College Planning • College Admission Consulting • College Search •
Application Development • Essay Assistance

For most students there is no single right choice.

There are usually several good choices of colleges. But often, families are not aware of all the available options. That’s one of the ways we can help. After carefully assessing the student’s strengths, goals, desires and needs, as well as the family’s college planning objectives, wishes and requirements, we give the student a list of colleges/universities to investigate. We then help the student and family to narrow this list into a reasonable number of schools to visit. This is a fluid process; we add and subtract schools as the student discovers more about his/her own likes and dislikes, and learns more about college academics and campus life. This process will culminate with the list of colleges/ universities to which the student will apply. We strive to establish realistic and achievable goals. The right college fits the student.

Here are some of the ways we help our clients plan their college decision strategy:

• Identify college characteristics
• Plan campus visits
• Prepare for interviews
• Decide if early action or early admission is right for you
• Provide guidance in preparing “three-dimensional” applications
• Critique and evaluate all application material
• Assist in corresponding with college offices and special-interest faculty
• Work with families to enhance the relationship between the student and the high school guidance counselor
• Advise students concerning the selection of teachers who will write recommendations
• Assist students and families with the final choice
• Prepare students and families on what to expect during the first year

Here is what one parent had to say:

Marilyn was the perfect fit for my daughter. Her low-key, quiet approach immediately put my daughter at ease and minimized her anxiety. Marilyn has the ability to listen patiently, provide support for both the student and parents yet efficiently guide them through the maze of requirements and activities to get through the college application and selection process. She is fair, firm when necessary, and always respectful of the thoughts and feelings of the student. She is very knowledgeable and easily accesses needed information. My daughter loved working with her and wound up being accepted at her first choice school. We would not have thought of that school if Marilyn had not suggested it. My daughter has almost completed her freshman year and is extremely happy and is making a smooth and wonderful adjustment to college life.. We highly recommend Marilyn Emerson. Parents, University of Michigan, Class of 2008

More about college planning from CPS:

We limit our enrollment to ensure personal attention and quality.

You can begin the process by contacting us by email or telephone to set up our first consultation. The consultation will take place in our office or via the telephone for our long distance clients. Clients living within driving distance are seen by appointment in our office in Chappaqua, New York. We will schedule appointments in Manhattan for our clients living in New York City or New Jersey.

College Planning Services, Inc. 84 Old Farm Road North Chappaqua, New York 10514 914-747-1760 fax 914-992-7818 mgse@collplan.com

...and in NYC:     111 East 85th Street     New York, NY 10028     212-671-1972

Given the nature of the admissions process and the selectivity of many educational institutions, we cannot guarantee admission to any institution.