College Admissions
Support
There’s a lot that happens along the way to finding the perfect college! My goal is to help students and their parents navigate this exciting journey, one step at a time, in order to find the right fit for the student.
Here are the Areas that I address:
Transcript Evaluation
Planning enrichment activities/ summer programs
Strategizing letters of recommendation
Exploring global disciplines
Researching programs and professors
Choosing schools
High school course preparation
Test preparation (Only if applicable.)
Writing personal statements and college essays
Organizing early decision and early action requirements
Filling out applications
Going on college trips
Fielding responses from schools
Weighing options where to accept
Helping senior year be a fun time!
Organizing transition from high school to college housing
Making sure students are confident and informed about the important decisions they are going to make
I collaborate with students and parents through both in-person and virtual meetings.
Frequently Asked Questions
First of all, you have to study for whatever test you are going to take. It’s not usually a good idea to go and take a test if you have not studied first, for many reasons. It’s important that you understand the nature of the questions and the various strategies that work on different types of questions. Always remember that there may be 25 ways to solve a problem, but you want to find the fastest route to the answer for YOUR BRAIN. Solving a problem one way might be faster for another test taker, but not for you.
If you need some help navigating the world of standardized tests, feel free to reach out and schedule a meeting with me.
There’s no one answer to this question. My best advice is to consider as many factors as possible, to include but not limited to: class size, campus, programs of study, community, events, preferences of faith, teaching styles, study-abroad opportunities, student learning resources, lifestyle, location, weather, living arrangements… you get the idea. Also, you might want to plan a trip to visit a school before you respond to offers of admission. Because no matter how much you read about a school online, experiencing it in person can really help you grasp the real-life environment.
Let me know if you need help examining the schools and programs that are right for you!
You can call or email me directly or complete the contact form and I will get in touch with you as soon as possible.
PHONE: (760)704-9226
This phrase refers directly to my approach in helping people identify the appropriate academic path for them. For example, when evaluating a prospective school or degree program, I examine factors that go beyond indicators such as a student’s GPA or test scores. I help students find the right fit for them by examining their situations holistically, to include factors such as preferred learning styles, life experiences, personality, past learning histories, personal interests, hobbies, learning differences, favorite subjects, professional intentions, and identity, just to name a few.
If this approach resonates with you, feel free to reach out and contact me to start working on your academic goals.
You can find a comprehensive list of schools my students have been accepted to here.
Let me know if you need some help assembling a list of prospective schools and programs!
Of course you want to ask teachers who like you, but what if all your teachers like you? The answer is this: it could be beneficial to have letters of rec from teachers who have taught you curriculum that aligns with your chosen areas of study. For example, if you are applying to a STEM program, you might want to start by asking your STEM teachers for letters of rec. If you are applying to a visual arts program, you might want to start by asking any of your art teachers.
Let me know if you need some help strategizing your letters of rec!
Keep in mind, the average GPA’s and test scores at a college or university are just that: the average. That means there are plenty of people whose GPA’s and test scores are both lower and higher than the average. You still might want to apply, but making sure to apply to various schools and programs is critical. You never know which school is going to offer you admission, so it’s best not to focus all your expectations on just one or two schools. If you need help putting together your list of prospective schools and programs, let me know!
There is no right or wrong topic when it comes to a college essay. Of course, 1) You need to make sure you actually answer the prompt— if there is one. 2) you need to make sure whatever you write about showcases your skills, academic plans, personality, priorities, professional intentions, or whatever you want to share!
If you’re feeling lost or simply don’t know where to start, I’m more than happy to help you with this!
First, we need to evaluate what kinds of skills you want to learn that will align with your chosen directions of study. Then we can take it from there! Let me know if you need some help with this process!
You can take either one, no matter where you want to apply to college. These tests can be taken (and are accepted) in the United States, Canada, México, Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, and Australia. It is important to understand that the ACT and SAT tests are different, and it is possible that you might naturally be better at one or the other. Need help figuring out whether you are better suited to the ACT or SAT? Contact me, and I can help explain the differences between the two tests and provide insight as to which might be best for you.
