Unique list. When finalizing your list of colleges to apply to that meet your academic, financial and social criteria, be certain that you select at least three colleges that also extend the normal scope of your guidance counselor’s recommended schools. In order to achieve this, write down your top five college choices, next, take away all Ivy League schools and selective schools in your state.   In North Carolina, selective schools would include Davidson College, Duke University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Wake Forest University.  Next, take away all highly selective schools in your region. For example, in the South, highly selective schools would include Emory University, University of Virginia and Vanderbilt University.  Three of your schools should be different than the same 25 colleges to which most students are applying.  A qualified educational consultant can help you find phenomenal schools such as Furman University, St John’s College and Wittenberg University which are great schools that are often over looked.

Unique aspects.  Colleges want to know that students took advantage of high school offerings, the rigor of a student’s coursework and their performance, but they also want to know the ways in which you are unique and how you can contribute to the incoming class.  College application essays are the perfect opportunity to demonstrate your unique abilities.  Avoid writing about common subjects and highlight something about yourself that is unusual.  Are you a passionate pyrotechnic expert for your school theatre?  Can you multitask with multi-cell organisms?  Is your ability to juggle school and community akin to your ability to juggle swords?  The unusual will catch an admissions officer’s attention and highlight your unique personality.

Unique timelines. Although most students will apply to myriad colleges by January 15th, be different and submit all of your applications, regardless of early or regular decision, before November 1st.  This will be advantageous in many ways.  It will decrease the stress of the holidays for you and your family, it will decrease the work load of your senior year and most importantly, strong applications submitted before November are eligible for significant financial aid and merit awards.

An approach that diverges from the normal course of action will be needed in the upcoming admission cycle.  A unique approach will offer strategies suited for admissions success.

Crisp Consulting + Coaching has information regarding admission, education and school options on our Facebook page, Google+, Twitter and  YouTube Channel.  Click here to schedule your free forty-five minute college, graduate school or boarding school admissions consultation.  Learn how Crisp Consulting + Coaching assists families in navigating the admissions process.

Brian D. Crisp is an independent educational consultant with Crisp Consulting + Coaching who works with families in Asheville, Charleston, Raleigh-Durham and Savannah to optimize and realize their unique educational fit and admission success. As a former professor, administrator, and teacher, Brian has the knowledge and skills to counsel families in all aspects of educational planning.

The college admissions process is more competitive for several reasons: 1) there are a record number of 3.2 million high school seniors applying to college 2) many of the students are applying to schools submitting over 20 applications 3) international applications are rapidly increasing with China and Saudi Arabia contributing hundreds of thousands of applicants per year and 4) colleges and universities are not increasing  spaces for enrollment.

There are no admissions guarantees in today’s application climate.  Although the numbers are startling and can provide insights to the current competitive nature of admissions, examination of the initial college application list is required. This foundational step has the potential for future success in the admissions cycle.  Yet, this is where students make myriad mistakes. Crisp Consulting + Coaching would like to offer the following strategies that consider the competitive admissions climate while constructing a college application list.

Number One. Focus your college search on your personal academic, financial and social parameters and avoid focusing on rankings and brand names. Use multiple resources in the college search process. Guide books such as The Hidden Ivies and the Yale Daily News Insiders Guide to College can supplement college search sites such as The College Board’s Big Future. Also, consult a qualified educational consultant. A consultant who is a member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association and National Association of College Admission Counseling can provide professional insights about the academic and social climates of many campuses while assisting families through the maze of financial aid and scholarships.

Number Sense. Your college application list should make sense and be both balanced and manageable. Students applying to more than 20 schools are adding stress to an already taxing time.  The majority of the list should be schools with acceptance rates of 35 percent to 60 percent.  There are many wonderful schools with acceptance rates above 50 percent. At Crisp Consulting + Coaching, we help students finalize a list of no more than eight schools.  This reduces an application frenzy and avoids information overload during the acceptance period. It is important for students to have a balanced college list of schools where they will be happy and successful.

Prime Number.  The students academic, social and financial goals are primary.  Your list should treat each school with respect and provide many avenues for success.  Avoid using terminology such as “first tier” and “reach school” or “safety.”  These terms can set you up for disappointment as they imply “I’ll never get in” or “I’m settling for less.”   Instead, think of your list as several different and exciting opportunities that will lead you to success.

