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Preparing for College

Planning For College

“Sometimes the toughest part of planning something is just figuring out where to start. Get on track to finding an education and career track that matches your skills and preferences. Learn about all your options — and how you can achieve them.”

Books for Students & Parents

While you can get lots of terrific information on the web, there are many books that provide useful information and advice, and also offer the advantage of being portable. This site offers a list of excellent books for the college search process, admissions and financial aid and college life.

WHAT CLIENTS ARE SAYING:
Dear Chelsea,
Thank you so much for all of the guidance and support that you have given me through high school and the college admissions process. I cannot thank you enough for helping me achieve my goals and for the opportunity to attend my dream school. I really appreciate you helping me navigate my high school classes and standardized testing so that I could do as well as possible. I am so grateful for everything that you have done for me.
Student attending Wesleyan University
Thanks for everything Jennifer. There are lots of important jobs people can do in life but what you do has a truly profound impact on kids (and parents!) lives every day. We are very thankful you chose to do what you do.
Parent, students at USC Film Production & University of Michigan Sport Management
Jenny was a complete godsend to our family. She helped our daughter with the whole process from beginning to end, focusing on early organization and efficiently targeting a handful of institutions. It can be difficult for a college senior to talk about their own accomplishments, activities, leadership roles, and honors/awards, but Jenny had a practical, no-nonsense approach that helped our daughter summarize all of those things in a way that accented her unique contributions without sounding "braggy." Jenny always allowed my daughter to have ownership of the application process and make her own choices, but guided her on every step, from building a list of target schools to advising on essays. Our daughter loved working with Jenny, eagerly anticipating every Zoom, and emerging from each session with real progress and a clear understanding of next steps. My husband and I were able to stay out of the process entirely, and that helped preserve our relationship with our daughter during the incredibly stressful process of college applications. And our daughter was beyond thrilled when she was offered early admission to Yale.
Parent , Student attending Yale
Jenny - Thank you for everything! Your guidance was invaluable and I know the road to college would not have been smooth without it. Your patience, guidance and support with our son was invaluable!
Parent of student attending UCSD
Lisa, you helped me grow as an active leader in high school and patiently guided me through the college application process and, later, my transfer application. Your advice was incredibly helpful. Thank you for your excellent ideas and support. I'm so excited to be transferring to USC, my dream school!
Transferred to USC
Working with Marissa to navigate the complex application process was a game-changer for me. Her clarity, forethought, and engaged demeanor gave me the space to think about where I wanted to attend college and how I could maximize my chances of getting there. I got lucky in meeting Marissa to help me with this process. She's the best! Thank you so much!

Student attending Columbia University
Marissa, We are so grateful for all your help and support throughout these years. Your feedback and work were absolutely amazing, and without it, I am sure Rachel would not have done as well as she did. I believe you provided a priceless experience and I am a very pleased and satisfied “customer.” Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Student attending Indiana University
Thank you for everything, Marissa! Alexander would never have achieved this result without you, and we would never have been as trusting of his work and progress without you. Your ability to push him within the boundaries of his comfort zone and yet occasionally forge new ground was exemplary. You were exactly who and what he needed!

We could not feel better about the outcome! We will remain eternally grateful for your support and guidance.

Parent, student attending the University of Denver
Jennifer, Jody is so excited to attend Cal in the fall! She's already met with her potential roommate and we have our tickets for Parents' Weekend. You were so amazing for us and helping Jody. We can't thank you enough and sing your praises every chance we get!
Parents, student attending UC Berkeley
I'm still amazed that I was accepted to the new four-year undergraduate business program at UC Berkeley and so many other fantastic programs. Lisa, you played a huge role in getting me there! Thank you for helping me present my experiences effectively and keeping me on track. You encouraged me when I doubted myself, so I’m heading to Cal confident about what I can achieve as a student and businessperson.

Attending UC Berkeley's Haas School of Business
Lisa, We are so thankful for your support in guiding Zach through the US college application process. The summer programs you introduced helped him pursue his passion for engineering while enhancing his profile for competitive programs. We’re thrilled that he had great choices and that he’ll be studying mechanical engineering with excellent opportunities for hands-on learning.

