Ways to Work with Us

Starting in 11th Grade

Junior Jumpstart

For families who just need help getting started with the admissions and application process, we offer three meetings (90 minutes; 60 minutes; 60 minutes) between January 1 and July 1 of 11th grade designed to develop the college list and give families information and resources to manage the process on their own from the summer after 11th grade on.

Topics of discussion can include: 

  • Evaluation of academic and non-academic records

  • Guidance about standardized testing, high school course selection, letters of recommendation choices, extracurricular and summer activities, and demonstrated interest

  • Development and refinement of an appropriate college list

  • Development of an appropriate admissions strategy 

  • Guidance on how to fill out the Common Application and the role of essays in the admissions process

Students will receive access to Vinik Hosid Group tools and resources, in addition to Custom College Plan, an online platform that allows them to research schools, maintain college lists, and track the many pieces of their applications. Students will retain access to Custom College Plan through the end of the school year – beyond the Junior Jumpstart engagement period.

College List

For families of 11th or 12th graders who would like a one-time consultation, the 90-minute College List session provides a preliminary list of colleges and general orientation to admissions strategy and timeline. Additional discussion topics can include, when relevant, 12th grade course selections, extracurricular and summer activities planning, standardized testing, letters of recommendation, campus visits, and demonstrated interest.

  • Before the session, families will complete background questionnaires and provide a copy of a high school transcript.

  • We will follow up with meeting notes and a tailored list of colleges across a range of selectivity levels based on the student’s profile and priorities.

  • While the college list is fluid and will change as the student researches and visits colleges and earns new grades and test scores, this session will provide a solid foundation for a successful college search.

Hourly Consulting*

For families who can manage the admissions and application process on their own but would benefit from the expertise of a professional consultant along the way, we offer blocks of 10 or 20 hours of assistance that can be used for any college counseling services at the family’s initiation.

Our services can include support in the following areas: 

  • Evaluation of academic and non-academic records

  • Development and refinement over time of an appropriate college list

  • Development of an appropriate admissions strategy 

  • Guidance about standardized testing, high school course selection, letters of recommendation choices, extracurricular and summer activities, and demonstrated interest

  • Preparation for campus visits and admissions interviews

  • Assistance with the completion of applications and essays

  • Assistance with the final selection of college

Students will have access to Custom College Plan, an online platform that allows them to research schools, maintain college lists, and track the many pieces of their applications.

*Subject to Availability

What Our Clients Say

  • "Honestly - this year was so insane and you truly helped to make our collective experience bearable! More importantly - I felt like you were exactly what I wanted - an advocate for [our son] to help make the journey his despite any noise from his dad and I. Thank you!"

  • "I'm heading off to [college] today! I wanted to thank you for all your guidance throughout the college process. You were so helpful in navigating essays, applications, and beyond, but you never sacrificed what I wanted. I am so excited for the future, and I definitely would not be here without you."

  • "Thank you so much for all that you have done for our family. As we prepare for the big move to [college], we wanted to stop and reflect as to how we got here. Your wise thought and counsel were key, for which we will always be grateful."

  • "I really want to thank you for everything you've done for me these past two years. You guided me along this long process and I thrived because of you. And without you, I never even would have heard of [college]. Your influence and help when it came to the college process was great and extremely appreciated, and I'll always be grateful for you."

  • "Now that May 1 is behind us, we just wanted to send you a huge THANK YOU for all the help and support for [our daughter] and for us on this journey. You were so kind and patient and generous with your time every step of the way. We're thrilled for her that she found a place she is excited about and that checks all the boxes."

Get Started!

We can’t wait to help you find the right college for you!