Initial Consultation

We always start with an Initial Consultation in person or over Zoom.  This meeting with the student and parents typically lasts about 60 minutes and is at no cost. 

We will provide you with a process overview of the college landscape and introduce our methodology for working with students to find and gain acceptance to schools that are a good academic, social, and financial fit. 

For this meeting you should bring:

• List of schools in which the student is interested

• List of schools in which the parents are interested

• Current transcript and course selections

• Student’s résumé or “brag sheet”

• History of summer activities or plans for future summer activities

• Standardized test scores (SAT, ACT, AP, PSAT, PreACT, or ISEE…)

The mutual goal of the Initial Consultation is to determine if Claritas is right to provide services.  If both parties agree to proceed, we will sign the Private Counseling Agreement (available after the Initial Consultation). 

College Recommendations List Package

Building an appropriate and balanced list is at the heart of our package because it makes the entire process more efficient and leads to success and satisfaction. Our entire team of counselors will work together to prepare the following: 

• A list of 10 to 15 great-fit colleges and universities

• Updates to keep student and family on track

• Plan for standardized testing

• Recommend high school courses and summer activities

• Résumé template to build on

• Guidance on obtaining Letters of Recommendation

• Essay Writing Workshop including essay topic brainstorming (virtual or in-person)

• Review of Personal Statement

• Review of Common Application prior to submission

• Access to Custom College Plan, our college research and list-building software package

The cost for the College Recommendations List Package is $8000 for calendar year 2024.  For any additional hourly work, each counselor bills at $300 per hour and there is no overlap in billing without the client’s permission.