Parents, international student attending Northeastern University's College of Engineering
Lisa, Words can't express our appreciation for your incredible guidance throughout our son's college journey. Your support has been instrumental in his acceptance to Cornell. We are incredibly thankful for your expertise and dedication.

Parents, student attending Cornell University
Thank you, Lisa, for keeping Dana on track with clear deadlines and organized strategies to manage multiple applications and supplemental essays. Your invaluable guidance helped Dana showcase her voice as a filmmaker. We are incredibly grateful for your dedication and expertise and for taking so much stress off of both of us. Your support helped Dana achieve her dream of attending NYU!

Parent, student attending the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University
Kim!!! I got into the College of Creative Studies at UC Santa Barbara. I am so excited to be attending my dream school. Thank you so much for introducing me to the College of Creative Studies. It is the perfect place for me. Thank you for all your help and guidance. I could not have done it without you.
Attending the College of Creative Studies at UC Santa Barbara
Thank you so much, Kim. I could not have survived this process without you. Thank you for being available at all hours to patiently calm me down, read my essays, and keep me focused. I am thrilled to be attending Penn in the fall and studying at Wharton.
Attending The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania
Thank you, Kim. Your guidance in this process was AMAZING! You introduced me to colleges I had never heard of, all of which were a great fit for me. I am thrilled to be attending Emerson in the fall to study screenwriting. I am forever grateful.
Attending Emerson College
Dearest Kim, You have been our rockstar. Your guidance, patience, and unwavering support have been amazing and helped us get through the rollercoaster ride of college admissions. My daughter is attending her top choice college. We can’t thank you enough.
Mother, student going to Emory
We were referred to Headed for College when our son was in the 11th grade. We had already met with two potential college counselors and just didn’t feel the connection. Jennifer and Chelsea took the time to listen and zero’d in on what our realistic choices were in an incredibly positive and encouraging way. They worked with our son and our daughter, (two very different students), and they guided both of them not only to success, but to a place where they each had several amazing options. The coaching they provided was tailored to each of our children’s strengths, and their input was invaluable. They were accessible, responsive and made sure that everything that needed to happen happened at the right time and in a way that built confidence. They were an invaluable resource to our whole family and we are grateful that we had their expertise, support and personal dedication during the whole process!
Parents of students attending Wisconsin and UC Berkeley
Laura and I instantly connected from the moment I began working with her. Her unwavering commitment to help create my essays with a personal and heartfelt touch sets her apart from other tutors. While collaborating on my college essays and navigating the application process, she was always just a phone call away, ready to provide guidance and support, or lend an ear when I felt like complaining. Beyond her exceptional guidance, Laura is an even more remarkable person. My time working with her was an invaluable experience, and I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone applying to college this year. She stands out as one of the most outstanding people I've had the pleasure of knowing, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to have worked with her. Oh, and SHE GOT ME INTO DUKE, MY DREAM SCHOOL.
Attending Duke University
Kim - I just committed to UT!! Thank you so much for everything. The journey would not have been possible without you. I'm so thankful for your guidance.
Attending the University of Texas, Austin
Jennifer, I just wanted to express to you how thankful I am to have had you by my side during my college application process. It seems like just yesterday, I walked into your office for the first time as a nervous and confused freshman, unsure of what I wanted. Now, almost three years down the line, I know exactly what I want in my college experience, and I could not be more excited to be attending Northeastern in the fall.

None of this would have been possible without the immense help and unwavering support you gave me throughout the entire process. You always stuck by me and helped guide me through all the challenges I faced along the way. Through all the time I have known you, you have taught me so many valuable things that not only have helped me grow as a student, but as a person as well. From reading essays and resumes to helping me with interviews and making sure I avoid "um", all of it was a huge difference maker for me. Go Huskies!