The admissions data for the class of 2017 seems overwhelming with many schools reporting acceptance rates under 12 percent. Look beyond the Ivy League and name recognition to aspects of fit.  There are over 3,000 colleges and universities in the U.S. and many of them accept over 60 percent of applicants.  Don’t panic since there are many schools that will provide wonderful opportunities while assisting you to reach your academic and personal goals.

Crisp Consulting + Coaching has information regarding admission, education and school options on our Facebook page, Google+, Twitter feed and  YouTube Channel.

Brian D. Crisp is an independent educational consultant with Crisp Consulting + Coaching who works with families in Asheville, Charleston, Raleigh-Durham and Savannah to optimize and realize their unique educational fit and admission success. As a former professor, administrator, and teacher, Brian has the knowledge and skills to counsel families in all aspects of educational planning.

How times have changed.  Contemporary college admissions offices are well versed in marketing and branding with prime campus real estate serving as welcome centers. Information sessions consist of beautifully designed multi-media presentations that are followed by eloquent admissions officers heralding the school’s academic offerings, unique research opportunities, noteworthy study abroad programs and impassioned student life.  Afterwards, a well-trained student ambassador leads a campus tour highlighting the iconic features of the college.  Yet, a successful campus visit should detail many sites and activities not included in the official university presentation.  These will allow a student to better understand the true dynamics of the schools that are critical in making final admissions decisions.  Crisp Consulting + Coaching would like to offer the following strategies for executing a successful campus visit:

Plan ahead.  Planning is essential to a successful college visit. A student, not a parent, should contact the admissions office about information session and tour times.  During this initial contact, inquire about visiting an academic department or professor of interest, eating in one of the school’s cafeteria, attending a student event occurring during your visit and speaking with your regional admissions representative.  Do not forget to include specific parking instructions as this can be the most frustrating detail for families.  Virtual tours from admissions websites or Campus Tours will help you understand the layout of the campus before your arrival.  Once you have all this information, plan an itinerary that allows for an arrival to the admissions office at least twenty minutes early and for extra time to explore the school.

Plan it all.   Seeing all of the school is critical and this will require families to go beyond the confines of the information session and tour.  Primarily, investigate all of the campuses.  Some tours will only highlight the iconic campus featured in marketing materials and leave out other campuses where students spend time.  On your visit, take a bus or drive to these campuses and see their offerings.  Also, investigate the student union, cafeterias, arts spaces and athletic facilities. These are major activities hubs and will give a clear indication of student life on campus.  While walking on the campus glance at the student flyers, take a copy of the campus paper and investigate the calendar of student events as all of these will provide an in-depth view of the school.

The General’s Plan.  The general of this visit should be the student and each student should come prepared with specific questions for admissions officers and student ambassadors.  In information sessions, parents often ask questions for the students.  This does not empower the student nor does it provide the opportunity for a student to make a connection with the admissions staff.  A thoughtful question will make a great impression.  If a parent has a question, it should be about the parent perspective and in the voice of the parent.  Otherwise, encourage your student to do the talking.

Plan a follow-up note. Obtain a business card from your regional admissions officer and send a thank-you note detailing the highlights of your campus visit.  A sincere note of gratitude is essential and makes you memorable.

A college visit that exceeds the university sanctioned information sessions and campus tours will be essential in determining college fit and success.  Students will have information that informs the application process and a better understanding of campus life.   This is a great way to prepare for admissions success.

Crisp Consulting + Coaching has information regarding admission, education and school options on our Facebook page, Google+, Twitter feed and  YouTube Channel.

Brian D. Crisp is an independent educational consultant with Crisp Consulting + Coaching who works with families in Asheville, Charleston, Raleigh-Durham and Savannah to optimize and realize their unique educational fit and admission success. As a former professor, administrator, and teacher, Brian has the knowledge and skills to counsel families in all aspects of educational planning.

Change of Venue.  The CA4 will be exclusively an online application. The Common App will no longer be available in paper  nor will it be a downloadable document for mailing.  This is only for the student applicant.  Counselors and teachers will still have the option to submit via paper.

