College Counseling

The college years can be wonderful. They present academic challenges, a new environment, and the first step toward an exciting future. The application process, however, can be frustrating.

At CEC, we know that applying to schools is a difficult, time consuming, and costly experience. Our goal is to help the student reach their goals with as little stress as possible. We want to match the student with schools that will provide the best educational experience for them.

The process works as follows:

• Clarify academic and career goals;

• Advise the student on course selections and extracurricular activities
  to help them reach their potential;

• Locate colleges that meet the student’s academic, artistic, athletic, and social needs;

• Help the family prepare to visit those colleges;

• Construct an application that best represents the student’s strengths and unique qualities;

• Prepare supplementary materials such as portfolios, auditions, and athletic videos;

• Assist the family in understanding the financial aid process;

• Work with the family to decide upon early decision options; and

• Help the family review offers of admission and make matriculation decisions.

Standardized Test Preparation

Strong ACT and SAT scores can provide students with more college choices and financial aid. CEC can help students maximize their potential and prepare for these standardized tests.

College Essay Assistance

A good college essay can help a student gain admission to college. Admission counselors turn to the essay to see whether or not a student can write well, and to learn something about the applicant that they could not discover through other parts of the application. The essay often “brings a student to life” for the admission office.

Unfortunately, too often students are confused about how to write the essay and what topic to choose. CEC can help students select topics that best represent their unique personalities, and ensure that the essay best represents the student’s academic skills.

Summer Program Advising

The summer months present a tremendous opportunity for new experiences and personal growth. It is a wonderful time to develop passions, or expertise, in a particular area. Colleges also consider the summer as part of the college application. Making the most of those months can not only change a student’s life, but also help them gain admission.

With so many options for summer activities, finding the right program can be overwhelming. CEC helps find programs based on the student’s interests and unique qualities. CEC also helps submit applications that best represent the student.

Understanding Financial Aid

With college tuition and housing costs rising as much as 40% in the last five years, it is important to understand the financial aid landscape. Families need to know how much they can expect to pay and where to look for the best financial aid. CEC can help families find appropriate schools for their students based on their specific financial profile.