College Application Strategy

Study Smarter’s College Application Strategy program is for high school juniors and seniors considering their post-graduation plan. This program develops a personalized college list and application strategy that centers the student’s experiences, goals, and priorities while leveraging Study Smarter’s college consulting expertise.

The program begins by conducting one-on-one meetings with the student to understand their academic profile, personality, and expectations for college. We utilize science-backed skills assessments, interest inventories, and values exercises to help them articulate their non-negotiables for their future.

Based on these meetings, the Study Smarter team adeptly considers each student’s academic, personal, and financial parameters in the context of our extensive knowledge of college programs to generate a balanced list of schools that we believe would be the best fit for each student. We then provide a strategic application plan based on admissions data and establish a timeline for students to complete their college applications. Students and parents receive the working college list, strategy, and timeline during a collaborative meeting that encourages questions and ensures everyone is aligned and informed.

Support continues as students utilize Study Smarter’s interactive college planning resources to research and refine their list. With personal guidance from Study Smarter, students shape their final college list in an informed, confident manner.

We know that deciding where, how, and when to apply to college can be stressful to students and their families. As part of our program, the Study Smarter college counseling team is available to answer brief questions that inevitably arise when considering the many facets of college admissions.

In the College Application Strategy program, Study Smarter will:

  • Meet with students one-on-one to learn about their experiences, goals, and expectations for college

  • Administer science-backed assessments to determine each student’s strengths, weaknesses, and areas of greatest interest as they relate to potential majors and school specific programs

  • Create a personalized working college list based on conversations and assessments

  • Develop a strategic application timeline for applications 

  • Meet via video call with parents and student to present and review student profile, suggested college list, and college application timeline

  • Teach students how to research college options using Study Smarter’s interactive research portal

  • Include up to 5 working sessions after the working list is presented, to address student needs on a personalized basis

In addition to the above, the College Application Strategy program addresses:

  • Guidance for teacher recommendations

  • Advice determining high school and summer course selection

  • Tips for the student’s activities lists for applications

  • General direction for completing applications (including Common Application, Coalition Application, and UC application)

Most importantly, the Study Smarter College Application Strategy team:

  • Acts as a liaison between parents and student to help alleviate stress associated with college admissions

  • Provides guidance and answers quick questions about application strategy and admissions decisions for both student and parents via email and phone, through May 1 of the Senior Year

Many families who have trusted Study Smarter with the College Application Strategy program choose to continue working with Study Smarter’s essay coaches. This continuity of relationship and process helps hold students accountable so that their applications are complete, coherent, and compelling.

Study Smarter operates on an hourly model for all essay coaching and application accountability work, so that families pay only for the sessions their student needs to produce their best work.