The college admissions process is ever-changing, but Kristen and College Bound & Ready will expertly guide you through your student’s unique journey. Having an early understanding of the college landscape and how a student’s choices impact admissions is key. Creating a roadmap early in high school for the college process helps reduce stress, maximize outcomes and lets students and parents enjoy the journey (and each other!) along the way.
What are the Benefits of Working with College Bound & Ready?
Peace of mind that your student is being guided to do the right things at the right time to find good-fit colleges and maximize their admission chances.
A better relationship with your child. You get to be the cheerleader while I am the coach. But, ultimately, your student makes the choice to take my advice or not.
Communication: I share detailed meeting summaries with parents following every one-on-one meeting with students and monthly newsletters with grade-specific tips and video messages. I pride myself on getting back to my clients within 24 hours during the work week. Students have a to-do tab in their college planning account with clear instructions and deadlines for important college planning tasks. During application season, they receive a customized, step-by-step to-do list.
The expertise of a seasoned consultant (11 years and over 300 students guided) and never-ending student of colleges (member of two professional organizations, visits 20+ colleges/year, networks with counselors across the globe, offers multiple webinars/year to families). Students receive in-depth research sheets for every college they seriously consider, including expert tips and information on how each college will evaluate them.
Improved Writing and Critical Thinking Skills. I don’t just edit essays but rather guide students to be better writers and communicators. I help them set goals for their writing, craft outlines, and guide them to improve their writing through editing and coaching. I also help students determine their priorities and needs and then teach them how to determine which colleges best meet those wants and needs. This helps students feel more confident about the process and their choices and feel good about the applications they share with colleges.
Value. Past families have said my service is “priceless,” but they also receive generous scholarship offers and multiple good-fit college options. Hear what they have to say.
The goal of comprehensive counseling is to help high school students identify, apply and gain admission and financial aid or scholarships at colleges that are the right fit for the student. Kristen breaks the process (preparation, college list development, admissions, and decision-making) into manageable pieces. Most students receive well over 50+ hours of consultation, research, and work on their behalf based on their needs and desires. Regular consultation work is virtual (via Zoom), along with support via Google Docs, phone, and email, but in-person Summer Essay & Application Workshops are offered for Bend and Portland, Oregon, clients the summer prior to senior year.
KNOWLEDGE
The college landscape has changed significantly in the last 20 years, and continues to change. My job is to keep up-to-date on colleges and the admissions process so students can focus on self-discovery and their applications.
Visit 20–30 colleges annually and meet with admissions staff in Portland to stay current on college options nationwide.
Help students identify strong college matches based on firsthand knowledge and ongoing industry connections.
Students who work with independent consultants are:
4× more likely to attend private, non-profit colleges (67% vs. 16%) — IECA.
3× more likely to attend out-of-state schools and receive significant merit scholarships.
Even students who stay in-state report greater confidence and satisfaction after exploring a wide range of options.
SUPPORT
My goal is to help students become good decision-makers through self-assessment and college research, and provide them with the tools for a successful and empowering college application process.
Provide full support throughout the college application and selection process.
Help students present their best selves with strategic timelines and personalized guidance.
Assist with brainstorming and editing essays and applications.
Offer Essay and Application Workshops each summer for comprehensive plan students to prepare for Early Applications and reduce senior year stress.
Review and advise on:
High school course selection, standardized testing plans; extracurriculars, community service, and leadership; summer opportunities (internships, job shadows, work experience); and ways to stand out in competitive applications
INDIVIDUALIZED AND PERSONAL ATTENTION
Each student I work with is unique, and therefore, the college plan I create for them will be crafted for that student’s needs and values.
The recommended student-to-counselor ratio is 250:1, but the national average is over 400:1.
High school counselors also balance many other tasks in addition to college planning, and the amount of time they can spend with each student is limited. As a College Consultant, I typically spend many hours getting to know a student, how the student learns best, and what setting, support and programs would best fit the student in college. I use the insight I gather to help them find great-fit colleges and write strong applications and essays.
GUIDANCE
I break the process (preparation, college list development, admissions, and decision-making) into manageable pieces.
Keep students on track by breaking the college process into manageable phases.
Help students build research and time-management skills that benefit them in college and beyond.
Serve as a neutral, outside resource to reduce family stress and empower students to lead the process.
Provide guidance on financial aid and scholarships.
Help families make informed, value-driven decisions about college costs.