Pre-College Counseling for High School Freshman, Sophomores and Juniors
Why Start College Counseling Early?
At Aspire Admissions, we believe that early guidance is the key to unlocking a confident and successful college journey. Starting the college counseling process in 9th or 10th grade allows students to make informed decisions about courses, extracurriculars, and summer opportunities that truly reflect their interests and aspirations. With early support, families gain clarity on what colleges are looking for and can develop a thoughtful, long-term strategy—without the stress of last-minute planning. Early counseling also gives students the space to explore passions, build leadership, and demonstrate genuine growth over time. By starting early, we help students take ownership of their story and set the foundation for a strong, authentic, and competitive college application.
Pre-College Counseling Services
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Introduction to College Admissions
This introductory session provides an overview of what colleges look for and how to build a strong, well-rounded application profile. It sets the foundation for our work together throughout the college preparation process. Students and parents are encouraged to ask questions throughout the seminar.
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College List and College Visitation Prep
This session begins with a 30-minute presentation on how to build a balanced and strategic college list — one that aligns with your values, academic goals, budget, and career aspirations while maintaining a realistic range of selectivity.
Following the presentation, we’ll collaborate to refine your college list. You’ll receive curated recommendations tailored to your profile. Together, we’ll also create a strategy for campus visits, connecting with Admissions Officers, and engaging in college fairs to demonstrate interest early. Doing this proactively helps reduce stress during senior year and strengthens your application. by showing demonstrated interest.
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Course Planning and Selection
We’ll design a four-year course plan that balances rigor with manageability, ensuring your academic choices support both your long-term goals and overall success.
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Resume Workshop and Career Exploration
We’ll work together to build a professional, polished resume and discuss your potential career interests. I’ll share insights on how to align your extracurricular activities with your intended career paths, helping you stand out to colleges and future employers alike.
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Extracurricular Planning
In this session, we’ll strategically plan extracurricular activities that highlight your leadership, interests, and growth over time. You’ll learn what colleges look for beyond academics and how to craft a well-rounded, impactful profile. I’ll also provide tailored suggestions on how to balance different commitments effectively
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Summer Opportunities
We’ll identify and curate a list of summer programs that align with your academic and personal goals. Engaging in rigorous, meaningful summer experiences — especially from sophomore year onward — will strengthen your college applications and demonstrate initiative. As part of this work, I will help polish your applications for Summer Opportunities.
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Writing Workshop
Writing Workshop can be offered to rising juniors. This workshop focuses on advanced writing techniques and the fundamentals of compelling college essays. Participants will gain a strong foundation in personal statement writing and leave with a first draft of their college essay — setting them up for success and easing the senior-year workload.