High School Guidance - Alex Ellison

Student-centered.Because it shouldn't be any other way. 

 It's not about changing you to get you into "the right" school. It's about helping you be so fearlessly yourself that the right schools - and opportunities - come into view.

Here's where I'm coming from...

You might assume that families hire me because I flaunt a flawless record of getting students into Ivy League schools...

But the truth is, I don’t actually claim to be able to get anyone in anywhere. Because, the question begs, if it’s me getting them in, what happens when they get there?
 
No, my real superpower is this...
 
I scour the globe (yes, some of the best-hidden gems are found internationally) for exciting opportunities that will fit the personality, talents, and passions of each student I see.
 
More often, my work consists of easing students and parents into a radical idea:
 
Instead of making students suitable for admission at hyper-selective household-name universities, I focus on finding universities that are suitable for them.
 
This is the relentlessly student-centric approach I take to this process.

I offer a bold (but lighthearted) approach to college exploration and education consulting to students around the world

High school is a tall order for any student. Within a very short time period, students must find out who they are as humans, what they like, and what they’re good at, while, at the same time, meeting the demands of class assignments, friends, family, and extracurriculars.
 
Supporting a student who is going through this time of life is a chore. As tough as it is, school counselors, mentors, teachers, and coaches do incredibly well with the resources they’re given (as do we parents).
 
But let’s face it. There are a lot of gaps that need to be filled.
 
My mission is to fill those gaps. And to fill them in a way that's focused on the long-term fulfillment and well-being of the student.
 
There are a few guideposts for this work. I know I'm doing my job when your student…
 
Enjoys the process
Increases their self-awareness so they can foster their true strengths
Grows enthusiastic about high school and their life after graduation – not more intimidated by it.
Finds an experience/college after high school that fits them (not the other way around).
 
This is why I work in a lighthearted (albeit just serious enough) fashion. I've found this is what keeps them engaged. I rate myself, not through the approval of famous colleges, but through the beaming students who graduate from this program and go on to live authentic lives.
 
I work virtually with students around the world.

A roadmap that suits you.This is the kind of guidance counseling that every person needs, but rarely receives.

Here's the "Plan"...

I work with high school students to become acquainted with their unique talents and interests and put them to use, explore their post-high school options, including programs of study, colleges, and careers, and develop college applications that reflect their truest selves. Moving into senior year, I support students through the application process, keeping them on track with their goals, and guiding them through any twists or turns that come up on the path!
 
Here’s how we do this:
 
Getting Started: Creating a Vision and a Plan
Assessment - students complete a comprehensive aptitude and interest assessment at home
Initial Consultation - students meet one-on-one with me for a two-hour session where I get to know the student and begin to put together recommendations and ideas for them
Family Follow Up - following the Initial Consultation, the family is invited back for a meeting where I share my “Roadmap” for the student, which includes personalized recommendations unique to the student’s interests, talents, and goals
         You're welcome to start with these first three steps. My cost for this mini consultation is $1200.
Or you can continue along with me as your guide!
College List-Building - students book 2 sessions to work on developing a great-fit college list (typically in the winter)
Essay Idea Generation* - students book 2 meetings (typically in the spring) devoted to idea generation - these are always super fun, stimulating meetings where students share stories from their lives and put words to their ambitions!
Parent Meeting - at any time throughout the junior year, parents are invited to have their own meetings with me to ask questions or share concerns - this is also typically when we’ll discuss financial concerns or questions
Moving Right Along: Putting the Plan into Action
Essay Review - 2 meetings to review the main personal essay and school-specific supplemental essays (usually summer and early fall of senior year)*
Final College List Review - 1 meeting to solidify the final college list
Activities List - 1 session is devoted to reviewing the full list of all the amazing things you've done throughout high school! I'll help you highlight these accomplishments in your applications
Submit! - we'll have 2 meetings where I'll make sure Is are dotted and Ts are crossed before you hit that big SUBMIT button!
Final Parent Meeting and Financial Aid Overview - this is our final check in to make sure you have everything submitted to be considered for financial aid (usually September of senior year)
Scholarships - we'll have 2 meetings devoted to scholarship applications and essays, and we'll review any additional requirements, like auditions, if needed
Wrapping Up: Seeing Vision Come to Fruition
Supplemental Materials and Applicant Portals - after you submit, we'll have a meeting to review your supplemental materials and track your applications in your student portals
Review Offers - as those offers start rolling in, we'll meet to review what's on the table and discuss the best options for you!
Make a Decision - this is where we talk about all of the pros and cons, what's important to you, what's right for you, and where you'll be going! (usually before May 1st of senior year)
Total Price $4600 (this is all you pay through high school graduation, regardless of when you start working with me!)

Should we get started?

There will be ZERO OBLIGATION on your end at this point.
 
The only thing we ask is that you and your student set aside at least 20 minutes to fill out the application below. Please encourage your student to be fully honest. This will help us get to know them as much as possible before even meeting them. It’s the first step in ensuring that we’re the right kind of peanut butter for your jelly.
 
We’ll reach out to you within three business days of submittal to give you the next steps.