Navigate the Path to College with Expert Guidance
The college application process can feel overwhelming. From researching schools to crafting compelling essays, managing deadlines, navigating disability services and student support programming, and making final decisions, students and families face countless decisions that shape their future. Everest’s College Application Coaching provides comprehensive, personalized support through every stage of the college search and application journey with an understanding of your student’s individualized needs.
Comprehensive Support for the Entire College Search Process
Our experienced coaches guide students through each critical phase of college preparation, ensuring no detail is overlooked and every opportunity is maximized so your student feels comfortable, prepared and supported when they walk onto campus.
Our Approach
Individualized, Student-Centered Coaching
Every student’s path to college is unique. We tailor our approach to each student’s strengths, challenges, interests, and goals. Our coaches take time to understand what matters most to your student and develop strategies that honor their authentic voice.
Expert Knowledge and Experience
Our coaches bring extensive expertise in college admissions, special education, and adolescent development. All hold advanced degrees and have worked in secondary schools and specialized learning environments, bringing deep knowledge of student development and the college application landscape.
Organizational Systems and Executive Functioning Support
We recognize that many students struggle with the organizational demands of the application process. Our coaching includes explicit support for time management, task initiation, planning, and follow-through—essential skills that benefit students well beyond college applications.
Partnership with Families
While students lead their own application journey, we maintain open communication with families, providing updates, answering questions, and offering guidance on how parents can best support their student during this significant transition.
Understanding of Diverse Learning Needs
Drawing on Dearborn Academy’s 75 years of experience supporting students with learning differences, we understand how ADHD, anxiety, PANS/PANDAS, executive functioning challenges, and other learning profiles impact the application process. We provide accommodations, modifications, and strategies that help every student succeed.
Service Options
Comprehensive Application Coaching
Full-service support from initial college research through final decision-making. Includes regular one-on-one sessions, unlimited email support, application review, essay feedback, and ongoing guidance throughout the entire process.
Targeted Support Packages
Focused assistance in specific areas such as essay writing, college list development, or application completion. Ideal for students who need help with particular aspects of the process.
Hourly Consulting
Flexible, as-needed support for families seeking expert advice on specific questions or decisions.
Virtual Accessibility, Personalized Connection
All College Application Coaching services are available virtually, allowing us to work with students regardless of their location. Our flexible scheduling includes evening and weekend appointments to accommodate busy student schedules. For students in the greater Boston area, in-person meetings can be arranged when beneficial.
Getting Started
The college application process begins earlier than many families realize. We recommend connecting with an Everest coach during the spring of junior year, though we welcome students at any stage of their journey.
Ready to Begin?
Schedule a complimentary consultation to discuss your student’s goals and how Everest can help.
Contact: Karolyn Ormond, ProgramDirector
Email: everest@dearbornacademy.org
Phone: 617-431-6030.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should my student start college application coaching?
Ideally, students benefit most by beginning in the spring of junior year, allowing time for thoughtful college research and strategic planning. However, we work with students at any stage, including seniors who need immediate application support.
Is this service only for Dearborn Academy students?
No. Everest coaching is open to all students, regardless of their current school or background.
Do you work with students with learning differences?
Absolutely. Our coaches have specialized training and extensive experience supporting students with ADHD, executive functioning challenges, anxiety, and other learning profiles. We help students identify colleges with strong support services and navigate disclosure decisions thoughtfully.
Will you write my student's essays?
No. We guide students in developing their own authentic voice and ideas. Our coaching helps students brainstorm, organize their thoughts, and refine their writing, but the final essays are always the student’s own work.
How involved will I be as a parent?
We believe students should lead their application process, but we recognize the valuable role parents play. We maintain regular communication with families, provide updates with student consent, and offer guidance on how caregivers can best support their student.
Do you guarantee admission to specific schools?
No reputable coach can guarantee admission outcomes, as colleges make independent decisions based on many factors. What we do guarantee is expert guidance, strategic support, and skill development that maximizes your student’s opportunities and confidence throughout the process.
Can you help with scholarships?
Yes. We assist students in identifying scholarship opportunities, organizing application materials, and crafting strong scholarship essays. We respect that financial aid decisions are personal family matters, so we focus our support on merit-based scholarships and application strategies rather than family financial planning.
What if my student is applying to specialized programs like art schools or BS/MD programs?
Our coaches have experience with a wide range of specialized applications and can provide targeted support for portfolio development, supplemental requirements, and program-specific expectations.
What We Cover
College Research and Exploration
– Identifying schools that align with academic interests, learning styles, and personal goals
– Understanding college profiles, programs, and campus cultures
– Evaluating fit based on size, location, support services, and special programs
– Creating a balanced college list with reach, target, and safety schools
Strategic Planning and Timeline Management
– Developing a customized application timeline with key milestones
– Tracking deadlines for applications, essays, financial aid, and supporting materials
– Planning campus visits and interviews strategically
– Managing Early Decision, Early Action, and Regular Decision strategies
Application Development
– Completing the Common Application, Coalition Application, and school-specific portals
– Organizing transcripts, test scores, and recommendation letters
– Presenting extracurricular activities, honors, and achievements effectively
– Ensuring accuracy and completeness across all application components
Essay Coaching and Personal Statements
– Brainstorming authentic, compelling essay topics
– Developing personal narratives that showcase character and growth
– Refining writing through multiple drafts and constructive feedback
– Tailoring supplemental essays to demonstrate genuine interest in each school
Testing Strategy and Preparation
– Determining optimal testing timelines (SAT, ACT, SAT Subject Tests)
– Understanding test-optional policies and making informed decisions
– Coordinating test preparation resources and scheduling
– Interpreting scores and determining when to retest
Scholarship Application Support
– Identifying merit-based scholarship opportunities
– Researching external scholarships aligned with student interests and achievements
– Organizing scholarship deadlines and application requirements
– Crafting compelling scholarship essays and application materials
Interview Preparation
– Practicing common interview questions and developing authentic responses
– Building confidence in articulating goals and interests
– Preparing thoughtful questions to ask admissions representatives
– Understanding virtual and in-person interview formats
Decision-Making Support
– Evaluating acceptance offers holistically
– Comparing academic programs, financial aid packages, and campus resources
– Navigating waitlist decisions and next steps
– Making confident, informed final college choices