I have the best job on the planet. I used to read hundreds of applications and partake in hours of admission committee. Now I get to work with families on the other side of the process.
I love getting to know students. Every individual presents a unique path to college, and I revel in capitalizing on my experience and connections to minimize stress throughout the process, and even have a little fun.
— Amy
Does my college essay need to stand-out? There are countless myths about what makes for competitive college applications and corresponding essays. I have read hundreds of apps, and revel in using experience to help students create impressive, genuine work. It takes time, though. Your counselors at school will not be able to field numerous drafts and edits, which is why I'm here!
Learn more about how I can help with essays and applications.
Can I get into Stanford? Do I need to take every AP class? I am here to ensure you're in the right classes with the most appropriate activities in order to reach your goals. Speaking of goals, I love getting to know students and creating a cool list of colleges, all of which are exciting. I don't believe in the concept of reach and safety schools, what with thousands of amazing colleges and universities out there.
See what colleges my students have attended.
When do I need to start prepping for the SAT or ACT? Can I get into a school with average scores higher than mine? Student's testing plans should be unique to their goals, predicted scores, schedules, and strengths. I can determine how much each student should prioritize test prep, and which exams should be taken, when.
Contact me today for SAT and ACT test prep assistance and exam planning.
Tuitions are staggering! How can I get a scholarship? Boy, that's a loaded question, and the answer is rife with complexity. Family's financial situations remain a chief concern as I help them navigate the financial aid process. While I don't offer investing or asset management advising, I do utilize my experience in admissions to generate a wise spectrum of schools, yielding affordable options.
Learn more about my background and experience selective admissions.
When should I visit campuses and how? What if I can't make it before I apply? I teach you how to communicate with colleges, and how to map out a feasible visit plan. Students should interview for most of their colleges, but it doesn't need to occur on campus. I can help you connect with local events and interviewing opportunities, and to prepare for that famous interview, which can be intimidating!
Learn more about my interview preparation services and how I can help you interview confidently to achieve your goals.
Go ahead, try to stump me on any of the following subjects. I dare you!
Teenagers are different! From the beginning of high school, you should celebrate what strengths, talents, and passions will inform the college search. Whether headed towards an Ivy League university, or small liberal arts college, no two paths will be the same.
This part is fun. I love helping students articulate their dream school and, from there, generating an awesome list of colleges. Criteria will shift throughout the years leading up to applying, which is why I liken the college search process to shopping.
It is essential to communicate with colleges as early as sophomore year! By junior year, shaking hands, visiting, and interviewing begin. Your "perceived interest" will become a significant factor in the application process.
Applications and deadlines will strike before you know it! Much like leading up to a major school project, I can help you begin early and meet deadlines without the classic stress associated with the application process.
"I wish we hired Amy early, to help during Sophia's sophomore and junior years. Fortunately we found her the summer before her senior year, since we didn't even know where to begin with my college essays. Amy sat down with Sophia and worked on some outlines. After a ton of editing hours that I wasn't there for, Sophia produced the best writing I've ever seen from her, all in her own words!"
Julie, mother of a Sunset High School senior
"I only knew about Stanford, U of O, and the two other colleges everyone from my high school always goes to. I didn't know how to start finding other ones, and it didn't know where I could get in. Amy gave me ideas and told me how to research them to learn more. Now I have a really great list and I would honestly be happy to go to any of them!"
Sarah, Jesuit High School senior
"Expertise? Check. Knowledge? Check. But what stood out for us was Amy's positive energy. Our daughter saw the process in a whole new, positive light, and that is why Amy was WAY beyond helpful! I can't recommend her any more highly!"
Troy, parent of a Sunset High School senior
See for yourself what I've helped my students achieve!
Click here to find out.
Amy VanTassel
VT College Counseling Portland
719.440.5189
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