Attending Northeastern University
Marissa, We adore you and are so grateful for your kindness and generosity of time and spirit. You went way above and beyond and gave my daughter a feeling of buoyancy with your incredible personality, positivity and warmth. Thank you again for everything!!!
Parents, Daughter attending Princeton University
Allison - THANK YOU for all that you have done for Nick and our family. You have been a huge part of this process and your approach has always been from a positive and motivational place and that made a really big difference to all of us. We fully recognize that you went above and beyond and we all really appreciate it.
Attending Boston College
Hi Chelsea. Jolie and I wanted to send our heartfelt thanks for ALLLLLL the hard work you put into Jolie and your great counsel, cheerleading and whip-cracking to get her to her amazing success this year with her college applications. As you know, she was accepted to such a great range (and number!) of schools and had so many great choices. She's so thrilled with her choice of Syracuse, and we know she wouldn't have gotten across that finish line (or all the others) without your guidance, and we're deeply grateful.

As we look back at this crazy year, we realize how much Jolie grew in the process from where she started to where she is now. I know she was frustrating and heel-dragging in the beginning, but as the process continued, especially as the range of choices came in, we've watched her own the process, ask the introspective, deep questions, and really be deliberate and thoughtful about her choice. She took it all very seriously and held on 'til the very end after we were able to visit a few places before she felt sure, and she truly feels like she found her right fit.

Many many thanks again for your help. We appreciate it more than we can say.
Attending Syracuse University
Jennifer, We are so proud of Nathan! Your choice in colleges for him was spot on. I cannot believe all the merit scholarships he was offered! We are so excited about Texas, but admittedly, I was a little torn when the USC offer came in. But ultimately, I know UT is where his heart is.

I just wanted to say thank you. You removed all the stress for us and guided him beautifully through the process. We are grateful for both your help and support with our boys through this experience. Thank you again. I know your job must be stressful with unrealistic expectations to tamper, but you do it well.
Student Attending the University of Texas, Austin
Laura's greatest talent is her ability to connect with students and work with them to produce essays that are authentically theirs. Admissions counselors can tell whether an essay reflects a student's voice, and Laura's years of successful admissions demonstrate that she knows exactly how to help her students present themselves effectively. For me, the greatest gift was that Laura took over a role that was creating tension between my son and me. She kept him on clear deadlines to ensure that all applications were personalized and completed weeks before their due dates. The college application process is daunting, but Laura works with students in a way that lowers the level of stress (for both students and parents) while setting high standards. With Laura's help, my son is attending his dream school.
Mother, Son attending NYU
Thank you again Jennifer for all of the help with Thomas over the last 18 months. He is very excited about Pitzer!! We appreciate your patience and guidance through the whole process, starting in the summer before junior year and through all of those essays and applications. The essays, recommendations, and the strength of his application were really important. He was ready and able to execute all of that because you had him well prepared in advance, which was key to him being able to apply and get accepted during Early Decision. He could not have done it without you!
Marissa, I just wanted to send you a note to thank you for helping Lily last year. She is so happy at Cal Poly and just thriving there. It really is the perfect place for her and I think she is enjoying Communications too! I believe your advice for taking college classes and the dual enrollment courses and keeping the rigor last year really did make a difference.

