Frequently

Asked Questions

Still figuring out if this is the right fit?
These are the questions I hear most often.

How to reduce college application stress at home

When should we begin thinking about college admissions?

The honest answer is: earlier than most families think. Students who begin in 9th or 10th grade have more time to explore, plan thoughtfully, and approach senior year from a place of readiness rather than panic. That said, it is never too late. I work with students at every stage, including seniors who are already in the thick of applications. Wherever you are, there is a place to begin.

What does the road to college look like?

It depends on where your student is and what they need. For younger students, we focus on building self-knowledge, exploring interests, and planning intentionally. For juniors and seniors, the work shifts toward college lists, essays, and application strategy. Every package is flexible and personalized. The first conversation is always about figuring out the right fit.

Working With Me

Do you work with students virtually as well as in person?

Yes. I work with students both in person in Point Loma, San Diego and virtually. Many of my families are remote and the process works beautifully either way.

What makes Modern College Counseling different from other college consultants?

A few things. My background as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist means I understand adolescent development, identity, and the emotional complexity of this process at a level most consultants don’t. I also bring direct experience on admissions and scholarship review committees, a background in career development and vocational assessment, and training in visual arts that shapes how I think about storytelling and narrative. I work with a small number of students at a time so the support is genuinely personal.

Are you a therapist or a college counselor?

Both, but in separate practices. My therapy work and my college counseling are intentionally kept separate. That said, my clinical training is present in everything about how I listen, guide, and support students and families through one of the most pressure-filled seasons of their lives.

How many students do you work with at a time?

I keep my caseload intentionally small. This is a high-touch, personal practice and I want to be fully present for every student I work with.

Do you work with first generation college students?

Absolutely, and this is work I care about deeply. I was a first generation college student myself. I navigated this process without a roadmap, without insider knowledge, and without anyone who had been there before. I know what it feels like to not know the rules, and I bring that understanding to every first gen family I work with.

Essays

Do you write the essays for students?

Never. The words are always your student’s. My role is to guide, shape, and refine, helping students find their story, develop their voice, and put it on the page with clarity and confidence. An essay that doesn’t sound like your student won’t serve them well, and it isn’t something I would ever produce.

How long does the essay process take?

It varies depending on the student and the scope of work. The personal statement alone typically takes several sessions from initial brainstorming through final polish. Starting early always makes the process feel more spacious and less stressful.

Can essay coaching help beyond college applications?

Yes, and this is one of the most underappreciated parts of the investment. A strong personal statement becomes a foundation for scholarship essays, fellowship applications, and beyond. Students who learn to write about themselves with clarity and confidence carry that skill well into college and their careers.

Fit and Logistics

Is this the right fit for my family?

If you are looking for a personalized, thoughtful guide through a process that feels more complex than it should, you are in the right place. I work with students from a wide range of backgrounds, academic profiles, and starting points. The first conversation is always about understanding where you are and whether we are a good fit for each other.

How do I get started?

Schedule a Spark Session directly, or reach out through the contact form and I will follow up by email. From there we figure out the right next step together