Taking the Stress Out of the Application Process
(925) 878-5199
CARPENTER COLLEGE ADVISING
Taking the Stress Out of the Application Process
Parents want to know how the application process works so that they can stay on top of it for their student.
Students just want some help with the application process, but not necessarily from their parents.
Whether it's SAT/ACT prep, college essay writing help, completing applications, or narrowing down colleges to apply to, when it's time for your student to start the process, Carpenter College Advising is a one-stop shop.*
*And we specialize in the regular kid, so if your student has some Cs mixed in with those Bs, we've got you covered.
HOW WE LIKE TO DO IT: JUNIOR FALL TO SENIOR FALL
1. The early fall of junior year is when we like to do test prep before school gets too busy. Taking a test for the first time in December gives a baseline score and then we can do one or two more tests in the spring to raise scores in weak areas.​
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2. Early spring of junior year we can talk about colleges that might be a good fit. If you want to make college visits over spring break you'll know where to head.
3. The summer before senior year is a great time to get college essays started and get a handle on how much time you'll need to do applications.
4. Senior fall we'll finish applications (UCs and Cal States need to be in by November 30), while there is often more breathing room for out-of-state or private schools which may not be due until February.
WHEN IT'S TIME
Ideas for how your student can use 10 hours:
#1*:
1 hour session with parents to discuss college options, financing, how the process will work
1 hour meeting with student to discuss high school classes, college thoughts, develop a timeline for the application process
3 hours college essay help
5 hours college application help
Weekly emails to keep student on track during crunch time (and update emails for parents).
#2*:
1 hour parent and student meeting to discuss college needs
4 hours SAT/ACT prep
2 hours college essay help
3 hours college application help
Weekly emails to student and parents
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*2023-2024 pricing is $200/hour. All meetings take place at the CCA office in Lafayette or via Zoom.
Monthly billing invoices for hourly fees to be emailed to parents at the end of each month.
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Colleges students are attending for fall 2023 and 2024: Cornell University, Oberlin College, University of Washington, University of Michigan, USC, Colorado State University, UCLA, UCSD, UCI, UCSB, UCSC, Cal Poly, San Diego State University, Cal State Chico, U of Reno, UCMerced, Endicott College, U of Kansas, U of Arizona, Hofstra University, UÂ of Oregon, Pace University, Chapman University, Elon University, Belmont University, U of Southern Florida
Arlo
Mrs. Carpenter helped me raise my ACT score 10 points over 3 tests! At our first meeting, she helped me determine that the ACT was the test that would be best for me. I took the test 3 times over my junior year, and I met with her after each test to evaluate my results. She could see my patterns of strengths and weaknesses, fine-tuned my tutoring, and gave me test-taking strategies that made a huge difference. Mrs. Carpenter is patient and encouraging and helped me feel more confident going into the test. I applied early decision to my first-choice school, Western Washington, and was accepted.
Nolan
Mrs. Carpenter helped me prepare for the SAT and create a list of West Coast schools with good science programs. She kept me on track through the application process and helped me send all the necessary materials to the schools. I am currently at Cal Poly SLO and having a great experience. I would probably not have met all the deadlines and dealt with all the hassles without her patience and kindness over the year.
Nick
I was planning on going to DVC, but Mrs. Carpenter talked me into preparing for and taking the ACT. I scored pretty high, which opened the doors to some schools I am excited about. I love the outdoors and just visited Montana State and UNR which both look like good options for me.
MEET KIMBERLY GAGE
Kim graduated from Cornell University and holds current K-12 multiple subject and single subject California teaching credentials, in addition to the Specialized Certificate in College Counseling from UCSD. She taught high school English in both California and at the Shanghai American School, where she was department head and created the high school curriculum. Her passion for teaching continued in her work at Ames Seminars in Lafayette where she taught ACT and SAT prep classes and guided college essays with students, including her own two sons, graduates of the University of Oregon, and Cal Poly SLO. Her rapport with teenagers and substantial gains in student test scores have made her services in high demand in the Lamorinda area.
