Question 1

What is your approach to college counseling?

Accepted Answer

The college process is a fantastic educational endeavor that is outwardly and inwardly directed. As students gather information about campus cultures, academic and extracurricular offerings, student populations, and geographic settings, they simultaneously discover things about themselves: what they value, the kind of community they wish to join, what career they may aspire to have, the kind of person they wish to be, and how they want to improve the world. College counseling is decidedly not about helping students shape or mold themselves into whatever colleges are looking for. Though wanting to be wanted is natural and understandable, such an approach can become an unhealthy pursuit, as admission to any college cannot be guaranteed. Also, such institutional priorities are inherently unknowable. Therefore, my work with students has always been about helping them discover who they are and what they want, out of college and out of life. From this perspective, the college search becomes about helping students find the colleges that provide the environment and programming that will enable them to thrive and flourish.

Question 2

How do you respond to a student who is unmotivated, procrastinates, or is highly stressed by the process?

Accepted Answer

Each student will respond to the fear and anxiety that the college process can elicit differently. Some will retreat and disengage, while others will dive in and want to meet frequently. And many students must watch their friends in the grade above go to prom and be celebrated at graduation before they are ready to commit to their college process. These reactions are completely natural and normal; none is a sign that something is wrong. However, what distinguishes applying to college from high school assignments is that students cannot ask for an extension; application deadlines are firm and inflexible. So, staying on top of things is paramount.Regardless of how a student responds to the pressures of the college process, they (and you, as their parent or guardian) will receive clear and timely communications that identify the focus at each stage of the process and what must be done by when.If you decide to hire me, the questionnaires you and your student will be asked to complete will help me learn about and understand your family, and, most critically, your student. When students see that I am interested in who they are and what they do, they become motivated to do the work asked of them. For this reason, I always make sure to ask about a game, play, concert or other activity that students participate in. Moreover, by establishing an atmosphere in which students feel comfortable making mistakes—a critical condition for learning—they will see that with dedicated effort, they can produce an application that tells their story to the colleges in the best way possible.I value advising and mentoring students and learning about who they are as individuals.

Question 3

How do you work with student-athletes and visual or performing artists?

Accepted Answer

I encourage students with special interests and talents to consider the academic, cultural, and community aspects of college apart from playing their sport or developing their artistic talent. I leave preparing them to be recruited, audition, or submit a portfolio to their coaches, instructors, and teachers who know their capabilities best. When the colleges a student likes most also offer opportunities to play their sport, perform, or create, it’s the best possible outcome.

Question 4

Are you comfortable working with neurodiverse students who may have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan?

Accepted Answer

Certainly. As a student-centered counselor, I identify what each student needs to reach their goals, including adjusting how I explain each step of the college application process and breaking down tasks in ways that support their success.

Question 5

What is expected of the student, and of parents or guardians?

Accepted Answer

The most important thing is keeping an open mind. As Peloton instructor Dennis Morton puts it, “I make suggestions; you make decisions.”Students are asked to commit to completing all assigned tasks on time and with focus.Parents are asked to remember that this is their student’s process, and to respect their priorities and the colleges that resonate with them and that they are excited about. Therefore, the parent or guardian’s primary role is to be a nurturing supporter and cheerleader: Listen with understanding and care when things seem overwhelming, so your student can get back on track. And remember to celebrate the milestones and achievements along the way.

Question 6

What do you charge for your services?

Accepted Answer

Applying to college is akin to taking another high school class. And just as each student and their family is different, so too will be the amount of assistance they require. Therefore, I offer inclusive packages and individual counseling sessions, which are listed on the Plans & Packages page. Students needing full support may require up to 30 hours of support and meetings to complete their applications, and the packages are priced accordingly. My prices are competitive for the Westchester County, NY market, and will be disclosed when you determine your student’s needs. If cost is a prohibitive factor, I am confident we can find a solution that works with your family’s budget.

Question 7

What is your policy on scheduling, cancellations, or evening/weekend meetings?

Accepted Answer

You can book meetings from 36 hours up to 60 days in advance. Please cancel or reschedule at least 24 hours before your meeting. For hourly packs, sessions canceled with less than 24 hours’ notice will be forfeited.Since high school students are busy during the day and often have activities after school, I am available for meetings most evenings and weekends.

Question 8

How do you communicate with parents and guardians compared to students?

Accepted Answer

I usually email parents/guardians and students. If an issue arises, like a student falling behind on assignments or missing meetings, I call the parents. Everyone will receive access to special website content through the Client Portal.

Question 9

Are there any services you do not provide?

Accepted Answer

Yes, as noted on the Recommended Timeline, I do not directly offer or specialize in standardized test tutoring, athletic recruitment consulting, financial aid advising, FAFSA and CSS Profile filing, or gap year consulting. However, I am happy to recommend experienced specialists in my professional network for those needs.

Question 10

What is the story behind your logo?

Accepted Answer

I have been a fan of orthographic projections, which show 3D objects on 2D planes, since I took Technical Drawing in high school. I knew I wanted the “M” and “A” of “Meyers Advising” to form the front two faces of an isometric cube. To make the logo more interesting, I decided to have the letters look three-dimensional and interlock. If you look closely, the “A” sticks out slightly from the right side of the “M,” suggesting my advice is the key that unlocks your student’s matriculation.

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