Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to the Ahead of the App FAQ — aka the place where your burning questions meet their destiny.
Not sure how this works? Confused about what a “College Story” even is? Wondering if your teen will spontaneously combust from stress (spoiler: they won’t, but we’ve got strategies just in case)? You're in the right place. Dive in, get comfy, and if you don’t see your question here — just reach out! We love a good chat almost as much as a good college story.
FAQ's
Q: What if my student changes direction halfway through the process?
It’s completely normal—and actually a good thing! As teens grow, their interests evolve. Adolescence is about exploration, trial and error, and discovering what truly excites them. Changing paths doesn’t mean they’re lost; it means they’re learning and growing. Every new interest adds depth to their story. Colleges value thoughtful, curious students who take ownership of their growth. The goal isn’t to have it all figured out but to build an authentic, evolving narrative that reflects who your student really is.
Q: How soon should my student start working with Ahead of the App™?
The earlier, the better! Ideally, students begin anytime from the summer before 8th grade up to the summer before 11th grade. This allows enough time for thoughtful academic exploration, career and volunteer experiences, and building a cohesive story that stands out.
Q: Do you help with college application essays or choosing colleges?
No, Ahead of the App™ focuses on building your student’s authentic narrative and strategic planning before the application stage. I do not write or review essays, nor recommend specific colleges. However, I partner with college advisors and am happy to recommend trusted professionals when you’re ready for that step.
Q: How much time should I expect my student to commit each month?
Typically, coaching involves one focused one-hour session per month, plus check-ins via email or text as needed. Students are encouraged to spend additional time on planning, exploring, and practicing new skills outside of sessions.
Q: Do you help with volunteer or community service hours?
Absolutely. We explore volunteer opportunities that align with your student’s story and interests—helping meet many high schools’ community service requirements while adding meaningful experiences to their narrative. I’ll provide a curated list of relevant organizations and opportunities, but students will take the lead by making the calls, signing up, and showing up themselves. This fosters ownership, confidence, and real-world responsibility—all key parts of their college-bound journey.
Q: Will my student get help deciding between the SAT and ACT?
Yes! I’ll guide your student through understanding the key differences between the SAT and ACT—including format, timing, and focus—and help determine which test best suits their learning style, cognitive strengths, and personal preferences. From there, we’ll develop a smart testing strategy early in the process. While I don’t provide test prep or tutoring, I can recommend a range of trusted resources, both free and paid, to support their preparation. Ultimately, this will be a family and student decision, especially since many colleges remain test-optional.
Q: What makes you uniquely qualified to guide my student through this college prep journey?
I’m not just a certified coach and credentialed California teacher—I’ve also been a life coach for nearly a decade, supporting countless individuals through personal growth and transformation. On top of that, I’m a parent who’s walked this path, plus a former corporate Vice President with a business degree. That corporate leadership experience sharpened my skills in strategic planning, goal-setting, and meeting deadlines—exactly what students need to navigate this complex process with confidence. Combining nearly ten years of life coaching expertise, real-world business savvy, deep educational insight, and personal experience, I help students uncover who they truly are and build a purposeful, authentic narrative that will resonate with colleges.
Q: What if my student is overwhelmed and struggles with organization or motivation?
That’s part of what we’ll work on. I bring nearly a decade of life coaching experience to help students with executive functioning skills like time management, prioritization, and follow-through. We also explore tools and methods like time-blocking, the Pomodoro technique, and custom routines that support their unique learning style.
Q: Do you work with all types of students or just high-achievers?
Not at all. I work with students at every academic level. What matters most is a willingness to grow, reflect, and explore—not a perfect GPA or resume. Whether your student is excelling, still finding their footing, or somewhere in between, I meet them where they are.
Q: How important are test scores today—and what matters more now?
With many colleges remaining test-optional, a strong SAT or ACT score can definitely help—but it’s no longer the only path to standing out. What’s becoming even more important is a compelling personal story paired with the best grades a student can earn, especially when looking at weighted vs. unweighted GPA.
I help students focus on building that story over time—connecting academics, experiences, and interests into a cohesive narrative that highlights who they are and where they're going. This intentional strategy can make the difference when test scores aren’t front and center.
Q: Will my student be expected to do things on their own?
Yes—and that’s intentional. While I offer personalized coaching and structured guidance, the student takes ownership of their path. Whether it’s following up on volunteer opportunities, reaching out to clubs, or reflecting on experiences, the process helps develop confidence, responsibility, and independence—qualities that matter in college and life.
Q: How is this different from what my student’s school counselor or college advisor provides?
