top of page
Applying to college is such an exciting time but it can also be stressful for students and their families. It doesn't have to be. Let's work together to find your path!

Long before applying, you may wonder what courses you should take in high school and what you can do both in and out of school to make your college applications stand out. Later in high school, other questions become important to consider:

What should I be looking for to make sure a school is a good fit for me?

A good fit depends on what you want to study, size, geography, and social aspects, among other factors. 

How do I write a great college essay?

A great college essay allows your voice, personality, interests, and / or passions to come through.

Do I have to know what I want to study in college before I apply?

It depends where you apply.  In some cases, you will need to apply to a certain school or major within the university while in other cases, the school may want you to indicate where you think you're headed with your education.

When do I need to start my applications?

Applications can be due anytime between October - June, many are due November - January, some have rolling admissions. You want to give yourself at least a few months to craft a strong application.

Who should I pick

to write my recommendation letters?

Some colleges request letters from counselors and / or teachers who know you best. Others allow letters from community members with whom you've engaged outside of school. 

 

Do I have to take the

SAT or ACT? If so,

which should I take?

Many schools are now test optional, which means you can submit tests but don't have to. We will strategize about different test choices.

What kinds of

questions do college interviewers ask?

Why do you want to come to this school? What would you contribute? Name three adjectives to describe yourself. What challenges have you overcome? What are your strengths and weaknesses? What makes you unique? Who is your role model? What's a book you have read recently? 

Am I eligible for

financial aid?

You and your family will need to apply through what's called FAFSA to assess eligibility. We will talk more about this altogether. 

Where do I learn

about scholarships?

Check out the Helpful Resources page on this website. Your school may have good suggestions and there are tons of books and websites that provide great information.

Content

 My job is to help you and your family answer these and other questions, identify colleges that are a good fit and both craft and execute a detailed plan to complete all elements of your applications. I work remotely with students anywhere on the globe and remotely or in person for students living in and around Bozeman, Montana.

83%

of students

at private four year institutions receive grants
source

$29.6

billion

900

colleges

6

in grant money is distributed by the federal government yearly
source
use the Common App
source
is the average number of schools students apply to
source
College Students

"Working with Allison helped me clarify the ideas I knew I wanted to present in my applications. She also showed me how to combine my personal writing style with what colleges look for. I got into every school that I applied to!!!"

-EK, Lewis and Clark College, Class of 2025

Ensuring that this process is a healthy experience for you is truly important to me. Many college-bound students face intense pressure to excel in every class and do a million things to make them more competitive in the admissions process and they are experiencing negative consequences.
Please watch this brief clip from my interview with Dr. Craig Burns, the head of University Counseling Services at Boston College. If after watching you and your family feel like working with me is a good fit, please get in touch or schedule a free consultation below. I look forward to speaking!
bottom of page