FAQS
WHY SHOULD I WORK WITHÂ AN INDEPENDENT EDUCATIONAL CONSULTANTÂ IF I ALREADY HAVE A SCHOOL COUNSELOR?
School counselors typically have a caseload of 100-400 students, so, on average, high school students spend about 40 minutes a year discussing college with their school counselors. MGS Educational Consulting provides individualized and personalized counseling for students to help them and their families navigate the entire college process. I meet with students regularly in order to keep them on track and focused on their goals. I spend a great deal of time getting to know my students so that we can, together, arrive at a college list that makes sense for them. This process helps reduce the stress that families can feel during the college application season. Also, as an Associate Member of IECA, Marisa has access to a multitude of resources that can assist with the college process. Read more here.
ARE THERE ANY BOOKS THAT YOU'D RECOMMEND TO GET STARTED?
Yes! The most important book that can help put college admissions in perspective and reduce the stress is Frank Bruni's "Where You Go Is Not Who You'll Be." If you'd rather read a shorter Bruni article about this topic, you'll find it on the Free Resources page or here ("How to Survive the College Admissions Madness").
Another important book to read is Loren Pope's "Colleges that Change Lives." This book will give you an idea of the kinds of colleges that may not be known to many people but that can provide very rich learning experiences, especially for less traditional learners.
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MY CHILD DOES NOT HAVE HIGH GRADES AND TEST SCORES. CAN YOU STILL HELP?
I am happy to work with all kinds of students. I firmly believe that there is a college out there for everyone. I help students find and convey their strengths and talents so that they can gain admission to a college where they will thrive. I am especially excited to explore less traditional routes for kids.
HOW DO YOU IDENTIFY COLLEGES THAT WOULD BE RIGHT FOR MY CHILD?
I take the time to get to know your child. I dig deep to identify their interests, goals, and dreams, and, where appropriate, I will use assessments and surveys to gain this information. I will also dig deep to assess what factors they want in their best-fit college. I visit numerous colleges each year in order to have a real understanding of which colleges would fit best with your child’s interests and needs (and during covid times, I participate in frequent webinars with admissions officers).
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO USE YOUR SERVICES?
A college education is becoming more and more costly every year. College counseling is a small investment in your child's future and will help ensure that they end up at a college where they thrive. Plus, you'll decrease the likelihood of your child needing to transfer and increase the chance that they'll graduate on time.
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Please contact me at (914) 217-9984 for more information on pricing or to set up a free 30 minute consultation. I offer comprehensive packages, but I am also happy to work with students and families on an hourly basis. Payment plans are available for any package.
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WHEN SHOULD WE GET STARTED WORKING WITH YOU?
WHEN SHOULD WE GET STARTED WORKING WITH YOU?
I am happy to begin working with freshmen and sophomores to discuss interests, activities, and class selection. But I can also begin working with students at the beginning or middle of junior year. Planning and preparation are key to a smooth and enjoyable college process. And it can be enjoyable!
HOW DO WE GET STARTED?
Contact MGS Educational Consulting at (914) 217-9984 to schedule a 30 minute free consultation. I look forward to talking with you!