Working together begins with an in-depth conversation to get to know your student and your family. We talk about the student’s passions and belief, strengths and desires. We talk about learning styles and what academic success looks like.
Then we create a strategy to make sure your child gets the most out of high school and put themselves in the best possible position to apply to college. I help guide them through the process and I parents in their supporting role the process.
Together, the student and I research and select schools that fit the way they learn, locations and types of schools that work for your family. We develop a timetable and prep for school visits and interviews and work together to complete applications and essays.
And once you’ve been accepted, I help your family make that exciting final choice.
Scope of Services
I help identify appropriate schools and create a college list, focusing on finding colleges that are the right fit for your child and your budget.
By fostering open communication and offering strategies for involvement, I help parents establish a supportive environment that encourages their student's growth and success. Together, we delve into understanding the various aspects of college preparation, from exploring potential schools to navigating financial considerations ensuring parents feel confident and equipped to offer meaningful support to their student without feeling overwhelmed by the process.
Drawing on years of writing experience, I guide the student through the essay process with a workshop approach that encourages them to reveal their authentic self. Every student has a unique story to tell and my job is to help tell it in the most engaging and powerful way possible.
Step by step, your child and I work together to make the process manageable. With regular meetings and the help of an easy-to-use online platform, we keep things organized as we work on researching colleges and meeting deadlines. With the right info on hand when we need it, we can make the best choices for your student and your family.
I collaborate with a diverse range of students, including traditional applicants, transfer students, international learners, those passionate about the Arts, and individuals with learning differences. Additionally, I also have experience assisting U.S. students in navigating the growing array of international college opportunities.
I support every type of student both neurotypical and neurodiverse but I specialize in providing personalized college counseling for students with learning differences, ensuring that each student's unique needs and strengths are taken into account throughout the college planning process. Together with the student and their family, I work to identify schools that offer comprehensive support services and an inclusive environment where the student can thrive academically, socially, and personally.
I specialize in offering college counseling tailored to students with a passion for the creative arts. Together, we explore a wide range of educational opportunities that align with their interests, whether it's filmmaking, animation, design, theater, or any other creative field.
I work closely with students to identify colleges and universities with strong programs in their chosen creative disciplines. Additionally, I help students understand the specific application requirements and portfolio submissions typically needed for admission to creative arts programs. Throughout the college application process, I provide guidance on crafting compelling personal statements, artistic portfolios, and audition tapes that effectively showcase the student's talents and potential.
My comprehensive package typically begins in 11th grade and encompasses all aspects of the college search and application process.
A comprehensive package ensures you and your child have the resources, expertise, and support necessary to make informed decisions and maximize success in the college admissions process
The college list creation package offers comprehensive guidance, including personalized evaluations, family consultations, and detailed research sessions, to curate a tailored selection of ideal colleges for each student's unique profile and aspirations.
I'm dedicated to identifying the most fitting financial options, including colleges that offer merit aid, as I shape your child's college list. In addition, I work with a select network of experts to provide services around the ever-changing landscape of need-based and merit-based financial aid.
"I really appreciated the way Jessica understood and worked within our financial constraints in paying for college. She expertly guided us toward schools that provided very generous merit aid packages."
"We're so glad that we found you -- you've been immeasurably helpful to both girls, and also to us! Dave & I wouldn't have known where to start or how to keep up, never mind how to review all of the materials/essays/etc. We felt like we 'fit' with you right away, and the results show in so many ways."
"She held my hand through this whole process. She always made time to speak with me whenever I was worried. She was great at calming me down because my son wanted to own this process and so I stayed in the background. In the end, he applied to 15 schools. He was accepted at 12. Waitlisted at 3."
"Thank you so much for the incredible help with my college applications. I wanted to let you know that I will be attending Bryn Mawr College in the fall!"
"Jessica was invaluable throughout my son’s whole application process. From the research stage to helping him create a balanced list of schools to apply to, to essay writing and working on activity lists, Jessica guided him and helped keep him on task. She helped him figure out what sort of school he was looking for and brought schools to his attention that weren’t on his radar. She got him started on his essay early, so he had time to revise and finalize it without being rushed. He had most of his applications in well before his classmates and was able to enjoy his senior year. She cares and spent a lot of time helping him cultivate the strongest application possible. He’s now thriving in his first year of college at a place that is the perfect fit for him. Both of us feel so grateful to Jessica for all of her help."
845-389-2474
jrapplestone@gmail.com
44 Upper Spongia Road
Stone Ridge, NY 12484