Over half of students rank college applications as their most stressful academic experience.*
And that’s exactly why I’m here, so your teen doesn’t have to do it without support.
College apps do not have to be this stressful.
Applying to colleges shouldn’t mean your teen has to sacrifice who they are and what they love just to stand out to admissions. Despite what you may hear online these days, students can still get into a great school without being a violin prodigy or inventing a life-saving medical device.
Building a strong application isn’t about packing more activities and achievements into it. It’s about clearly highlighting your teen’s strengths, interests, and growth, so their application actually reflects who they are and what they’d bring to a program or university.
Most of the advice you’ll find out there focuses on checking boxes, following trends, or the “secret hack” everyone is using, which will only leave you and your teen feeling more stressed and unsure. Instead, we focus on what actually matters: solid academics, meaningful activities, and essays that showcase their unique story.
That’s where Pep + Prep College Consulting comes in. With a step-by-step plan, personalized guidance, and support, your teen can move through this process with confidence (and still have a little fun along the way).
The right support for your teen’s biggest academic moments
The mental load of your teen applying to college is a lot—not just for you, but for the whole family. My job is to take the guesswork out of this process, so that instead of arguing with your teen over dinner about their personal statement or stressing about deadlines, you can actually enjoy this time together.
I’m here to help bring the focus back to college admissions. Together, we’ll get your student going for the activities they love, exploring their interests, and building a really strong application without overloading their schedule. Let’s bring the excitement back to college applications.
Programs & Services
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Freshman year is all about discovery. Students are figuring out what excites them, how they work best, and laying the groundwork for the rest of high school.
By the end of this year, students will:
Better understand how they learn best and what helps them succeed
Have a clear four-year plan
Get involved in activities with intention
Explore interests that actually light them up
Understand what colleges are looking for and why
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In their sophomore year, we want students to begin narrowing their focus, go deeper into activities that matter to them, and build the traction they’ll need for junior and senior year.
By the end of this year, students will:
Have a clearer sense of their academic interests or potential majors
Be meaningfully involved in a few key activities, not spread too thin
Step up in their responsibility, initiative, and leadership roles
Have a solid testing plan and timeline
Begin researching colleges with a better understanding of what the right fit looks like
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Junior year is where the pieces we’ve been working on start to come together. Rather than exploring, students focus more on where they stand and where they want to go, which helps them make thoughtful decisions that highlight their strengths in their applications.
By the end of this year, students will:
Have a balanced, well-researched college list
Understand how their academic profile supports their goals
Have a compelling personal narrative through essays and activities
Follow a clear, organized application timeline heading into senior year
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Senior year is about executing all of our plans and strategies with confidence. Everything from essays, applications, and extracurricular activities has been built with intention and is ready to show the student’s full story.
By the end of this year, students will:
Be organized and ahead of deadlines
Begin to submit polished, thoughtful applications
Be prepared to receive results, make decisions, and move through the next steps with support
Feel confident and proud of everything they’ve accomplished
Together, we’ll get your student ready for college through self-exploration, academic planning, and meaningful extracurricular growth.
No matter where they’re starting, your student’s personalized plan will include:
Academic course planning and strategy
College list strategy
Activities list and resume development
Student Resume
College testing timeline and strategy for applications
Essay brainstorming, drafting, and polishing
Full application management and timeline
Not ready for a 1:1 commitment? You still need:The College Talk
The college conversation can feel stressful or confusing, especially when your teen is just trying to think about what comes next. The College Talk gives your family expert guidance and a clear roadmap through this process without the full-service commitment of a package.
This course includes:
Step-by-step video modules to walk your family through the college admissions process
Practical tools and resources to stay organized, meet deadlines, and get on the same page with your teen
Two 1:1 strategy sessions with me:
One to review the college list strategy and activities list with personalized feedback
One to brainstorm, review, and polish the personal statement
If you’re interested in purchasing the course, book a call with me to talk about how we’ll make it work for your needs!
You already know the college admissions process can be a doozy
But here’s what it can look like with the right support:
Enjoying your time and connection with your teen during their final years at home instead of arguing over applications
Assurance that your teen is set up for success in their next chapter without doubts about their capabilities
Your teen clearly articulating their strengths, goals, and interests instead of comparing themselves to their peers
Your teen finally understanding who they are and what they have to contribute to a college campus
Having confidence in your teen as the driver of their future instead of nagging them to complete tasks
Letting someone else take on the mental load so your teen can focus on being themselves and doing what they love
How it works:
Say hello
Complete my quick contact form, and I’ll reach out within 48 hours to schedule your free consultation. On this 30-minute call, we’ll get to know each other, talk through your student’s goals, and answer any questions you have.
Make a plan
Based on that conversation, I’ll put together a proposal outlining how we can work together. You’ll be able to review everything, sign your contract, and complete your retainer all in one place.
Let’s do this
Once we’re official (yay!), we’ll kick things off with a call to get your student set up and ready to go. From there, we’re off, moving forward with a super-clear plan and the support to make it happen.
Real experiences from families like yours:
“Katie has helped me figure out my future career path.
I can say without a doubt that she is the most informative and encouraging consultant when it comes to academics and college admissions. Her light-hearted and bright energy, along with her expertise in what universities are looking for, has earned my respect.”
— Raahil S.
“She’s gone above and beyond, and we’re so grateful for her time and expertise.
Katie has been absolutely incredible to work with! From the very beginning, she’s been prompt, organized, and so easy to communicate with. Her attention to detail and thorough approach truly stand out…she doesn’t miss a thing. It’s clear she has deep knowledge and experience when it comes to the college admissions process, and we feel completely confident we are putting our best foot forward.”
— Kylee W.