College Counseling
From freshman year planning to senior year applications, we help you develop a compelling profile, identify the right-fit colleges, and submit applications that showcase your strengths.
Our 4Steps2Success® Program
Unlike programs that treat college applications as checklists, we identify and develop student passions, creating personalized pathways that showcase what makes each student unique across their entire high school career. A comprehensive four-year roadmap designed for rising 9th graders. We recognize that student interests evolve, so we develop specific plans year-over-year while maintaining your comprehensive four-year strategy.
Foundation Year: Identify
A strong start in 9th grade builds the foundation for high school success. We closely monitor student progress to ensure academic excellence from day one.
- Extensive review of grades, teacher comments, and academic performance
- Identify courses requiring additional support
- Guidance on sophomore year course selection including AP courses
- Assistance applying for summer internships and pre-college programs
- Advice on creating or joining extracurricular activities
- Development of leadership skills and self-advocacy
- Time-management and independent study skill building
Planning Year: Formulate
Students begin standardized test preparation, getting ahead of junior year stress. We determine whether ACT or SAT best fits each student.
- Comprehensive standardized testing plan (which exam, when, how to excel)
- Detailed analysis of freshman and current year grades
- Junior year course selection guidance including AP courses
- Assistance finding and applying to summer internships and competitive programs
- Creation of first college list reflecting academic and personal goals
- Continued extracurricular development and leadership expansion
- Development of competition opportunities in areas of interest
Keystone Year: Execute
The crucial year for making final impacts on academic profiles. We pay particular attention to student motivation, mental health, and stress reduction strategies.
- Comprehensive grade analysis and academic support identification
- Senior year course selection including AP courses
- Creation of refined college list matching academic and personal goals
- College visit guidance and networking with admissions advisors
- Letter of recommendation strategy and planning
- Professional experience summary, resume, and cover letter development
- Interview skills development and mock interview practice
- Common App essay brainstorming, outlining, editing, and proofreading
- Application materials and deadline management
Application Year: Apply
Students are ahead of peers, having completed testing and built strong profiles. Now they tell their academic story and demonstrate genuine interest.
- Finalize college list and devise Early Decision/Early Action strategy
- Financial aid application assistance and scholarship identification
- Finalize all college essays, supplementals, and resume
- Complete application submission timeline
- College interview preparation
- Common Application review ensuring flawless completion
- Management of all application materials, timelines, and deadlines
- Post-offer consultation to determine best-fit school
When Should You Start?
The earlier you begin, the stronger the foundation—but we provide excellent support at every stage
Build strong foundations early, reduce junior year stress, complete testing ahead of schedule, and create compelling four-year narratives
Plenty of time to strengthen profiles, complete testing, develop compelling narratives, and prepare standout applications
Strategic essay support, application management, and expert guidance through the submission process
Additional Program Options
Pre-High School Induction
College planning starts the summer after 8th grade. Students who enter high school with deliberation and planning receive more successful and enriching secondary education.
- Freshman year course selection guidance
- Individualized roadmap for developing interests
- Leadership profile building strategies
- Community service and volunteer opportunity planning
- Self-advocacy and time-management skill development
Essay & Common Application Lite
Ideal for seniors who know which schools to apply to but need assistance managing the application process. Perfect for committed students on track with solid academic records who seek targeted support.
- Personal statement brainstorming and review
- Supplemental essay development and editing
- Common Application Activities List review
- Application deadline management
- Thorough application review before submission
Our Students Have Been Admitted To
NYC STEM Club students have gained admission to Harvard University, Princeton University, University of Pennsylvania, Cornell University, University of Chicago, University of Michigan, Georgia Institute of Technology, Purdue University, Tufts University, Babson College, Vanderbilt University and many more prestigious schools.