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COLLEGE
PLANNING

From hopes and dreams to
walking at graduation,
create the roadmap to your success!

HAVING A PLAN PAYS OFF

The challenge for high school students today is not just getting into college;
it’s getting out in four years, having earned a degree that delivers a job and sustainable career, while incurring minimal debt, and realizing a real return on that investment in less than 20 years.

 

OptimumEd dramatically increases the chances the investment made in higher education will deliver a return in the form of a job and sustainable career.

When Should I Start Planning?

It's never too early to start planning for the future, but no matter where you are in the college admissions process, OptimumEd is here to help! Our unique process makes it simple for you to create a plan and shape your destiny.

 

Below are some general recommendations to consider as you begin your college journey. Keep in mind that college is about more than academics—it's about your desired career path. Not sure what that is? Take our in-depth assessment to identify appropriate careers that
match your unique strengths, talents and interests.

HIGH SCHOOL FRESHMEN

  • Start keeping track of activities, awards and community service

  • Plan your extracurricular “story” 

  • Explore careers

  • Outline your Academic Path 

HIGH SCHOOL SOPHOMORE

  • Continue to look for private scholarships locally, and on-line

  • Explore careers

  • Expect increased academic rigor year over year

  • Begin visiting college campuses

HIGH SCHOOL JUNIOR

  • Finalize your college list and email your resume to the admissions office

  • Target your marketing efforts

  • Visit schools

  • Begin essay process (first draft of personal statement over the summer)

HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR

  • Finalize your college list and email your resume to the admissions office

  • Secure letters of recommendation

  • Order transcripts

  • Finalize activities list and essays

  • Complete the FAFSA

  • APPLY!

High school students studying in a classroom together.

OUR CAREER AND
ACADEMIC ASSESSMENT PROCESS

The Foundation For
Your Success

Self-knowledge is a powerful tool for life, and it all begins with OptimumEd's Career and Academic Assessment Process—uncovering personalized career options based on your strengths. Explore potential careers through our dynamic database, and take actionable steps like connecting with professionals and shaping your academic major. OptimumEd guides you toward a purposeful future—unlock your success with us.

TAKE AN IN-DEPTH LOOK AT OUR PROCESS

If you don't know where you're going,
how do you pack for the trip?

NAVIGATE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS WITH EASE

Following the Career and Academic Assessment Process, OptimumEd assists with all aspects of the college planning process. Our coaching package options provide  a variety of levels of assistance - from the all-inclusive, unlimited support of our Premier Coaching Package, to the Basic Coaching Package which provides structure and support while allowing for more independence.

Campus Survey

FINDING THE RIGHT FIT

Armed with possible career direction and academic major considerations, we complete a thorough Campus Survey with the student to assess wants and needs in a campus environment.  We then complete a college search to provide a larger list of schools to consider.

Navigating High School

EXPERIENCED GUIDANCE

Throughout your high school career, we can assist in choosing extracurriculars, volunteer opportunities, electives, courseload rigor strategy, and more.

The College Planning Process
College student on his phone standing by lockers

THE CUSTOM COLLEGE PLAN PLATFORM

Tracking Your Applications Is
Simple & Easy

At OptimumEd we seek every opportunity to leverage technology to support our coaching process and to make it more interactive and efficient.  The Custom College Plan platform allows for both the coach and the student to access and share documents, college lists, create comparison reports, track and manage applications and essays, securely and privately. Each student has their own portal with their own login credentials.

HIGH TECH AND HIGH TOUCH

ARE YOU ASKING YOURSELF:

HOW CAN I AFFORD TO PAY FOR COLLEGE?

Students on computers in a computer lab

An investment that pays off

Worried it's too expensive to hire a College Admissions Counselor? While technically, you can navigate the process solo, why leave it to chance? Opt for certainty with our Career and Academic Assessment Process, eliminating the guesswork for the best-fit career direction and academic major tailored to your teen. In a time where approximately 30% of college students change their major within the first three years, OptimumEd ensures your teen finds the right path from the start.

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