College & Career Counseling
We are expanding educational boundaries by incorporating College & Career Counseling into our core services. We believe that every student—regardless of learning differences or past educational challenges—deserves the tools to achieve their highest aspirations. Our specialized preparedness resources are thoughtfully designed to empower students of all abilities on their path to future success. This is what we call our “Level Up” College Admissions Program.
However, this program is appropriate for students of all abilities.
In our carefully curated "Module One” we take on these topics:
How to fill out the FAFSA and other aid-based platforms such as the CSS Profile
How to Write your college essays and supplemental essays (they are different!)
What is the Common App and which colleges use it
How to use college Net Price Calculators (NPC) to determine what your aid package might look like
Which tests should I take? SAT or ACT? IB or AP? Dual Enrollment?
What are the best extracurricular activities and how much weight do they hold in the overall decision?
What is the best college for me?
Modules Two & Three add Executive Function Skill building and independent living topics that are crucial for college-based success. Read why we are so passionate about this in our article on Executive Functions for College in our Blog section!!
According to 2023 statistics from the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), while California has aggressively lowered its general ratio of counselors over the years from over 500:1 down to 432:1, dedicated college counselors are still treated as luxury line-items in many district budgets. In larger districts, individual high schools frequently report ratios where a tiny handful of college counselors are responsible for entire graduating senior classes. The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) further found that students who are able to secure one-on-one time with a counselor are over 3 times more likely to attend college and twice as likely to enroll in a bachelor's program.
Dr. Heather Miles is uniquely qualified to support students of all abilities in their higher education pursuits. Graduating with distinction from the UCLA Extension Certificate in College Counseling Program, along with maintaining the benefits of supports and resources from HECA, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her sessions with families. Her rates are reasonable and flexible, focusing on only what each student needs and not requiring extensive packages when less is needed. For those families looking for full coverage support, Dr. Miles can provide that, as well.
College Counseling & Support:
A “Three Module” Package
MODULE ONE: Where Are You Going?
MODULE TWO: Setting The Stage For Success
This module is the capstone portion of the curriculum, and is available as a stand alone program for students of all abilities, including our high achievers! It encompasses everything from researching colleges, how to identify cost, what resources are available if there are any learning differences, how to fill out applications, tips and resources for essay writing, and, ultimately, determining which colleges are the "best fit" for each student. Units will correlate with common tasks in the college search and application process, with the family working cohesively through the units, spending more time on those that need more support, and less time on those with little support needed. This module utilizes 50% student participation and 50% parent participation.
*This module can begin as early as the 10th grade, customizable for students needing more time in the process.
A specifically curated Executive Functioning program that addresses the nine non-overlapping scales of Executive Function in a total of 10 units (correlating to each of the nine scales, with an additional module for synthesis and future suggestions). Units correlate to tasks and lessons relevant to success in college. Each student will work through the units, spending more time on those that are less developed, and less time on those that present with little to no impact on success. This module utilizes 80% student participation and 20% parent participation.
*This module is ideally completed in 9th-11th grade, and should be completed prior to module 1, but can be completed simultaneously, if done before the 12th grade.
MODULE THREE: What To Do When You Get There
MIX & MATCH: To include hourly rate
The final module sets the student up for success once they arrive on campus. This module is completed during the spring and summer of Senior year, prior to enrolling in college for the fall. Units in this module focus on weighing financial packages, decision day, making sure requirements are in place for getting accommodations at the Office of Accessibility (OOA), making connections with the OOA/setting up services, choosing roommates, meal plans, classes, crash course in “adulting” and where to go on campus for support.
*This module utilizes 70% student participation, 30% parent participation.
Modules are able to be purchased separately, based on individual student need and starting point in the college search process. Individual modules can include: administration, scoring, and interpretation of the BRIEF-2, planned programming, access, and support to all units in the selected module, and up to 10 hours of IEC support. Additional hours can be purchased, if needed, based on specific needs of each client.