Change of Supplements.  The Athletic Supplement will be completely discontinued and replaced with information about athletics on the  application itself.  Admission officers can forward this information to coaches and athletic departments.  In addition, The Arts Supplement will be hosted by Sideroom. This is only applicable to colleges and universities having an exclusive arrangement with the Common App and Sideroom.  All other members may host individual art supplements.

Change in Alteration.  The CA4 will simplify the ability to create alternate versions of an application.  Students will be able to make unlimited edits to the application with the exception of the essay. The essay will allow for three submitted versions with corrections and updates permitted.

Change of Writes. The CA4 will debut five new writing topics:

•  Some students have a background or story that is so central to their identity that they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
• Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what lessons did you learn?
• Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act?  Would you make the same decision again?
• Describe a place or environment where you are perfectly content. What do you do or experience there, and why is it meaningful to you?
• Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family.

The traditional short answer about an extracurricular activity will be moved to the writing section as optional writing for colleges.  The Common App will enforce 250- to 650-word boundaries and all written material will be text-entry only.  This will allow students to compose their responses directly in the application or cut-and-paste a response from another word processing program.  Additionally, the the CA4 will allow for basic formatting of bold, italics, underline, and accented characters.

Change of form.  The CA4 will introduce a new form for non-academic evaluations that can be submitted by peers, coaches, clergy, instructors, or others.This will not be universal and will be decided upon by each individual college or university.

In the meantime, the Common Application is working with various membership organizations to provide training sessions and answer counselor questions.  This is in hopes of ensuring a smooth launch of August 1, 2013.

Crisp Consulting + Coaching has information regarding admission, education and school options on our Facebook page, Google+, Twitter and  YouTube Channel.  Click here to schedule your free forty-five minute college, graduate school or boarding school admissions consultation.  Learn how Crisp Consulting + Coaching assists families in navigating the admissions process.

Brian D. Crisp is an independent educational consultant with Crisp Consulting + Coaching who works with families in Asheville, Charleston, Raleigh-Durham and Savannah to optimize and realize their unique educational fit and admission success. As a former professor, administrator, and teacher, Brian has the knowledge and skills to counsel families in all aspects of educational planning.

The new version of the Common App will launch for the 2013-2014 admissions cycle. Scott Anderson, Director of Outreach for The Common Application, notes that the changes are necessary to accommodate the increased volume of applications. The revision process is being guided by a 15-member Outreach Advisory Committee, comprised of school-based and college-access counselors. Crisp Consulting + Coaching would like to highlight a few of the upcoming changes to the Common App.

Changed Essays. Students will no longer have the option of writing an essay on the topic of their choice, instead, the application will feature four or five new questions each year. “These counselors have the goal of identifying at least one new essay prompt that is broad enough to permit students to address situations of personal significance, but not so broad as ‘Topic of your choice,’” Anderson noted.  The system will prevent students from submitting an essay of more than 500 words and students will cut and paste the text, rather than upload the document to enforce the 250-to-500 word range. The essay length restriction creates a “level playing field (to the extent that is possible) for all applicants,” said Anderson, “An enforced limit is not open to interpretation. Going forward, well-counseled students will be playing by exactly the same rules as their uncounseled or under-counseled peers.”

Changed Displays. The current application displays a long list of questions online that students must tediously sort through and answer. The Common App for 2013 will simplify things by only showing one or a small handful of questions at a time, and will use the applicants answers to determine which set of questions to display next that are relevant to the application.

Changed Prompts. Instead of students submitting online Common Apps that may have answers cut off or incomplete, the 2013 version will display pop up boxes, prompting applicants to preview their application to identify areas where such issues can be corrected before submission.

The decision to makeover the Common Application will cost between $7-8 million, and will allow the system to accommodate the millions of online applications received each year, as well as encourage more colleges and universities to accept the Common App.

Crisp Consulting + Coaching has information regarding admission, education and school options on our Facebook page, Google+, Twitter and  YouTube Channel.  Click here to schedule your free forty-five minute college, graduate school or boarding school admissions consultation.  Learn how Crisp Consulting + Coaching assists families in navigating the admissions process.

Brian D. Crisp is an independent educational consultant with Crisp Consulting + Coaching who works with families in Asheville, Charleston, Raleigh-Durham and Savannah to optimize and realize their unique educational fit and admission success. As a former professor, administrator, and teacher, Brian has the knowledge and skills to counsel families in all aspects of educational planning.

