High School Students and Families
Grades 9-12
It’s never too early to start planning for college. Destination College provides comprehensive college planning and counseling for students and parents.
Our goal is to get you to – and through – your student’s dream college without adding significant student loan debt.
Applying to college doesn’t have to be overwhelming and expensive. We are your expert guide offering consultation services to prioritize the student’s goals and customize their college search, desired major, and budget.
Lora Georgieva and her team at Destination College focus their efforts during this time on helping high school students discover their unique talents. This allows students to:
- Identify their desired college major
- Match with the most suitable colleges
- Receive assistance in drafting an appealing admission essay
- Find the financial resources to pay for their dream college through grants and scholarships
- Negotiate the cost of college (YES! You can negotiate!)
We have helped students and families save an average of $120,000 with our proven funding opportunities and solutions to minimize their college costs. Our clients have won over $18+ million in scholarships.
Our College Planning Solutions:
- Consultation with a College Planner
- Creating Admission and Financial Aid Timeline
- Major Assessment Test (determine your career choice)
- Assistance With Recommending Activities to Boost Your College Applications
- Resume Writing Assistance
- Admission and Supplemental Essay Writing Assistance
- College Application Filing
- College Financial Plan, Using Income and Asset Shifting Strategies to Increase Your Financial and Merit Aid and Lower Out-of-Pocket Expenses
- Scholarship Research and Scholarship Essay Assistance
- Review of EFC Calculation (Expected Family Contribution)
- FAFSA and CSS Profile Filing
- Financial Aid Results Review
- Financial Aid Appeal
- Negotiating The Cost of College
- Financial Aid/Admission Appeals
- Student Loan Assistance for New Borrowers
- Student Loan Consolidation for Existing Borrowers
- RA (Resident Assistant) Application Assistance
- Residency Qualification
Download our free College Planning Timeline List to stay on track with your student’s progress. Provide your email address and we’ll send you a free copy.
What Others Don’t Tell You About College Planning – Planning List
Grade 9
Begin thinking about careers that interest you. Join clubs, seek leadership positions within them, and volunteer in your community. Build skills and show passion and determination in the career field you desire. You can plan one or two college visits in the spring. Start studying and practicing for the ACT and SAT tests.
Grade 10
Attend college fairs and continue to be active in clubs and volunteering. Plan one or two college visits in the spring while they are in session. Continue studying and practicing for the ACT and SAT tests. You will need to take the ACT/SAT test at least three times by the end of your junior (grade 11) year. Over the summer, consider career camps, leadership roles, and volunteer opportunities. Be sure to track these activities.
Grade 11
Students should maintain a strong GPA and challenge themselves with Honors and AP classes. This is the most important year of high school in relation to college preparations. Connect with teachers and share college goals with them. All volunteer and club activities should continue with leadership roles where possible.
By April, create a list of 8-15 colleges that meet the criteria for a desired major, location, cost, size, and other important factors. In May, create a separate email for college applications and financial aid information.
If you have elected to work with us at Destination College, we will be assisting and guiding you with your activities worksheet, a resume, and brainstorming college essay content.
Grade 12
In the beginning of August, students can begin submitting college applications and test scores to their college choices. It’s recommended that students apply for Early Action/Early Decision to increase their admission and scholarship opportunities.
By November 1st, students should be done with submitting most of their college applications. It’s recommended that students submit their FAFSA and the CSS Profile form early in October as financial aid is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
If students are applying for Regular Decision, they should submit their remaining applications by mid-January. Don’t forget to submit local and institutional scholarship applications. If needed, students may retake the ACT/SAT for additional scholarship consideration.
In December, some financial aid and early decision admission emails may start to arrive. Continue to submit scholarship applications and research additional opportunities for submissions through March (as needed).
By March, students will receive their admittance and award letters. If you are working with us, we can help you negotiate the cost of attendance during the last two weeks of April. Commit to the university of your choice by April and submit your admission and dorm deposits.
As high school graduation is completed, students may want to consider taking CLEP or community college classes (if accepted by your university) to reduce tuition costs. If needed, apply for student and parent loans. We can help you find the best loan rate and minimize your payments.
Overwhelmed? Let Our College Advisory Team Help You!
We know there are a lot of steps, decisions, and plans to make and change on this journey. The process can be overwhelming and expensive. Our clients find that our services take away their stress and reduce the anxiety that both parents and students may be feeling. Read some of our client stories here.
If your student isn’t sure what major they want to pursue or where they want to go to college, or you don’t know how you will afford college (tuition, books, living expenses, transportation, computer, etc.), we can help.
We’ve helped hundreds of worried parents successfully navigate this college journey. You deserve to be excited about the future happiness and financial security your child’s college path will take them on.
Schedule your FREE “Everything you need to know about College” consultation today and we will put your mind at ease.
Things To Know When Preparing For College:
- 43% of college admission decisions are based on GPA
- Most important courses – Math, English, Science, History, Foreign Language
- ACT/SAT test scores –take the ACT/SAT exams at least 3 times
- Personal statements and essays – share your unique story
- Extracurricular activities – build leadership positions, volunteering, and internships
- Recommendations – request letters from teachers, leaders, coaches, etc.
