College Planning College Planning

Philosophy
Students looking to pursue higher education have many options available to them. In providing guidance and support through this process, we hope to empower our students by helping them understand the value of careful planning, research, and self evaluation. The college admission process has changed dramatically over the past twenty years. Families are inundated with media attention around college rankings, brand-name recognition and increased competition. Our goal is to demystify the college admission game and help you navigate the maze of college options to find the best fit for your child. We encourage parents to stay actively involved and welcome regular feedback and consultation. We maintain regular contact with guidance counselors, administrators and admissions personnel and draw on the experience of other educational consultants with whom we enjoy close affiliation. As with all of our programs, it is our intention to provide a comprehensive approach to learning and self-discovery.

The College Planning Program Includes:

• in-depth interview to assess particular needs
• review of all academic records
• assistance with establishing educational and career goals
• exploration of alternative post-secondary opportunities such as, gap year, post-graduate year or work experience
• planning and instruction for college placement exams
• identification of appropriate colleges
• instruction in solid interviewing skills
• preparation for making the most out of the college visit
• review of applications and college essays
• on-going communication with parents and school personnel
• information on financial aid and scholarship opportunities
• review of teacher recommendations and other supplemental materials
• support with the athletic recruitment process

Assessment
We begin with an initial assessment. This includes an interview to we discuss interests, activities and accomplishments. We also review academic records and discuss long-term goals and objectives. Following the initial assessment is complete, we administer interest, career, personality and learning style inventories and interpret these tests with the student.

Research
Once the student has completed the assessment process we discuss academic majors and their relationship to careers. We help the student explore and research a variety of career paths. We provide students with the resources and skills to successfully research colleges and universities and determine a good "fit".

Planning for College Visits
The college selection process requires that the student visit and interview with a variety of schools. We help students establish a list of appropriate schools, advise them on sound interviewing techniques and suggest ways to get the most out of a college visit. We also discuss appropriate communication with admission professionals, coaches, professors and other college representatives and the importance of establishing relationships.

Applications, Essays, Etc.
Once a final selection of schools is determined, we offer guidance with applications, essays and portfolios. We prepare a time-line for completing applications and work with the student's guidance counselor in meeting the school's guidelines.

Additional Services
Group workshops are scheduled periodically that address issues related to college planning and career decision making. In the past, these have included topics on interviewing, the college visit, financial aid, research methods, college study skills and coping with college life.

We draw on a wide range of resources and experience in providing college planning. Our director, David S. Parker, has over 24 years of experience with working with adolescents and college students as a teacher, tutor, counselor and college Dean. As the director of Tutoring & Instructional Services, Inc., he coordinates a group of professional educators who work cooperatively in providing a wide range of academic support and enrichment programs.

The College Planning Team

  David S. Parker -  

• Graduate Studies: Tufts University, M.A. - S.U.N.Y., N.Y.
• B.S. Environmental Education, U.N.H.
• Teacher/Naturalist, Society for the Protection of N.H. Forests
• Activities Director, Simon's Rock College, MA
• Dean of Students, Bard College, NY
• Curriculum Director, Independent Educational Associates
• Director: Tutoring & Instructional Services, Inc.
• Founder and Director: Parker Academy
• Specialties: Sciences, Learning Differences, Private Placement

  Brennan Barnard -  

• The University of Vermont, Burlington, VT - M.Ed. in Education Administration
• Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, PA - B.A. in Psychology/Spanish
• Harvard Institute on College Admissions
• College Counselor, Saint Paul's School Advanced Studies Program, Concord, NH
• Assistant Director of College Counseling, Westtown School, Westtown, PA
• College Counselor, Royal Thai Scholars Program at Brewster Academy, Wolfeboro, NH
• Assistant Director of Admissions, Northfield Mount Hermon School, Northfield, MA
• Teacher-Spanish and Life Skills
• Coach-Wrestling and Cross-Country Running
• Specialties: College and Private School Placement

  Duncan McNeish

• Plymouth State College, Plymouth, NH - M. Ed. Administration/Guidance
• Kent State University, Kent, OH - Master's Studies in History
• Norwich University, Northfield, VT - B.A. in History/English
• Guidance Director, Gilford Middle High School
• Specialties: College Planning

  Jaime Caryl-Klika -  

• Colgate University, Hamilton, NY: B.A. in History & Political Science
• Senior Asst. Dean of Admission, Colgate University
• Admission Counselor, Gettysburg College
• Birth Doula
• Specialties: College Placement