Be all you can be. Course selection and rigor is always considered in the admissions office. Examine the requirements for graduation and college entrance.  Each state has similar requirements for its core curriculum. In North Carolina, examine the North Carolina Scholars requirement.  Once you understand these requirements, register for elective courses that support your passion.  If you are a visual artist, seek all the visual art and art history courses at your school.  If you are interested in marketing, register for as many business and marketing courses offered at your school.  Admissions officers will appreciate your focus and developing passion will benefit your future career and your application.

Be academically balanced. Work to your best ability in all your classes without sacrificing an inordinate amount of time in one subject at the demise of other grades. In courses that you excel, register for Honors or Advanced Placement offerings.  Most importantly, always work hard and dedicate extra time to after class discussions with teachers. A continual upward trajectory in grades and scores always impresses an admissions officer.

Be mindful of your college list. With all college searches, the focus should be academic, financial and social fit.  Examine the academic qualities of the school paying attention to the average accepted GPA, class percentiles and the median ACT and SAT scores. Do not confuse a school with a higher acceptance rate with a lackluster education.  Schools such as Baylor University, Pepperdine University and the University of Alabama provide a phenomenal education.

Be amazing. Set yourself apart by contributing to your community and participating fully.  Your activities should support your passions and demonstrate depth and commitment.  Involvement and leadership over four years in a few clubs fairs better than a smattering of many clubs with nominal participation. This mindset should also influence your summers.  An engaging summer is an amazing opportunity to distinguish yourself from your peers.

A student with a solid B grade point average has many options. There are over 2000 colleges and universities that have acceptance rates above 50% and courses filled with B students.

Crisp Consulting + Coaching has information regarding admission, education and school options on our Facebook page, Google+, Twitter feed and  YouTube Channel.

Brian D. Crisp is an independent educational consultant with Crisp Consulting + Coaching who works with families in Asheville, Charleston, Raleigh-Durham and Savannah to optimize and realize their unique educational fit and admission success. As a former professor, administrator, and teacher, Brian has the knowledge and skills to counsel families in all aspects of educational planning.

Prepare for privacy.  When looking at online admissions decisions, do so in private.  Removing yourself from your high school campus and allow yourself some space to receive a positive or negative message.  When many of your classmates are applying to the same school, an admissions decision will affect all applicants.  A private place with family and close friends will offer the best support regardless of the decisions.

Prepare an announcement. Examine with whom you should share you admissions news.  There is no precedence to tell admissions decision to everyone.  In fact, modesty, again, is a desirable trait.  You are in control with whom you share.  It is desirable to inform your counselor and all of your recommendation  writers.  When sharing your news, it is acceptable to ask for privacy.

Prepare for college visits.  The spring semester is a prime time to visit college campuses where you were accepted.  This planning should be done well in advance to prepare for a worthwhile experience.  Visiting a campus offers you the opportunity to meet members of the campus community and explore the area surrounding the campus.  Contact admissions offices to request their schedules for campus tours and information sessions.

Prepare for rejection. Do not take a denial personally. College admissions officers have to make difficult decisions and often have more qualified candidates than spaces in an upcoming class.  Sending a nasty e-mail or letter is not appropriate.  Most students and families ask, “What else could I have done? Why didn’t they like me? Wasn’t I good enough?” Admissions officers have to delimit and deny some rather accomplished and talented students.  Deal with the rejection by focusing and exploring the colleges that accepted you.

Crisp Consulting + Coaching has information regarding admission, education and school options on our Facebook page, Google+, Twitter feed and  YouTube Channel.

Brian D. Crisp is an independent educational consultant with Crisp Consulting + Coaching who works with families in Asheville, Charleston, Raleigh-Durham and Savannah to optimize and realize their unique educational fit and admission success. As a former professor, administrator, and teacher, Brian has the knowledge and skills to counsel families in all aspects of educational planning.

Prepare an inventory.  Take an honest stock of who you are and what you want out of a four-year education. In this process, honesty will be essential.  Ask yourself pivotal questions that will guide your college search: How do I learn best? What environmental, cultural or other influences truly matter? Why? In what kind of community do I hope to live for the next four years?

