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Selecting colleges and applying to them can be an anxiety-producing,
consuming, and confusing process for the student and entire family. It doesn’t
have to be….
Frank Brightwell, an experienced college counseling professional, is
available to work with you and your family through all aspects of the college
selection and application process. Offices are in Bethesda, Maryland
(Washington, DC suburbs) and San Jose, California (Silicon Valley).
Through a counseling relationship centered on the young person, receive
guidance and advice on:
 | Researching colleges and developing an appropriate list of schools |
| Planning your curriculum and selecting courses |
| Preparing for standardized tests |
| Visiting colleges |
| Investigating summer opportunities |
| Completing applications and essays |
| Interviewing |
| Pursuing scholarships and applying for financial aid |
| Selecting the college you will attend |
We encourage the family to work with the school counselor, and we subscribe
to NACAC's Statement of Principles of Good Practice.
Consulting Services
One-Time Consultation
On-Going Counseling
Transfer Consultation
Other Services
Consulting Services
A high level of personal service and a calm, reasoned, and methodical
approach to the counseling relationship are most important. Therefore, the
number of clients is limited to better and more fully serve each individual and
his or her family.
Before the first meeting, both student and parent(s) will be asked to
complete and submit a thorough questionnaire.
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One-time consultation
Prior to the meeting, the questionnaires and the student’s
transcripts and standardized testing information will have been reviewed. During
the session, an initial list of colleges, which provide the best match for the
student’s interests and talents, will be developed. In addition, the student’s
course of study will be assessed, and a schedule for further standardized
testing will be outlined. General advice on college selection and application is
shared. The one-time consultation session lasts approximately one and a half
hours.
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Frank Brightwell
On-going counseling
Many families will find that an on-going relationship will
better and more completely suit their needs. The first meeting is similar to
that described above, but it is followed by subsequent meetings during which the
following take place:
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Counseling the student as the college list is refined |
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Advising the student regarding the preparation of
applications; review of applications |
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Discussing and reviewing the student’s application essays |
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Monitoring the student’s progress through the application
process |
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Practicing effective interviewing techniques |
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Advising the student on summer opportunities, scholarships
and financial aid |
In addition to the above, with the on-going counseling
relationship, the family will:
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Receive a handbook which outlines the college selection
and admission process and provides advice to students and parents |
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Receive a monthly newsletter covering topics related to
the college admission process |
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Have unlimited access for questions, advice and
information via telephone, fax, and email |
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Transfer Consultation
Each year, many students find that they have enrolled in a college which is
not ideally suited to meet their needs academically or socially. The
transfer consultation takes place during two or three meetings, the first of
which is preceded by the student's completion of the Transfer Student
Questionnaire. In the course of the consultation, new college options are
discussed, and a plan for application is outlined. Guidance continues
through the application process.
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Other Services
Specialized services are available for student-athletes, international students,
and students with learning differences. Personalized college visitation trips and interest inventory testing are also
available. Please inquire for details about these services.
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Contact Frank Brightwell
© 2000,2001 Frank W.
Brightwell | 
