Admissions, especially for college, has become an extremely competitive and stressful pursuit for families. More students are applying to a growing number of colleges every year, while the acceptance rates of colleges are going down. Students feel pressure from many sources and are confused about where and how to begin to narrow down their choices from the more than 2000 four-year colleges and universities in the US.

Janet Rosier’s Educational Resources can help relieve the stress and lower the anxiety, by directing students to appropriate college choices--schools that are an academic as well as a social and emotional fit for them.

According to a recent survey by Lipman Hearne, 26% of high achieving seniors used an independent educational consultant in their college search and application process.

Janet Rosier has helped hundreds of high school students in Connecticut and throughout the country through the admissions process. Janet Rosier's clients have the advantage of her extensive knowledge, experience and expertise to guide them through the transition from high school to college.

In order to understand the broad range of services you receive with a professional, independent educational consultant, I am including answers to Frequently Asked Questions.

• Why should my family consider hiring Janet Rosier's Educational Resources?
  College admission has become a complicated and competitive process. An experienced advisor, who can help clarify the options available to students, and assist in matching them with the right college, provides an invaluable service. Some students feel that they require more individual attention than the guidance counselors in their high schools can devote to them; many families need the convenience of an advisor that can meet with them at flexible times. Most parents would agree that it takes a well thought out strategy to properly choose and apply to colleges and boarding schools, and would like to be more involved in these choices.
  
• What does the process involve?
  There are generally four phases in the process:
  1. In the introductory phase, I meet with students and parents and get to know them. We discuss the students' goals and interests, and I assess their academic records. Based on this information, I recommend which standardized tests to take and when to take them. I ask questions that help me identify which colleges are appropriate academic and social-emotional matches.
  2. In the selection phase, I present the family with a list of schools and explain why they might be good choices. During the selection phase, families gain insight into the admissions process and gain a better understanding of the different criteria that colleges use in assessing applications. I prepare students for campus visits and interviews.
  3. In the planning phase, I guide the student through the actual application. We discuss teacher recommendations, test scores, and transcripts. I supervise the essay writing process--from what subject to write about and how to approach it--to a final critique.
  4. After the schools make their decisions, in the acceptance phase, I continue to meet with the families to discuss the best school to attend.

• Do you have any influence with admissions personnel at any schools that can help a particular client be admitted?
  No, and professional and ethical counselors and consultants will not promise otherwise.

• Am I limited to a certain number of hours with the consultant?
  No. We meet as often as each student requires. I also encourage both parents and students to call or email me with questions as they arise.

• What other questions do parents and students typically ask?
  • Testing:
    
    • When should I take the SAT Reasoning Test (formerly the SAT I)?
    • Should I take the ACT?
    • Should I take the SAT subject tests? If so, which subject tests and when?
  • Course work:
    • Should I take advanced placement courses?
    • How much influence do the colleges place on extra-curricular activities?
    • How important are athletics?
    • Should I have an influential family friend write a letter of recommendation?
    • To how many colleges should I apply?
    • Should I apply early decision?
    • What can I expect at an interview?
  • Colleges:
    • What is the difference between a big, state supported university and a small private college?
    • Is it OK if I don't know what I want to major in?
• Do you fill out financial aid applications?
  No. I have an understanding of how need-based financial aid works; however, the specific forms require personal financial information that I think is better handled by individual families and their financial advisors.