Recommended time to start
Junior year is when it all comes together. The Junior Year to Senior Year Package ($850) can start any time during junior year.
See the junior packageGet the free junior checklistCollege advising
Every student deserves a seat at the table.
I help juniors and seniors along with their families take the stress out of college applications, with clear timelines and a step-by-step plan that eases everyone into the process.
For students: it's your story. I'll help you tell it.
Start here
Where are you in the process?
Focus on what's due first
We'll prioritize your student's activities list, resume, and essays based on their application deadlines. The Senior Year Package ($1,000) can start in June of senior year or later.
See the senior packageGet the free senior checklistLet's talk first
Send me a note. I'll set up a free 15 to 20 minute call, and you'll know what would help.
Send an inquiryThe roadmap
Your roadmap to decision day
Here's how the work usually unfolds. Choose when your student is starting.
- Junior year
Build the foundation
Build the college list and testing plan, and begin drafting the resume and activities list. We also identify any gaps in volunteering, internships, or job shadowing, so there's time to address them before senior fall.
- Summer of senior year
Start writing
Write the personal statement, the main college essay, with a goal of finishing it by August 1, when applications open. Finalize the college list, and decide whether your student should retake the SAT or ACT this summer or early in senior fall.
- Senior fall
Apply
Supplemental essays, final reviews, and an application calendar for early deadlines, often mid-October through November.
- Senior winter and spring
Finish strong
Regular deadlines, often in January, then decisions arrive and your student chooses a school, usually by May 1.
- Right away
Make a plan
Review every deadline, finalize the college list, and build an application calendar that starts with whatever is due first.
- First few weeks
Build the core pieces
Finish the resume and activities list, and draft the personal statement, the main college essay.
- Senior fall
Apply
Supplemental essays, final reviews, and early deadlines, often mid-October through November. Final essays are due to me 72 hours before each deadline.
- Senior winter and spring
Finish strong
Regular deadlines, often in January, then decisions arrive and your student chooses a school, usually by May 1.
How it works
How we start
Send an inquiry
Tell me a little about your student. I'll reply by email and set up a free 15 to 20 minute call if it helps.
Pick what fits
One service, a few hours, or a package. If you need less than you think, I'll tell you.
Get started
Online, or at a library or coffee shop (if you're in San Antonio or the surrounding area).
Meet Laura
Who you'll work with
- I founded the Stone Oak Chapter of National Charity League (NCL) in 2019. NCL is a nonprofit organization where mothers and daughters in 7th through 12th grades volunteer together and build leadership skills.
- My two daughters applied to college three years apart, so I've been through it twice as a parent.
- Since 2023, I've worked with 4 to 5 students a year.
- I hold NACAC's Professional Certificate in Core Concepts for Independent Educational Consultants.
- I'm a member of the Texas Association for College Admission Counseling (TACAC).
- I've served as a scholarship evaluator for the San Antonio Area Foundation.
- I bring more than 20 years in business administration, including 5 years as an executive healthcare consultant working with senior leaders, so I keep every timeline organized and every deadline on track.
- I'm an alumna of the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SAHCC) Latina Leadership Institute (2020), a six-month program focused on leadership, nonprofit management, and board service.
Services and prices
Clear help, clear prices
Junior Year to Senior Year Package
$850Up to 6 meetings and support for up to 5 college applications. Start any time during junior year. Support continues through senior year.
Paid in two parts: half when your student starts, and half in June, at the beginning of senior year.
See what's includedSenior Year Package
$1,000Up to 6 meetings and support for up to 5 college applications. Start any time in June of senior year or later.
Paid in two parts: half when your student starts, and half 30 days later. Rush add-on: $500 if your student's first application deadline is less than 3 weeks away when we start.
See what's includedResume and Activities Package
$225A one-page resume for admissions, scholarships, summer programs, and recommendation letters, an expanded version if a college prefers it, and an activities list that shows what your student contributed.
College list
$125A balanced list of up to 10 safety, target, and reach schools, with each school's average GPA, SAT scores, and admission deadlines. Then we meet and walk through it together.
Essay coaching
$75 / hourBrainstorming, outlining, and honest feedback on the main essay and short-answer questions. Final essay drafts are due at least 72 hours before each application deadline.
What we do and don't do
We coach. The student writes.
I do
Help students brainstorm, plan, organize, and revise. I give honest feedback, coach, and keep everyone on schedule.
I don't
Offer test tutoring or help with the FAFSA or CSS Profile. I also don't write essays.
No one can
Promise an admission. My job is to help your student turn in an application that's complete, on time, and truly their own.