Thank you so much for helping guide Julie. I'm forever grateful!
Daughter attending Cal Poly SLO
Lisa, thank you for all of your help and for the great advice. I have fallen in love with USC! It feels so right being here.
International student attending USC
While I started working with Laura for help with the college application process, today she remains my go-to for almost anything in the realm of academia. I am confident that Laura’s guidance is the reason I am where I am today, and can speak nothing but praise to the amazing tutor and human that she is. Even with college application season in full swing and the struggles of post-concussion syndrome, Laura made the process easy and enjoyable. From crafting a strategic list of “safety”, “target”, and “reach” schools, to countless revision sessions to perfect the personal statement, I truly felt empowered. In addition to providing direction for the whole process, Laura was particularly helpful with navigating the intricacies of the Common App. I felt supported in every step from the essay brainstorm to the polished finished product. I was proud of everything I submitted. Finding Laura was a blessing, and I could not speak more highly of her.
Attending the University of Michigan
Hi Kim: I wanted to let you know that I've made my choice and am officially enrolled at the University of Notre Dame. After visiting, I know that Notre Dame really does fit all of my criteria. Thank you for all the help and guidance you've given me throughout the college process. I couldn't have done it without you. All those long nights toiling over essays definitely paid off. Once again thank you for everything Kim.
Attending Notre Dame
I highly recommend Laura as a college counselor for every teen beginning their college application journey. My twins have loved having Laura as their counselor as she can relate to both of them very well and allows them to discover their own styles of writing. Laura has always been easy to reach out too, provides honest quality feedback, and works with my sons through every step of the application process. She makes them feel like they’re her only clients. She is very organized and kept my boys on track with deadlines, such that all their applications were completed early and submitted before their due dates. She’s definitely made a difference in the quality of their applications and acceptance offers are coming in. We couldn’t be happier!"
Carrie, mother of students attending University of North Carolina & University of Georgia
Marissa, I can’t thank you enough for all of the help throughout this crazy process! I truly could not have done it without you. You are so kind and wise, and I have greatly enjoyed getting to know you….Once again, you are absolutely amazing.
Attending Dartmouth College
Chelsea,
The words "thank you" feel utterly inadequate to convey our appreciation for all of the support, guidance, and wisdom you have shared so generously with our family over the past two years. As two college professors, it has been truly humbling to learn how complex, labor intensive, and emotionally charged the college application process has become. Beyond your incredible knowledge, we have been truly in awe of your ability to connect in a meaningful way with both our kids and to guide them not just in "getting in" to college but finding their voices and learning who they are. We are so grateful and will truly miss working with you.
Attending Cornell University
Chelsea, Words cannot express my gratitude. Thank you for your time, patience, and for keeping me on track and focused, and organized. I have said it to my parents but I also want to be sure that I make it clear to you - The best gift they gave me was the time and help I received from you. I truly appreciate your coaching, advice, and availability at all hours of the day. I will think of you fondly as I walk onto the Emory campus in August! You're the best.
Attending Emory
Marissa carefully assessed our individual situation and then provided streamlined, easy to use information. She was patient, positive and supportive, but also held our son accountable to weekly tasks and milestones. She was knowledgeable, up to date, and asked the right kinds of questions to help us find the schools that would be a genuine fit for our son. Marissa’s calm, smart, confident style truly eased the anxiety we were feeling about the college application process. She helped turn what could have been a daunting task into a manageable, exciting challenge that we were eager to master.
Attending Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
I don't know what I would have done without your expert advice, Jennifer. I am going to Penn partly due to your unwavering support, and for that, I can never thank you enough.
Attending the University of Pennsylvania
Chelsea’s experience and knowledge of colleges, her prompt advice at every step of the way, and the kind manner with which she was able to convey key messages to our son were more than we could have asked for.
Attending UCLA
Jennifer, I just wanted to say thank you for your guidance, expertise, and confidence in Ben and for finding him the college that is right for him… You have been an amazing force in his life and we are forever grateful.
Attending Vanderbilt University
While working with Chelsea I was able to get a complete understanding of the college application process and amazing help along the way. I would not have been able to go through this process without her consistent guidance and reassurance.
Attending Northwestern University
Jennifer - Thank you so much for holding our hands and being the very best through this entire college process! We could not have done it without you. We are so proud of Sarah. She had incredible choices!! The school she got most excited over was Berkeley, so her choice is made. As happy as I am not to have to go through the crazy college process again, I am sad to not be able to work with you. It really has been an absolute pleasure. You are amazing!
