College Counseling Services
Comprehensive Assessment
The foundation of our process is getting to know you as an applicant, both academically and personally. As such, each consulting package includes a comprehensive review of your academic background, including your transcript, extracurricular activities, special circumstances, and academic interests. This process also requires a thorough evaluation of your expectations, goals, wants, and needs. We achieve this through talking with you, asking probing questions, and assigning assessments that will help determine your strengths, interests, and goals.
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Families are also a crucial piece of the admissions puzzle, so we like to meet with your family at least once to get an idea of their hopes and concerns.
High School Curriculum Selection
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Should you take physics or AP Biology? Are four years of language crucial? Is calculus a requirement?
High school curriculum can have a profound impact on admissions outcomes. Your coursework should be tailored to your academic goals. OA can advise you based on your strengths, challenges, goals, and interests to develop a smart and strong transcript for your applications.
College Major/Concentration Selection
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Applying to colleges is not just about what institutions you want to attend. It is common for institutions to encourage applicants to apply to a major or indicate a concentration. Major selection can be challenging, and we often see applicants struggle with this choice. Applying to the wrong major can severely impact your chances of acceptance. That is why we offer guidance, tips, and activities to help you choose the right major or concentration based on your interests, strengths, and goals.
College List Assistance
With over 5,000 colleges and universities in the United States alone, choosing a college that will be a good fit can be intimidating. That is why OA works with you to create a customized list of reach, target, and likely schools that fit your academic interests and abilities and will allow you to thrive.
While academics are a primary concern, selecting the right schools is about more than just academics. We help students identify their personal needs and wants, too: would you prefer a large school or a smaller institution; do you want to be located in a big city or a rural setting; is having a great sports program important; is a specific research area crucial? These are important factors that can impact your success once on campus.
Application Preparation
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Applying to college is a multifaceted project. It requires attention to detail and good time management skills. OA will craft an application to-do list to manage your time and meet all necessary deadlines. This strategy allows you to focus on the critical aspects of the application process and lets us worry about the administrative part. Applicants will have access to an individualized application calendar with important dates and deadlines.
The Application
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OA will guide you through the Common Application, Universal Application, or private application system to ensure the admission counselor reading your application has access to all the necessary materials in an easy-to-read format.
Application ​Essays
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Personal and supplemental essays are arguably the most important component of any application. OA's strategy is to ensure that all aspects of the essay process are covered. We help you identify topics that will separate you from the rest of the applicant pool through individualized brainstorming meetings and activities designed to cultivate your creative voice. Our experts will also support you during the writing process with essay outlining and a comprehensive editing process to ensure your message is coming through intelligently and maturely.
Extracurricular Activity Selection
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What kinds of activities make the most significant impact on college applications? Extracurricular activities are an excellent way for students to demonstrate growth, leadership, dedication, passion, and initiative. However, not all activities are created equal. OA assists you in selecting activities that you enjoy AND impact your applications.
Reference Selection
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Letters of recommendation are a way for colleges to determine if you are a good fit for their academic rigor, values, and mission. Many students mistakenly overlook this process element, but a compelling letter of recommendation can make the difference between being accepted and denied. We instruct you on how to select the best recommenders for your application. We also coach you on the proper way to ask for a recommendation and what conversations need to occur to receive an impactful recommendation.
Resume Review
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All those extracurricular experiences won't mean anything unless highlighted in a legible and user-friendly format. OA reviews and edits your resume to best showcase your achievements.
Interview Preparation
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Some institutions require an interview portion of the application, whether formal or informal. For many students, this may be their first real interview. At OA, we hold practice interview sessions and provide feedback to improve your interview skills.
Selection Assistance
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So you got into college, congratulations! But the process does not end there. Deciding which offer to accept can be difficult. Each institution has its pros and cons and offers unique aid packages. OA follows our students through the entire process and works through post-acceptance decisions to help you choose the perfect college for your academic, social, financial, and emotional well-being.