College Coaching
A coach can make a major difference in navigating through college. Let me be your coach in whatever way works for you. There are many variables to a successful college experienceI have mentored and coached hundreds of students and would welcome the opportunity to coach you!
I suggest a 90 minute coaching session to adequately address the many topics surrounding the college process.
Have a group of friends interested in learning about a particular area? I'll provide a 90 minute workshop tailored for the group's needs. Please keep the group to five students/families in order to allow adequate discussion for all participants.
Suggested Coaching Topics -
Wouldn't it be beneficial to know your strengths? It seems much time is spent in what you need to fix, but what about those natural talents? We all have them! Take a Gallup CliftonStrengths® assessment with me and develop your strengths while mitigating your weaknesses. Understanding your strengths as you enter college can play a significant role for academics, career, and beyond. I have utilized this assessment with many college students to assist with college choice, major, and navigation through college.
College Fit
College fit has a number of factors such as academic programs, student population, college town, tuition cost, selection rate, and more. How can you find the best college to fit what you are looking for? Which of these criteria are the most critical to your decision? This all depends on you.
Public Schools — These schools are typically larger and the population size varies. Popular majors may have larger class sizes. How do you determine the right size for you? How do you make the college ‘smaller’, while enjoying the diversity of experiences?
Private Schools — These colleges are often smaller and have higher tuition. They also have more scholarship funding. Is this a good fit for you, and your family finances? Perhaps.
Community Colleges — Are you wanting a two year associate's degree? Or looking to save money on entry level courses. These colleges can save you money, as you can take basic courses that will transfer to most universities. Beware, staying for two years may not be in your best interest. Determine if this is a good route, and if so, how to make sure courses apply to your four year degree upon transferring.
Transferring Colleges —Thinking about transferring to another school? Let me share with you what to expect, and assist you with the process.
Western Undergraduate Exchange — WUE is a tuition exchange program in the Western states that includes CO, WY, SD, ND, AZ, CA, WA, ID, OR, MT where schools can elect to participate fully, or for particular programs. This may allow you to attend for less than nonresident tuition and make an out of state university education possible.
College Application
What is the difference between early decision, early admission, regular admission, and rolling admissions? What is the Common Application? Which test is better, ACT or SAT? What is a Super Score on standardized tests? What should I write on my essay? How is my application reviewed? Each school has their own process, but there are some common themes. I can tailor the application process to your needs and help make a daunting task less overwhelming.
FINANCES/SCHOLARSHIPS
Financial Aid — What is the difference between a subsidized, unsubsidized, or parent loan? Should I get a loan from my bank or from my school? What does the EFC on my FAFSA form mean? Can I explain unusual financial circumstances to colleges? What is a supplemental financial aid form? Understanding your family financial situation and individual college options is a final critical assessment as it may determine where you can attend. Don't make finances a reason for leaving college or for massive debt upon graduation.
Calculating College Costs — What is involved in college costs? Does tuition change every year? Do some degrees cost more at a college? How much are fees? What about a travel budget? How do I create a daily, weekly or semester budget? How much is room and board each year?
Scholarships —Are you a good candidate for scholarships, and what type? I can share the scholarship process, differences between regional and national scholarships, and how to locate scholarships for a particular college. I can help with determining what each scholarship is looking for, what essay will be best for the scholarship your applying for, what references will look best, and more. Scholarship deadlines are earlier than you may expect.
National Scholarships — Interested in a Fulbright, Boren, Truman, Goldwater, or other competitive scholarships? You must begin preparing for these your freshman year. Let me share the strategies for success. Not sure what these are? Research online, or ask me!
COLLEGE PREPARATION
First Year Success — Talk to college students and they'll tell you a list of things they wished someone had told them. Once you are set on a college let's talk about how to transition into college, allow time for academics and professional development, while enjoying a fun social life.
Selecting a Major — Selecting a major is a critical step to college graduation, but not as critical as determining patterns and themes of what brings you joy for longer term sustainability. About 60% of students change or adjust degrees/majors in the first three semesters of college, so understanding this before you begin college (and having an academic graduation plan in place) can help you if/when this occurs. Let me guide you through how to explore this during college while still staying on track to graduate on time.
College Graduation Plans — Every student should begin college with both an academic and personal development graduation plan of some type, whether you are the student who knows exactly what degree you want, or you are not sure. Plans will change throughout your time in college but having a basic plan of action will allow you to be fluid no matter the direction you go as you learn more about yourself in college. I can work with you to develop a plan that will work for you.
Progressive Opportunities Through College — Your journey through college requires some diligent planning in order to be ready for your next steps of venturing out into the workplace or graduate school. I can provide guidance on areas of emphasis throughout your college years to be prepared to move forward with confidence upon graduation.
Pre-Health Fields — Any of the advanced medical degrees are quite competitive. Adequate high school preparation is helpful, but you can still be successful when you understand the academic process. Success is a combination of drive, academics, and a combination of other opportunities. Let me help assess where you fall and how to make sure the first year provides a successful backdrop for preparation to graduate school in the health fields.
Military - Questions about ROTC or military academies? Let my husband, a retired colonel and military academy selection board member for a Colorado Senator assist you.
POTENTIALLY CHALLENGING LEARNING DIFFERENCES
ADHD — Understanding how to handle this wonderful way your mind works and how to advocate for yourself in college is paramount to how your college experience will be. There are ways to address this and utilize the power of ADHD.
Anxiety —This is often a way of life for high achieving individuals. Don’t let this paralyze you. We can develop strategies before you leave for college, or while in college so anxiety can be a positive force in your life.
Introvert Advantage — Are you energized by spending time alone? Is your ideal celebration a small get together, rather than a big party. Discover how to manage in a dorm setting and in a large classroom and respect your inner strengths as an 'innie' without becoming exhausted in college.
Pre-Health Fields — Any of the advanced medical degrees are quite competitive. Adequate high school preparation is helpful, but you can still be successful when you understand the academic process. Success is a combination of drive, academics, and a combination of other opportunities. Let me help assess where you fall and how to make sure the first year provides a successful backdrop for preparation to graduate school in the health fields.
....any many more individual differences
Thanks to her mentorship and coaching, I went on to achieve both academically and professionally. After receiving two degrees from the University of Colorado in International Studies and Criminal Justice, I went on to receive a third bachelor’s degree in Spanish and a Masters in Education. My accomplishments lead me to be accepted in Teach for America, a highly selective, education non-profit. None have this would not have been possible with out Mary’s confidence in me and her investment in my future. I am so thankful to have had her, and can honestly say that her influence is life changing!"
Britanny Erway