College List Validation & Optimization

Scope of Services

College List Validation:

Most students have college lists which are too aggressive and as a result, they miss many opportunities.  Our method validates the college list with respect to getting in, fitting in, affordability and getting a degree in four years.  We use a proprietary tool called the College Admissions Profile Index (CAP) which evaluates the student’s GPA, test scores, curriculum strength, extracurriculars, writing ability, etc.  Recommendations are made with regards to the suitability of each college under consideration by comparing the student CAP Index with the CAP Index range of typically admitted students at each college.  Comparisons can be made for over 800 colleges.

The CAP Index can also forecast both the probability of admission and potential for non-need  scholarship funding at each college under consideration. 

This entails a 30-minute meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists to gather information which includes family financial objectives, student academic information, standardized test scores, extracurriculars, writing ability and any special needs and/or other special criteria that need to be satisfied by each college.  Our findings and recommendations are communicated to the family in a 45-minute video call.  Total Cost:  $600

College List Optimization:

Typically, this is a follow up to College List Validation.  If the original list does not include at least six colleges that would view the student as an attractive applicant, or in our opinion, would not be providing the financial aid or scholarship funding to make enrollment financially realistic, we construct a new college list.  We identify up to 20 schools that would be better fits both financially and academically. This includes 3-4 hours of additional interaction with the Admissions Specialist to discuss and refine the college search criteria in order to arrive at a final college list.  Total Cost:  $900

Depending upon your choice of services, you will be interacting with an Admissions Specialist who will focus on the student’s academic credentials and personal criteria for academic fit, personality fit, and affordability.

What You Can Expect From Us

  • Be accessible to both you and your student in accordance with the scope of services described on the Custom Services Page
  • Assist with defining tasks, plans, and schedules in support of college selection, application, and financial strategies
  • Advise and assist you and your student to prepare for direct interaction with college officials, faculty, and/or coaches
  • Provide quality information and professional advice consistent with the services described in this agreement
  • Maintain your financial privacy

What We Expect of You

  • Submit timely, accurate, and complete information as needed to support meetings, milestone events, and deadlines
  • Maintain the confidentiality of copyrighted documents received (i.e., do not share information with any third parties)
  • Provide timely disclosure of disabilities, counseling, medical, or legal circumstances which may impact our advice
  • Interact directly with college officials to resolve student/family-specific issues regarding admission and financial aid
  • Submit admissions, financial aid applications, and standardized test score reports to the appropriate parties and pay associated fees
  • Advise us of any changes in address, phone numbers, email addresses, or applicable payment information

Warranties, Service Limitations, and Confidentiality

We do not guarantee admission to any college or university, nor can we guarantee college funding from any source.  We do not provide legal, tax or investment advice. We do not assist with seeking third party (private, non-college) scholarships. Contact your high school guidance office for third-party scholarship sources and information.  Absent very unusual family circumstances and without a specific power of attorney, we cannot interact with college officials directly on your or your student’s behalf.

Meetings and Other Interactions

Meetings are typically conducted using Zoom’s online conferencing technology.  They are scheduled according to when you begin the program. Meeting intervals will vary but conform to the Milestones Project Plan. This will allow ample time to complete assigned tasks.  Unlimited email support is provided with this agreement. We encourage you and your student to use this resource to supplement meetings.

Cost of Services & Payment Terms

The total cost of services is noted above.  And is due upon enrollment.  Acceptable forms of payment are all major credit cards. We cannot invoice private individuals.

Term of Agreement, Cancellation, and Refund Policy

This agreement may be canceled at any time, by either party with notice by email to your SFC advisor.  If you cancel the agreement within five business days of the date payment is submitted, a refund of any payment less a $250 administrative fee will be issued. If you cancel the agreement after five business days of the date payment is submitted, a refund of your payment less a $350 administrative fee, less an additional $250 per hour for any work initiated by our Admissions Specialist.  This agreement ends when the scope of services has been completed.

Privacy Policy

We will always protect your right to privacy. By “you” or “your,” we mean your entire family and any information that is disclosed to us as part of this engagement.  We collect nonpublic personal information about you that is either provided to us by you or obtained by us with your authorization. We do not disclose any nonpublic personal information obtained through our engagement except as required or permitted by law. Permitted disclosures include, for instance, providing information to our employees and consultants who use this information to assist us in providing services to you. In all such situations, we stress the confidential nature of information being shared. We retain physical and digital records relating to the professional services that have been provided and the fees you have paid.  We also maintain physical, electronic, and procedural security safeguards to protect these records. Records relating to the services provided are destroyed upon your request or three years after the completion of our engagement.

Revised August 10. 2022