Most families pick colleges the same way they pick restaurants — rankings, word of mouth, and gut feeling. Your kid's future deserves better than that.
Private college counselors charge $5,000-$10,000. School guidance counselors manage 400+ students each. Your kid falls through the cracks either way. Meanwhile, 40% of college students transfer or drop out, and the average graduate carries $30,000 in debt — often for a degree that doesn't lead where they thought it would.
I built something different. A data-driven approach that any family can access — starting with a free tool and going as deep as you need.
Always free — no login, no catch
Free for Florida schools
$299 — One-time, per student
$499 — Full application season support
$899 — The whole thing, start to finish
Every year, thousands of qualified students submit weak essays — not because they're bad writers, but because nobody taught them what admissions officers actually look for. The Common App prompt is intentionally vague. That's the point. They want to see how your kid thinks, not how well they follow instructions.
I've reviewed hundreds of admissions essays. Here's what I've learned:
I don't write your kid's essay. I help them find the story that's already there, get it on paper, and make it sharp. Usually takes 2-3 rounds of revision. Most students go from "I have no idea what to write about" to a finished essay they're proud of in about two weeks.
Start thinking about what matters — not specific schools, but priorities. Does your kid want big or small? Close or far? What subjects light them up? Use the free Scorecard to explore.
This is the sweet spot. Enough time to visit schools, prep for standardized tests, and build a thoughtful list. The College Game Plan session is ideal here.
Common App opens August 1. Students who draft essays over the summer have a massive advantage. The Application & Essay Package starts here.
Early Decision/Action deadlines hit November 1. Regular deadlines are January 1-15. If you're starting here, the Full Senior Year package gets everything on track fast.
Offers come in March-April. I help families compare financial aid packages, write appeal letters when needed, and make the final decision with data — not emotion.
Try the free Scorecard tool. If you like what you see and want to go deeper, email me. No pressure, no sales calls — just a conversation about your kid's next step.
Email Curtcurt.dircks@gmail.com | Based in St. Augustine, FL