Of course, you can! Keep in mind, the idea is to be well-rounded in order to deepen your understanding of the directions you want to take your studies. If you’re spending all your time taking every single AP class that your school offers, you might not have time to focus on anything else! It’s important to pursue things that actually interest you, such as part-time jobs, internships, extracurricular activities, sports, volunteer opportunities, travel, whatever you want! Also, it’s important for you to know that there are plenty of high schools out there that don’t even have AP courses. AP courses alone will not define your ability to gain admission to the colleges of your dreams.
If you need some help choosing your high school or undergraduate coursework, or maybe you want to find some activities or internships that speak to your interests, just reach out, and I’ll be happy to help you.
Absolutely, yes! The reality is, there is a college or university program out there for everybody. There are even colleges and universities that admit students who did not graduate from high school and have alternate education credentials, such as a GED or community college coursework. If you need some help finding colleges and degree programs that might be right for you, feel free to contact me.
You can call or email me directly or complete the contact form and I will get in touch with you as soon as possible.
PHONE: (760)704-9226 | EMAIL: carolyn@HolisticAcademicDevelopment.com
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NYU (Tisch)
“We are grateful to have had Carolyn work with our daughter. She was excellent every step of the way. Having her in the process made life a lot easier for my wife and I. I feel very comfortable recommending her. She is a professional.”
— Tim, Parent
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American University & Kyushu University
“Carolyn Egan has the innate ability to inspire students to discover their talents, skills, values, and interests in order to develop a cohesive action plan to prepare for university or graduate school. She helped my high school senior and college senior clarify their objectives, discover universities that matched their interests, and prepare for college entrance exams. Both my children are now successfully in undergrad and grad school programs. Carolyn sparks students' imaginations and passion for learning. She is an advocate for students who has a distinct talent for motivating students to achieve their greatest potential. I highly recommend Carolyn Egan’s Holistic Academic Development!” — Melissa, Parent
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The New School
“Carolyn could not have been more helpful, knowledgeable and supportive during the college application process. Not only did Carolyn help our daughter with improving her ACT score, she got to know our daughter on a personal level and then suggested the best suited colleges for her to apply to. She helped every step of the way through essays and the common app and keeping up with deadlines. Carolyn has such a depth or knowledge around the college admissions process and she counseled not only our daughter, but us too, on the best fit for my daughter. We highly recommend Carolyn for any of your college admissions needs! She is personable, passionate about what she does and also cares deeply for each student she works with! Thank you, Carolyn!!”
— Heidi, Parent
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Pepperdine University
“Over the years, we’ve asked Carolyn to help each of our 3 children, in turn, starting in high school through SATs, college applications, selection, enrollment and curriculum. Initially, she started helping our kids with classes and homework they found difficult in high school. She helped them navigate stressful final exams and the college application and selection process. Carolyn is vastly more than a tutor. She became a trusted advisor to each of our children, gaining their respect and admiration. This enabled her to have a positive and crucial impact on our children when they were making significant life decisions. Our eldest daughter got into the university of her choice and was able to study abroad. She has built a life for herself in Europe and is experiencing a world she never thought was possible. Our middle son was able to choose from 8 universities. And our youngest is about to enter Pepperdine this fall. None of this would have been possible without Carolyn.”
