FAQs

Yes, we provide our families with the most up to date information, as policies change daily. We are guided by the universities, testing boards, and professional associations. In addition, due to the current situation, we offer all of our services virtually.

We will meet students at any point along their college journey. Ideally, we suggest meeting students early in their high school career, which will help us guide individualized curricular choices, set priorities, and discuss extracurricular activities.

We will meet with a student as frequently as the family requests, though we recommend one to two meetings annually during the 9th, and 10th grade years. By late fall of 11th grade, we suggest more regular meetings to fulfill the planning needs of the individual applicant, working consistently until applications are submitted.

Meetings take place in our offices in either Santa Monica or Brentwood. In addition we also offer the capability to meet virtually. As students have very demanding schedules, we will do our best to accommodate their particular needs.

We encourage all of our students to develop and maintain a strong and positive relationship with their high school counselors. We do not consider ourselves to be replacements for students’ school counselors. However, we recognize that school counselors must work with a tremendous number of students and may not provide the personalized services we offer. We will create a complete college admissions plan, identifying schools that best match students’ needs and interests. Additionally, we offer application management, including a master deadline schedule, with automatic reminders and an organizational platform that consolidates all application material and information.

Using a highly individualized approach, we will work with students to communicate their unique and authentic story and voice. We will not write essays for the students, but we will support their efforts, from brainstorming through submission.

Yes. We believe that every experience and accolade enriches your student’s story. Whether your student is waiting tables, splitting the atom, or attending overnight camp, there is inherent value in his/her journey that shapes who they are as a person and an applicant. We offer resources and advice on identifying and applying to summer programs that can augment his/her personal story and provide unique opportunities to learn and grow.

Yes, we are happy to work with transfer students.

Yes, we work with international students to address their unique needs and situations.

The answer is a qualified yes. We can still support student athletes through the complex application process, but we do not have specific expertise in the college recruiting process.

Yes. We can work with your family to follow the guidelines, portfolio, and audition requirements set forth by the individual institutions.

No. However, we are happy to suggest a list of qualified, unaffiliated tutors.

Don’t panic, there’s still time. We will meet your students wherever they are in the college planning process.

No. We hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards and will not complete any part of the student’s application. Our services are limited to an advisory role, such as brainstorming, research, feedback, and editorial suggestions. Along these lines, we will not be responsible for, or have access to, any passwords used by the students for applications, test scores, Naviance, or any other tool employed in the college application process. We gladly will support our students as they personally submit their applications.

No. We cannot guarantee admission to any college or university (and we highly caution against working with consultants who say they can). However, we can help our students put their best foot forward as they apply to a carefully curated, balanced list of colleges and universities.

Yes. A founding principal is to make our services available to as many students as possible. We provide pro bono college counseling to underserved students through established, community-based organizations and public high schools. To date, The College Curators have volunteered with students through ScholarMatch, CollegeMatch, Santa Monica High School, and Van Nuys High School.