High School Development

Grades and class rigor are the first things admissions officers evaluate. Together, we’ll review the school’s course offerings and build a fluid four-year plan with the student.

Key Principles:

• Balance challenge and support. We encourage students to pursue rigor where appropriate, but we never recommend courses that will overwhelm them. Academic stretch is great—if paired with the right support.

• Electives matter. We help students identify electives that align with their interests and goals, building a cohesive narrative that supports their college applications.

• Family choice is central. Our role is to provide expert guidance, including teacher input and support options, but final decisions rest with the student and family.

We collaborate with students and families to design a summer experience that aligns with the student’s interests, strengths, budget, and schedule.

For some, that might include structured “pay-to-play” programs or travel experiences. For others, we look beyond the obvious—encouraging more original, meaningful activities.

Sometimes the most valuable experiences are also the most grounded:

• Working as a camp counselor or in a local restaurant

• Volunteering in the community

• Pursuing a passion project or helping others

Every plan is tailored to the individual, with the goal of growth, reflection, and authenticity—not just résumé-building.

Colleges are ultimately looking for initiative, follow-through, and the desire to make an impact on the community. To this end, we help students identify, develop, and deepen interests that feel authentic to them. 

We suggest activities, clubs, and service opportunities linked to their activities, throw out crazy ideas to see if any stick, and try to expand their thinking by sharing articles, ideas, and media that might interest them.

By the end of junior year, we have a story to tell the college that makes sense with the student’s academic strengths and extracurricular activities.

“Ben comes away from meetings with you lit up and energized. It’s priceless seeing him find his voice. Deep gratitude. It’s a true gem in this harrowing process of entering adulthood.”

For students considering potential careers for the first time, our coaches will keep conversations exploratory, focused on considering a student’s academic preferences, personal interests, and values. From there, they will discuss possible college majors in areas of interest.

For students with a specific career in mind — business, medicine, education for example — our coaches will get more granular, introducing possible avenues, talking about various specializations, and even connecting students with people in the industry.

We build this document over the course of our work together, approaching the resume as a chance to show personality and purpose.

For example, we don’t need to say the Editor of the school paper edits articles since admissions officers know that. Instead, we use to space to go beyond titles and responsibilities to show what the student brings to the role:
Revamped layout to boost readership; mentor new writers; love uncovering stories others overlook.

We later transfer this focus on impact, growth, and drives to the activities section of the Common App.

Strong test scores improve acceptance rates, serving as critical differentiators on the college application. Rampant grade inflation means that half of college applicants apply with straight As.

We discuss the pros and cons of applying test optional and develop an AP strategy when appropriate.

We help students decide if a postgraduate (PG) or gap year makes sense by getting to know their academic, emotional, and personal readiness for college. If they need more time to grow, build confidence, or gain clarity about their goals, we work closely with the student and family to design a meaningful year. That might include identifying structured PG programs, internships, travel, work opportunities, or community involvement aligned with their interests. For athletes, we can explore PG options that offer additional training and recruitment exposure. We also help students strengthen their applications if they plan to reapply to college, ensuring that the gap or PG year adds real value. The goal is to make the time purposeful and personal—something that supports long-term success, not just a pause.