The College Journey.
Simplified.
The process of applying to college can feel complex, unpredictable, emotional, and daunting.
Let me reframe and simplify it for your family.
ABOUT ME
I've been an educator for more than two decades, working in college counseling, pre-law advising, law school admissions, and teaching political science at the undergraduate level. I have loved all of it! I find it thrilling to walk alongside students and families as they navigate an ever-changing and potentially anxiety-filled process. And I deeply appreciate seeing young adults accept the responsibility of deciding where they will go and what they might explore beyond high school.
Across the last decade, my work has included partnering with and leading college counseling teams in independent schools. For a few of those years, I played a critical role in building and managing institutional strategy. Thus, I have been in a unique position to test my thinking about how to take action when information is not perfect, uncertainty is high, and surprises seem to lurk around many corners. I've learned that being guided by personal values is important, knowing your tolerance for risk is crucial, and having room to pivot is very handy.
From these observations I've developed a matrix-based approach to help families better understand the college journey within the context of the high school experience and the landscape of admissions. I am convinced that healthier and more enjoyable processes result from using this approach. I look forward to connecting with you.
Beth Wilner, Ph.D.
Founder & Principal Consultant
MY APPROACH
FIRST. Think beyond "fit".
The journey towards college is best viewed as a set of choice opportunities and practical realities that exist alongside each student's self-discovery and personal growth. This perspective is important – student values and preferences should drive the college-going process. But having a strategic understanding of the admissions landscape, recognizing legitimate constraints, and knowing when (and how) to pivot in this process all matter, too.
SECOND. Reframe "the list".
We need to think and talk differently about the traditional college list. I have discovered that the college journey – including the set of schools to which a student applies – is better framed as a dynamic matrix that will be more (or less) healthy depending on how well it simultaneously satisfies fit and reduces risk across 4 dimensions.
THIRD. Reset the timeline.
Because the college journey is deeply embedded in the high school experience, understanding the matrix framework should commence early in the high school career. I'd love to establish partnership with your family as early as freshman year to help phase the college-going journey into choice structures with actionable steps.
FOURTH. Own the journey.
I work hard to offer high-quality, personalized, and supportive guidance to each family with whom I consult. In turn, I believe that ownership of the college-going journey belongs to students. To work with me, families need to agree to let students own that journey, live it, and (hopefully) enjoy it. Let's get started!
