Mrs Jodi Sears

Additional Info

Description of Services : •Guidance for completing and submitting college applications
•Exploration/selection of schools that match student's unique needs: academic, social, and financial. Final list/spreadsheet to include Reach schools, Target schools, and Likely schools.
•Development of 'road map' to ensure all college application deadlines are met
•Preparation for obtaining counselor/teacher letter of recommendations, admissions interviews.
•Clarification of admissions options
•Assistance with admissions decisions
•Sharing of strategies for students to write effective short answers, college essays and personal statements
•Guidance in revising, editing, and refining student's essays
•Helping high school students and/or graduate school applicants to effectively articulate their personal journeys and achievements and to showcase what makes each student special and unique
•Recommendations regarding SAT, ACT, Subject Test and AP exams
•Advice regarding completing financial aid forms (FAFSA and CSS Profile) and terms
•Guidance for students applying for college-specific merit-based aid or private scholarships

Description of Experience : I began volunteering weekly in the College and Career office at our local high school when the official College Counselor position was reduced due to budget cuts. I continued to volunteer in the center for almost eight years, speaking to college representatives and students and helping to manage special projects. I began working privately with students at The Academic Match and Synergy Academics while completing the certificate in the UCLA College Counseling program. As the owner of my own LLC, I have successfully counseled prospective freshman, athletes, transfer and graduate students through the college admissions process and have helped my students secure outstanding merit scholarships. I have also been a speaker at College Nights in local school districts and at tutoring centers in my area.

I enjoy helping students create essays that tell their personal stories and celebrate their uniqueness. I have also experienced the college application process as a parent and believe this gives me additional insight as to the impact these decisions and deadlines can have on a family. My approach is very personalized and I believe the most important role I can fulfill is to properly manage expectations.