Prepare to meet and work with a college counselor. Examine what resources are available to you at your school.  The college admissions process takes dedicated time and advocacy.  If your are not being seen every two weeks by a school counselor, contact an educational consultant who can guide you throughout the process. These professionals, either independent or public, should be members of professional organizations such as the Higher Education Consultants Association, Independent Educational Consultants Association and the National Association of College Admissions Counselors (Crisp Consulting + Coaching is a member in good standing with all organizations).

Prepare your academic prowess. Admissions officers will want to see exemplary grades in a challenging curriculum as this will help them determine if you will succeed on their campuses. Most college courses are seminars with active student engagement and discussion. Let your teachers know when a topic ignites your curiosity. Pursue these interests outside of your courses.  This will benefit your own understanding and prepare teachers in their writing of letters of recommendation.  In addition, your course schedule should reflect rigorous courses in the traditional core academic subjects: English, math, science, history and foreign language.

Prepare for ACT, SAT, OMG! Schedule a meeting your your educational consultant, college counselor and parents to discuss and schedule college entrance exams. Many colleges accept either the ACT or the SAT.  After determining which test would be most beneficial, register online for your preferred test date and site.  Check the admissions and scholarship requirements as some will require SAT Subject Tests. Prepare for the tests by studying and taking practice tests. Get plenty of rest on the days leading up to the test and eat a healthy breakfast before each one.

Prepare an initial list. Now is the time to prepare an initial college application list. The first list should cast a wide net and contain 20 – 30 schools you would consider for more information.  This is not your final list, but a first draft that will require more research and discussions.  This research should included college fairs, guidebooks, websites, guidance counselors and educational consultants.

Prepare for college visits.  The spring semester is a prime time to visit college campuses.  This planning should be done in well in advance to prepare for a worthwhile experience.  Visiting a campus offers you the opportunity to meet members of the campus community and explore the area surrounding the campus.  Contact admissions offices to request their schedules for campus tours and information sessions.

Prepare your portfolio. Although it may be tempting to throw away papers from your English and history courses, yet do not.  Many schools, especially those who are test optional, will require applicants to submit graded academic papers. Collecting these papers now and tucking them away in a secure place will save you time from having to search for these when you are ready to apply to colleges in the fall.

Prepare your summer ventures.  While the summer months are certainly a time to rest and recharge, you should talk to your educational consultant about potential summer activities. There is still time for you to seek employment, register for a summer program, take a summer course at a college or university, or volunteer in your local area. Remember to choose your summer activities and experiences based on what areas you have a genuine interest in and are passionate about, not what you think will be impressive to a college or university.

Crisp Consulting + Coaching has information regarding admission, education and school options on our Facebook page, Google+, Twitter feed and  YouTube Channel.

Brian D. Crisp is an independent educational consultant with Crisp Consulting + Coaching who works with families in Asheville, Charleston, Raleigh-Durham and Savannah to optimize and realize their unique educational fit and admission success. As a former professor, administrator, and teacher, Brian has the knowledge and skills to counsel families in all aspects of educational planning.

Prepare a list.  Before attending a college fair, consult with several college guides.  There are many reputable sources including Baron’s Profile of American Colleges, The College Board’s Big Future, The Fiske Guide to Colleges, Princeton Review’s Best 376 Colleges and Yale Daily News’ Insiders Guide to Colleges.  From these resources, identify schools that interest you and meet your criteria for academic, financial and social fit.  Discuss these choices with your parents, your guidance counselor and your educational consultant.  Once your list is completed, verify who will be attending the fair, this will allow you to navigate the fair efficiently as you can obtain a floor plan and highlight the colleges identified without wandering aimlessly through the booths.

Prepare to make contact.  Introduce yourself, shake hands with the admissions representative  and request a business card and any pertinent information the school has to offer.  Since most college fairs register participants digitally, schools will have a way to capture your name, address and e-mail via preprinted barcode.  If the fair you are attending is not digitally equipped, make an adhesive label with your name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, high school and graduation year.  Do not add your GPA, rank in class or SAT scores, as some admissions officers will think this to be gauche.  Your time at the college fair should be spent engaging colleges in dialogue and not filling out forms.

