What Families Should Know Before Applying to College #advice #college #collegehelp #collegeprep

1. The College Map: How the Process Works 

The college process isn’t just about picking a school — it’s about building a strategy.

Here is our strategy: We start with a personality assessment

• Think of it like a student-focused Myers-Briggs
• Helps identify how the student learns, what they enjoy, and how they operate both academically and socially
• Used to guide major selection, college environment, and lifestyle preferences
  Because a happy, balanced student is a more successful student

We identify 3 potential majors

• Most students change their major — this keeps them on the same academic and financial path
• Prevents loss of time, credits, or scholarships
• Helps plan around schools with “impacted majors” that don’t allow easy switching
  

We build a college list (up to 40 schools)

• All must offer all 3 majors
• Match the student’s academic needs, location, size, culture, and downtime activities
  We help narrow it down to 15–20 strong-fit schools

We support all major application platforms

• Common App
• UC system
• Cal State Apply
• ApplyTexas
• And more, based on where the student is applying

Essay support is included

• Five essays are included in our program
• We help students find their voice and tell their story with clarity and impact

We handle FAFSA and the CSS Profile

• Help families complete both
• Review award letters together
• Support financial aid appeal letters when needed

We guide families through college portals

• Students must use portals to receive updates, submit grades, and respond to schools
• We teach them how to access and monitor each one
  

We’re there until the very end

• Including reviewing offers
• Discussing final options
• Supporting families when they sign the acceptance letter
  

Start to finish — we’re with you every step of the way. We built College Help Squad to take the stress out of this process and bring real clarity to families. We’re here when you’re ready. Let College Help Squad be apart of your process.