FAQ's
Why choose Great College Fit?
Our passion for all things “college” is obvious the moment you meet us. We develop personal relationships with our clients and are personally invested in our students’ success. Because our background is entirely in the field of education, we have a fundamental understanding of the needs of students, the needs of parents and the entire college admissions process, which is something not all independent educational consultants can say. We truly enjoy sharing our extensive knowledge with our families and work in partnership with them to support and encourage students through their high school years.
How does it work?
At Great College Fit, rising seniors work one-on-one with their college counselor over a period of months, usually beginning in the spring of the junior year. Each virtual college counseling session is spent moving through the steps of our comprehensive proprietary program. Our comprehensive college counseling program breaks down the overwhelming process of applying (determining student needs/wants, researching colleges, assessing admissions probability and submitting applications) into manageable steps. After determining multiple right fit colleges (we always focus on finding fit in three main areas: financial, social and academic) our students are supported through every step of the application process. Parents receive on-going communication throughout the process and students receive personalized guidance and support even after they are admitted and enroll in college.
How much does it cost?
Our comprehensive college counseling package price is a flat fee that includes unlimited support and guidance from an expert in college admissions. Because we personalize our services to meet the needs of every student, we don’t stop until the job is done. For pricing information, contact us to schedule a complimentary consultation so we can share with you how awesome our program is and discuss how we might be able to help your family.
Are we too late to start?
Maybe, but we doubt it. Although starting the process early is always preferred, (more time=less stress) we have been successful starting with students as late as October of their senior year. Sophomore year is the ideal time to start researching independent educational consultants so that you can ensure you find someone you like and can work with comfortably; and spring of your junior year is a great time to officially get under way with the search process.
Can you guarantee admission to my first choice school?
No, and you should run from anyone who says they can! But at Great College Fit, we can guarantee that we will work tirelessly with each of our students to ensure that you are being presented to admissions officers in the best way possible. We guarantee that we will advise you in the way we would advise our own kids and will always share our expertise and proven strategies to find the best-fit colleges for you.
Does my student really need an IEC just to transfer?
We think so. Many public university systems (like the University of California or California State University systems) have established protocols for transfer admissions and often work with the community college “transfer center” to assist students. However, the unfortunate reality is that students just don’t have access to the counseling they need. Community college employees are overwhelmed with the numbers of students they serve and students get frustrated with 15-minute appointments.
Isn’t transferring easier than applying as a freshman?
No! The process itself is similar to that of a first-time applicant, but it is much more nuanced. Why? Every “receiving” school evaluates a transfer applicant’s transcript differently. Because of this, students have a hard time determining if they have met transfer requirements; and if they haven’t, what they need to do to meet them. The transfer application timeline is longer than a freshman applicant and students are dealing with multiple transcripts, different requirements and more. We think it is best to have the support of a dedicated expert to minimize the stress associated with identifying right fit colleges and successfully submitting applications to them.
When should I start?
As with everything in college admissions, there is no time like the present! Because transfer students need to start the application process about a year in advance of the actual transfer date, we recommend getting started as soon as the student completes two semesters of work at the college level.