Prepare Questions.  Admissions officers appreciate questions, especially if those questions cannot be answered from a quick visit to a school’s website.  Making a prepared list of questions regarding academics, social activities and financial aid will prompt your conversation. You should also take notes as these will be helpful in finalizing a list of schools to which you will apply. When asking questions, take your time and remember to look the admission officers in the eye.  Some sample questions may include:
What are some traditions unique to your campus?
Are the SAT II’s required or recommended?
How are standardized test scores read in the admissions office?

Martha Kimmel, International Admission Counselor at Furman University adds:

I’m always impressed with the students who intentionally come to my table,     introduce themselves with a handshake and ask about a specific program on     which they have done some background research.  It is best that the student     initiates the conversation rather than the parent.  Of course, we are happy to     answer mom and dad’s questions, too, but they are not the ones applying!
Students who demonstrate interest in academic programs and co-curricular     opportunities make an impression as they are demonstrating they potentially will     contribute as much as they gain from them by being active participants.    If the     student’s first question is about the dining hall food or the dorm rooms, I’m     less impressed (though those are great follow up questions).

College fairs are an essential part of the college admissions process as they allow colleges and students to make initial contact.  Remember, college representatives love it when students come to the college fairs prepared and admissions officers will assess your personal profile by how you conduct yourself during these introductions.

Crisp Consulting + Coaching has information regarding admission, education and school options on our Facebook page, Google+, Twitter feed  and  YouTube Channel.
Brian D. Crisp is an independent educational consultant with Crisp Consulting + Coaching who works with families in Asheville, Charleston, Raleigh-Durham and Savannah to optimize and realize their unique educational fit and admission success. As a former professor, administrator, and teacher, Brian has the knowledge and skills to counsel families in all aspects of educational planning

Look high and low.  Students should consider their artistic talents and academic strengths when selecting a summer program.  A young woman with a passion for writing may consider Smith College’s Young Women’s Writing Workshop.  A young man interested in contemporary political and environmental issues may undertake the LENS program at Wake Forest University.  An aspiring pianist may want to spend the summer at Brevard Music Center.  A student should capitalize on academic interest or creative talent to demonstrate an intellectual passion for learning that goes beyond the confines of the academic year and the walls of the classroom.

Look Into. Students who have ample experience in summer programs should also consider community service or work.  Volunteering or working in a job that correlates with an academic pursuit is another way to demonstrate intellectual passion.  A student with a passion for animals and veterinarian medicine could spend a summer volunteering at the local Human Society.  Working as a patient transporter at the local hospital can demonstrate your aspirations of medical school.  It is a mistake to rely on parental connections to secure a high-level internship with the banking industry or a law firm.  Admission officers will view this as a disconnect with your true passions and aspirations. Working is a definite option for students who come from a background that is perceived as privileged. A zip code such as 90210 and a boarding school pedigree can make for competitive course in admissions.  Working can highlight a venue of learning that can balance this perception while offering some useful and practical skills.

Look Carefully. Select a summer path because it aligns with your future goals and not because of a brand name.  Students are always shocked when hearing that attending the Brown Pre-College Program will not secure their admission to Brown University or that the Vanderbilt PAVE program has little bearing on the upcoming Vanderbilt admissions.   Outside of the Yale Ivy Scholars with its very low acceptance rate, many of these programs have high acceptances or are first-come-first-serve.  In addition, schools turn a substantial profit with summer programs for high school students. Vet the program carefully and examine if it supports your  intellectual and creative development .  Also, examine the leadership and faculty of the program.  If the best program for your passion is at a local college, then that should be your summer focus.

Whether you are working at the local recycling center inventing new systems for sustainability or studying film history in Southern California, your summers should demonstrate your passions outside the classroom.  These strategies can make a difference in the admission office and lead to a rewarding and fulfilling summer and, if you plan accordingly, there will be ample time to sit by the pool.

Crisp Consulting + Coaching has information regarding admission, education and school options on our Facebook page, Google+, Twitter feed  and  YouTube Channel.

Brian D. Crisp is an independent educational consultant with Crisp Consulting + Coaching who works with families in Asheville, Charleston, Raleigh-Durham and Savannah to optimize and realize their unique educational fit and admission success. As a former professor, administrator, and teacher, Brian has the knowledge and skills to counsel families in all aspects of educational planning.