visits, and more.
Campus Visit and Interview Preparation: Linda will provide interview coaching for the student and family, empowering the student to be confident and present his best self. She will also help the student develop a list of questions based on your child’s assets and thrive school characteristics to maximize your school visits. In her popular Interview Workshop, students will have the opportunity to role play and receive feedback from peers.
School List Refinement: after completing the visits and receiving test results, Linda meets with the student and family to finalize the list of application-worthy schools.
Essay Strategy and Review: a distinctive essay can help a student stand out in the admission process. Linda has read thousands of essays and will help brainstorm potential topics and provide general feedback. There will also be an Essay Writing Workshop, providing the opportunity to strategize with peers about essay topics and receive feedback on works-in-progress.
Financial Aid Application Assistance (if applicable): Linda will use her experience in financial aid to help you learn what role financial aid plays in the admission process, whether you should you apply for aid, and if you are likely to qualify.
Final Options Coaching: as the application decisions arrive Linda will help you make the most of revisit days, evaluate your options, and distinguish between the ‘best’ school by name, and the thrive school for you. Your child will most likely know where he belongs, and Linda will be available to listen, question and validate.