— Andrew, Parent -
Fordham University
“Carolyn exceeded our expectations! She worked with my daughter for ACT test preparation and college applications. Not only did she boost my daughter’s confidence, but helped her find her strengths and interests as well as define them in the essays. Her expertise was invaluable for selecting a range of schools to apply to and helping my somewhat indecisive daughter narrow down her values and select THE perfect university! We are forever grateful to Carolyn. She really bonded with our daughter and has a lovely personal touch! Highly recommend her without reservation!” — Jennifer, Parent
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University of California Santa Cruz
“When I was in high school a family friend recommended Carolyn for ACT test preparation, so I scheduled an appointment to see how she could help. Now, four years later, I still use Carolyn’s support and consulting services. She helped me with so many more things than just improving my score. From homework, applications, essays, and problem solving, to general life questions or personal doubts, Carolyn was able to assist me. The breadth of her knowledge is immense and comprehensive. She is excellent at explaining difficult concepts, and her teaching style is one that inspires confidence in her students. No matter how difficult my day had been prior, I always left our sessions with a smile on my face, feeling much better about what was to come.” – Kelly, Student
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Fordham University
“I am always amazed by Carolyn’s ability to know things. For every question I could ask she had an educational and broadening answer and I would always learn more from her than I expected to. Carolyn taught me so many things like economic measurements, organizational strategies, global awareness, researching tips, and essay writing skills that impacted my English essay scores incredibly. Carolyn guided me through the ACT and college applications masterfully, but she also taught me about the world, people, and myself. What I learned from her helped me come to this understanding of who I was, where I stood, and what my next steps in life will be. Without her wisdom I would not have been able to see what I need to do now in order to achieve what I want to in the future.” — Hannah, Student
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University of Waterloo
“I worked with Carolyn during the pandemic. She helped me with ACT practice as well as college admissions. She kept me at a great study pace for the months leading up to the ACT exam and helped me achieve the score I wanted.
Throughout my senior year, Carolyn walked me through my whole college admissions process. She was very knowledgeable about the process. She had answers to all of my niche and specific questions. I definitely appreciated her holistic approach of tailoring her services to the needs of the specific student. I would highly recommend her services to any high school upperclassmen.”
– Matthew, Student
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Pepperdine University
“The kind of help I needed was picking out schools that were the best fit for me and writing essays and having an application that helped me get into those schools. Carolyn helped me by sitting with me and talking to me about dozens and dozens of schools— talking about all their pros and cons, seeing where I fit best out of all them. Carolyn also helped me out so much with the stress of college applications, updating me with all kinds of news and deadlines and always free to be on a call just to talk about the applications. She also carefully looked over my applications and essays to make sure that they weren’t missing anything. I feel really amazing about the school I’m attending this fall. I feel it’s the perfect fit for me and it reflects my time and hard work I put into high school. Carolyn was actually the one to introduce me to Pepperdine, and she did an amazing job telling me about it. Couldn’t be happier with all the help she gave!” – Dylan, Student
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Boise State University
“I am writing this letter to highly recommend Carol for her exceptional college admissions support services. I had the privilege of hiring Carol to assist my son during his college application process, & I cannot emphasize enough how outstanding her guidance & expertise were.
From the very beginning, Carol swiftly established a trusting & positive relationship with my son, creating an environment where he felt comfortable opening up & exploring his interests. I was pleasantly surprised by Carol's ability to uncover aspects of my son's passions that even I, as a parent, had been unaware of. This allowed my son to delve deeper into his areas of interest & discover new avenues for personal & academic growth.
What sets Carol apart is not only her extensive knowledge of the admissions process, which is to be expected, but also her keen insight into the evolving trends of the job market. She went above & beyond by thoroughly discussing various majors with my son, providing invaluable insights into their marketability & the current job market landscape. This thoughtful guidance allowed my son to make a more informed decision when selecting his major, ensuring that he considered both his passions & the practicality of his choice.
Under Carol's guidance & support, my son's college applications were exceptionally strong, and his personal essay truly stood out. As a result, he received acceptance letters from six out of the seven colleges he applied to—a remarkable accomplishment that can be attributed, in large part, to Carol's expertise & dedication.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend Carol for any individual seeking college admissions support. Her passion for helping students, coupled with her extensive knowledge & exceptional insights, make her an invaluable asset in the college application journey. Personally, I wish I had met Carol even earlier, as her contributions were instrumental in shaping my son's successful application process.
Should you require any further information or have specific inquiries regarding Carol's qualifications, please do not hesitate to contact me. I am more than happy to provide additional details.”
— Cass, Parent