School Placement

The United States has such a wide breadth of diverse schools that deliver a variety of educational opportunities. While there is not just one school that fits your child, there definitely are choices of programs and environments that will bring out the best from your learner. However, understanding how to approach school choice is daunting for many families. Working with an expert in this field will help you feel comfortable along your journey and guide your child to apply to the schools that best fit.

The Philosophy

After many years in Admissions, Geoff has seen firsthand the importance of fit. Schools have personalities and cultures that are very unique to each institution, and Geoff believes that the most successful students are those that are well matched for their school. Finding your right-fit school is the key to success.

The Approach

Initial Meeting

Both parents and child will engage individually in the initial meeting phase. We will discuss expectations and desired outcomes as well as a history of the child’s academic experiences. Families will discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the student, as well as their likes and dislikes and any extra-curricular interests.

Plan Creation

During this phase, families will work with Geoff to create a plan that matches their child’s abilities and interests.  Together families will develop a balanced list of schools to apply to using personal goals as well as external metrics.

Timeline Development

A calendar of action items designed to guide families in organizing school appointments, attending Open Houses, planning for test prep, signing up for testing, completing applications, applying for Financial Aid and meeting all deadlines.

Interview Preparation

Students will learn to express themselves and how to respond to questioning.  Geoff will guide students in speaking and how to conduct themselves.  Students will have the chance to practice sample questions and have a practice interview.  The goal of this phase is to alleviate the anxiety that this type of experience can bring.

List Refinement

Schools have different feels to them. Each environment is unique and finding the right fit is the key to setting students up for success. Frequently desired outcomes shift as the process unfolds. During this step, Geoff will guide families in synthesizing the information gathered throughout the process to finalize a strategy/plan.  Successful students land at schools that are the best fit for them.

Application Process

Geoff will guide families through the many facets of this process, including student and parent components, student activities and interests as well as applying for Financial Aid.

Final Decisions

Together with you, Geoff will work to explain the school decisions and to discuss options and choices.  He will navigate you through options as well as understand Financial Aid decisions.