How Do I Pick a College?

Carefully, and only after considerable evaluation of oneself and potential colleges. Unfortunately, many times colleges are selected on criteria that may not lead to schools that are a best fit, criteria such as popular schools, where friends attend, and overreliance on college rankings. More helpful criteria may include average classroom size, academic programs that match a student’s interests, quality of the programs for students with disabilities, availability of internships/coops, and others depending on the student.

Why Should I Use an Independent Educational Consultant?

Educational consultants do not take the place of school counselors, just as math tutors do not replace math teachers. Many school counselors serve over 250 students, sometimes as many as 400, and they deal with many student issues in addition to college selection. Educational consultants specialize in the college selection and application process, accept about 15 – 25 students at one time, and serve as personal guide for those students and families through the entire process. Also, parents consistently report that utilizing an educational consultant significantly reduces family stress.

Is College Career Consulting Just for High School Students?

No. Setting the proper expectations for those close to entering high school as well as having a second set of eyes checking courses can be very helpful. We also serve transfer students (including those in community colleges) and returning older students.

We Provide:

  • List of best fit colleges
  • Essay proofreading
  • College interview/visit preparation
  • Career assessment
  • Application assistance
  • Financial aid advising

We Counsel:

  • High school students
  • Athletes
  • Students with disabilities
  • Middle school students
  • Community college students
  • Returning older students

What Our Clients Say:

“Ralph swooped into our lives, organized us, educated us and became an advisor. Ralph took my lump of coal and processed him into the diamond that we all knew was there.”

“I recommend Ralph’s services to students and their families seeking to have a positive and successful college selection and application experience.”

“Ralph Ellis’s expertise, experience and guidance proved to be the most important component of our daughter’s successful college acceptance process.”

“Thanks Ralph for all of your hard work and care. It is obvious by your excitement and dedication how much you enjoy what you do.”

“We can now highly recommend Ralph to our friends and are looking forward to working with him again very soon as our youngest son begins the college search process.”

“He was very thorough and conscientious and he certainly made the process of choosing and applying to college much easier and saner… for ALL of us!”

“I highly recommend Ralph and his services to any parent/student entering the college search and application process. Believe me, it will help your relationship with your child.”

“Ralph is organized, efficient, and professional; I felt confident and was never confused. But on top of everything, it felt like this part of my life was equally important to him as it was for me.”

“When it came down to it, Mr. Ellis was always there, always willing and ready to help me with the entire process. His guidance and quality of assistance was unparalleled and for that I am truly grateful.”

“It was obvious that Dr. Ellis truly cared about us and he went above and beyond to guide us towards the best choice. We would certainly recommend Dr. Ellis for any family making this important decision.”