Lisa, daughter at UC Berkeley
Jennifer, You guided me from the first step to the last step, with all the frantic emails in between, and still were willing to help me past the last step when I needed it. I sincerely feel that without your help, I would never have heard of Wash U, which is definitely the perfect school for me and at which I know I will thrive ...
Attending Washington University in St. Louis
Kim, Thank you so much for all your help and assistance through this stressful college process… You helped me stay on track and organized while still remaining positive the whole time. Every time I left your office, I felt stress-free and like a burden was lifted off my shoulders ... seriously.
Attending Williams College
Words cannot express our gratitude, Jennifer. Your advice gave us direction, confidence, and comfort during the crazy college process. We are very grateful for your patience with us - you always had an answer to our questions and concerns. Thank you for helping facilitate our daughter's Cornell dream!
Donna, daughter attending Cornell University
Thank you so much for all of your help with my myriad of college applications… for never letting me lose hope in Michigan, and for showing me some of the great things Michigan had to offer me on campus. I truly would not have been able to do it without you, Jennifer. Go Blue!
Attending the University of Michigan
Thank you so much for your guidance and mentorship Jennifer. Thank you for the last-minute one-on-one meetings, thank you for being understanding when I failed to meet early deadlines because of the stress that I was going through, thank you for everything that you put yourself through to make my application the best it could have possibly been! All of the success that I have experienced during this crazy application process would not have been possible had it not been for your expertise. Because of you, I can now pursue my passion in the best art school in the country!
Attending RISD
Thank you for always being there for me, Kim. I would probably have broken apart without your help. True story!
Attending UCLA
Thank you Jennifer for your invaluable insights into our son and for being so courageously forthright from the beginning. He needed that dose of reality. Your program, philosophy, and guidance are outstanding.
Helen, Son attending USC
Lisa, I honestly wish I could thank you in person. I don't know where I would be right now had I not met you and had your guidance throughout this admissions process. As a first-generation Latina coming from a low-income immigrant background, higher education was something that felt unattainable for a long time. But with your guidance and support, I will be attending an institution I would have never imagined even applying to had it not been for you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. (Pro Bono Client)
Attending Dartmouth College
Lisa, I am happy to say that Sarah has found her home for the next four years and potentially beyond. She has committed to the University of Utah Honors College. She is so excited to be a Ute! Thank you for all of your efforts in helping her get to this wonderful place. We truly could not have done it without you!
Allison, daughter attending the University of Utah Honors College
Kim, I wanted to say thank you for all of the support and encouragement you've given me over the last 12 months. I know it definitely wasn't easy, but Michigan Ross is an amazing place and I'm really happy to be attending the Ross School of Business. Thank you so much! I don't think I could have done it without you!
Attending the Ross School of Business at Michigan
Thank you, Kim, for all of your help and support with Adrianna through this process. I believe at the beginning she did not think she was going to be able to get into college. Through your patience and coaching, she was able to identify a number of colleges to apply to and successfully get into a majority of those colleges. You gave her the confidence she needed during this process we are extremely grateful for all that you did.
Mary, daughter attending St. Mary's College
Working with Chelsea was a wonderful experience! She was incredibly helpful throughout the whole application process, but beyond sound advice, she was really invested in my success and because of her help, I’m at the school that is actually perfect for me!
Attending Tulane University in the Honors Program
Thank you, Kim, from the bottom of my heart. You are sincerely one of the most incredible people I have ever had the pleasure of getting to know. Thank you for everything that you've done for us.
Twins attending UCLA
While trying to juggle the pressures of work, being a full-time college student, and all the extracurriculars I was involved in, I felt reassurance that my transfer applications would excellent because of Chelsea. Chelsea was very thorough and pushed me to open up about the story I had to tell. She gave me tons of information that I would never have known without her help.
Transferred to UC Berkeley
Kimberly, As you remind us to thank our teachers and those who helped us in our journey, I was able to reflect on my own journey; I know I wouldn’t have enjoyed, been challenged, (sometimes) dreaded, but been as excited and confident throughout the process if it wasn’t for your compassionate help when I needed it most! I think today marks the end of Teacher Appreciation Week, and I certainly appreciate you. I’m happy to report I’ll be staying in Southern California pursuing a BFA at USC!!, something I know I wouldn’t be able to say if it wasn’t for your strong, supportive, and kind guidance.
Attending USC