How much? 

Whereas high-end consultants in New York City charge as much as $1,000 an hour with 25-hour minimums, here in Los Angeles I am able to offer competitive services at a concierge level for a more fair rate with ten hours as my minimum package level offered. Rates are shared after establishing mutual interest in working together. Students whose families struggle financially and qualify for free/reduced lunch may apply for pro bono digital-only support through the contact form of this website. Students who want services may also apply to work with my Valley Prep Tutoring staff, trained by me, on college consulting and academic support at an even more affordable rate.

Ian’t that expensive?

College is expensive, but getting in the right way doesn’t have to be. My clients frequently gain admission to the most selective colleges and universities in the US. The average acceptance rate is nine acceptance letters for every 11 applications they submit. The rate, while non-negotiable, typically results in merit-based financial aid from institutions. Parents often report saving three times as much as they spend. 

When should I start?

You should start immediately. The methods I utilize begin as early as 7th grade, and build from there. I accept clients through 12th grade, but there are diminished returns the longer you wait. The number one mistake parents make is waiting until 11th grade to call me. 

My student is already 15, 16, 17, or 18—am I too late to start?

No. I’m happy to connect, but let’s manage your expectations. Post 10th grade, many of the strategic positioning opportunities I recommend have elapsed—these include proper course selection with adequate rigor for your student’s objectives, and correct investment of time in the right-fit activities (clubs, jobs, internships, sports, and other extra-curriculars). I do all I can with older students, but my ideal client starts in 7th, 8th, or 9th grade.

How many students do you accept per year?

I limit my mentee list to forty students total, and prefer to balance that between grade levels. For this reason, juniors and seniors seeking services go through a more rigorous interview process to determine mutual fit.

How often do you meet with each mentee?

• 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, and 11th grades: five two-hour sessions per year. Typically this is twice in the first semester (September + November, for example) and three times in the spring semester (January + March + May, for example). 
• 12th grade: varies based on student, but between Common App and others (UC App, Apply Texas, Coalition App, etc.) it is not uncommon for students to request twenty hours or more, most of which is invested in careful crafting of their personal statement, insight questions, and dozens of supplemental prompts. The value of this essays coaching cannot be overstated, as it truly ties the application together in a way that makes all the difference.  I specialize in helping them understand how to weave the narrative thread as they promote their candidacy effectively.  

How involved are the parents in your process?

While I’m primarily hired as mentor for the student, I honor the important role of the parents who hire me. The first intake session always begins with a meeting where we all align perspectives regarding the student’s future direction. I offer insights to help parents and students explore how to achieve their specific goals. After this, most sessions are with the student only. 

What’s the process to get started?

I offer a complimentary 30-minute exploration session for families who have viewed this page and want to proceed with potentially applying to work with me. To do so, CLICK HERE.