The differences in the package options mainly concern the level of outside support and guidance your family needs.

The Advanced College Planning package is for families who would like more hands-on support throughout the process. It includes unlimited access to the consultant as a resource until graduation and a one-on-one guide through each essay and application. It consists of a personalized application plan, with deadlines and requirements managed by the consultant; the consultant will also manage the workflow and timing of essay and application completion. This package is for families who think their student and family would benefit from a steady presence and high level of support and want more help building a balanced list (maximizing merit or financial aid opportunities).

For students who are motivated and good at managing deadlines and research independently, the Total Texas or Common App +1 options may be sufficient.

The Total Texas Package is a good fit for students focused primarily on staying in Texas for college. It includes support in completing the main essay/personal statement (which students can use for Common App and ApplyTexas) and any school-required supplements for A&M and UT-Austin. Students can also repurpose these smaller essays for other schools and use the application strategies they learned from one application for others.

The Common App+1 option is a good fit for students who are motivated and good at managing deadlines and research independently but may want support and guidance on the two most significant components of the application: the main essay (Common App personal statement) and the application itself. It also includes supplemental essays for one college of your choice, making this a good option for students who may want extra support with their most challenging essays (often, students choose one of their highly selective schools).

These packages are task-based: once students complete the application elements, contact with the consultant is limited. The consultant does not manage a student’s college list or deadlines, leaving the student/family responsible for all college elements beyond the scope of the package. Students adept at time management and have strong engagement with the college process can succeed with the remainder of the process after completing several key elements with support. In all cases, students and parents will remain on all email updates/broadcast messages throughout the entire process.

The College Kickstart Session is for families who want to get started earlier than junior year and juniors who think they can navigate essays and applications independently but want some general guidance and support to help them launch their process. Families who sign up for this option sophomore year will have a reserved spot for comprehensive services beginning junior year (deadline for signing up applies).