School counselors and college advisors do incredible work—but their time is often limited, and their focus is typically on logistics: course selection, college lists, and application deadlines.
Ahead of the App™ offers something different: personalized, one-to-one coaching that dives deeper into who your student is becoming. We focus on building self-awareness, exploring passions, making strategic choices, and shaping a compelling narrative long before applications are due. It’s not about picking a college—it’s about helping your student grow into the kind of applicant (and person) colleges want.
This process is ongoing, intentional, and rooted in connection. I partner with your family to make sure your student feels seen, supported, and confident—academically and personally.
Q: Why is starting early and planning intentionally so important?
Building a strong, authentic college application story can’t be rushed—there’s no time to cram three years of community service, real-world experiences, and academic exploration into 11th grade alone. We focus on consistent, purposeful growth, touching on executive functioning, time management, study skills, organization, and academic and career exploration. This ongoing process helps students develop critical skills and uncover their strengths long before application deadlines, making their journey not only more manageable but genuinely enriching.
Q: How do you help students find meaningful experiences that shape their personal story?
College admissions isn’t just about grades and test scores—it’s about the unique story students create through their activities, jobs, and community involvement. I take a strategic, hands-on approach to uncover volunteer and job opportunities that genuinely align with each student’s interests and strengths. This thoughtful exploration takes time and trial-and-error, because teenagers’ passions evolve. By staying one step ahead, we make sure they have the time and space to explore what truly matters, creating a cohesive, compelling narrative that stands out in applications.
Q: What will my student have at the end of this process?
By the end of our work together, your student will have a clear, compelling personal narrative that highlights their unique strengths, experiences, and passions. They’ll have strategically planned coursework, community service, extracurricular activities, and real-world experiences—all thoughtfully aligned to build a cohesive story that sets them apart in the college admissions process. Your student will also understand how their social media presence can impact admissions, know which test (ACT or SAT) suits their learning style best, and be guided on how to demonstrate genuine interest to colleges. Beyond the story itself, they’ll gain essential skills like time management, organization, and self-awareness—preparing them not just for applications, but for life beyond high school.
Q: How will we accomplish this?
We take a personalized, step-by-step approach tailored to your student’s evolving interests and strengths. Through one-on-one coaching sessions, I guide your student in exploring academic paths, career and volunteer opportunities, and understanding their personality and cognitive style through assessments. We also cover strategic test planning (ACT vs. SAT) based on learning preferences, managing their social media footprint thoughtfully, and decoding what colleges look for in demonstrated interest and engagement. Using proven time management and study techniques, your student will build executive functioning skills and an authentic narrative over time. This process requires intentional planning, reflection, and flexibility, keeping your student one step ahead as they prepare confidently for every part of the college journey.
Q: Will you help my student choose colleges?
I don’t recommend specific colleges—but I do help students identify what matters most in a school: size, location, majors, campus life, academic support, and more. By exploring these factors early, your student builds a personalized college “fit” profile—so when it’s time to apply, they already know what they’re looking for. I’m also happy to refer trusted college advisors when that time comes.
Does this kind of coaching really make a difference for college admissions?
Yes! According to the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), the most selective colleges are increasingly emphasizing non-academic factors like personal essays, extracurriculars, and demonstrated interest. Ahead of the App™ helps students stand out beyond GPA and test scores by crafting a personal narrative that is thoughtful, authentic, and aligned with their goals.
✍️ In a 2023 survey, 57% of admissions officers said a well-crafted personal statement was one of the most important factors in evaluating borderline applicants.
Is it true that students feel unprepared for college?
Yes—and it’s preventable. A study by the Higher Education Research Institute found that over 50% of college freshmen felt emotionally or academically unprepared for the transition. Ahead of the App™ addresses this with coaching on time management, self-advocacy, cognitive strengths, and real-life readiness—long before move-in day.
Why start this process before sophomore or junior year?
Students who begin college planning before 10th grade are more likely to feel confident and less overwhelmed during the application season. Early planning allows time for meaningful exploration, stronger academic choices, and the opportunity to build a unique personal story—before deadlines loom.
🔎 A 2020 ACT report found that students who planned for college early were more likely to meet college readiness benchmarks in all four subject areas.
Still have questions?
Totally understandable—this process has more twists than a teenager’s sleep schedule.
If our FAQ didn’t cover it, we’re just a message away.
Reach out — we’re real humans (probably in comfy sweats), are ready to chat and help however we can. No pressure. No panic. Just support, guidance, and maybe a virtual cup of tea.