Whether you find school easy or difficult, you have choices to make if your end goal is college.

Holly is available to assist students in selecting the path that is best suited to their abilities and goals. I am happy to review class choices, advise on how your choices will affect your higher education options, and work with you on ways to use your talents and passions to make a good impression.

Here are some of our points of focus:

Freshman Year

  • Discuss and finalize your class schedule
  • Develop a four-year plan
  • Develop study skills
  • Research community service opportunities
  • Expand vocabulary and verbal skills through reading
  • Plan for summer options

Sophomore Year

  • Review and discuss your class schedule
  • Advise on how to prepare for PSAT and P-ACT
  • Prepare and sit for P-ACT (most public schools sign students up automatically)
  • Develop and maintain resume for college
  • Start a private scholarship search
  • Develop leadership skills through extracurricular and community service activities
  • Start visiting colleges

Junior Year

  • Review and discuss your class schedule
  • Begin researching
  • Prepare for AP/IB exams
  • Prepare and sit for PSAT, SAT/ACT, and/or SAT subject tests
  • Continue visiting colleges
  • Identify writers for letters of recommendation
  • Discuss extracurricular activities that align with your interests and goals
  • Summer: plan application completion schedule

Senior Year

  • Discuss class selection and extracurricular activities
  • Narrow college search to 8-12 schools, including safety, target, and reach institutions
  • Complete applications, including essays, on an agreed-upon schedule
  • Discuss academic concerns, including AP exams and maintaining GPA
  • Review scholarship opportunities and apply
  • Prepare for interviews
  • Prepare for all remaining SAT and ACT exams

My name is Holly McCord Duncan and I am a college expert.

I am a former admission officer, have a Master’s in college student development, and more than 20 years of higher education experience.  Let me put your worries to rest. Schedule your free consultation in the form below, and let me show you how to reduce your stress.

I can find the right school where your kid will THRIVE, not just survive.

Check out these topics to learn more!

These Are LOTS of My Favorite Things!

This is an ever-evolving list and is almost entirely outside links. This results from curiosity, nerdiness, and a bit of obsession (ok, maybe more than a tad!) I receive no compensation or benefits from any of these sites and make no guarantees of their content. My official disclaimer in this litigious society is that you…

I Go Through the Application Process Annually – Here Is What I Wish Families Knew.

For parents starting the process of college searching here is some perspective from a former college admission officer and current independent college counselor. You go through this process once or twice for most people. I go through it annually. Stellar Students and Highly Rejective SchoolsYou may have that student who has straight As in highly…

College Workshops – New dates added!

(Imagine an image of Phineus and Ferb here, I didn’t want to get sued by Disney!) Financial Aid 101, The Less Stressful Journey To College, Strengths Finder Assessment, How to Build A College List, How To Write Essays! Understanding Financial Aid is the foundation of the college financial aid world. I provide tools to help…