How is the college admissions process evolving?

The college admissions process has become increasingly opaque and confusing, particularly with the growing use of multiple application deadlines and options, including Early Decision. Other terminology such as Demonstrated Interest, Deferred Admission, and Gap Year; new application platforms such as the Coalition for Access, Affordability, and Success; questions about filling out the FAFSA; and many more aspects of college admissions further complicate matters for families with students who are embarking upon the college search and application process.

COVID-19 has also greatly complicated the application and admissions process for students and colleges. The disruption in availability of ACT/SAT testing has left students wondering when and if they will be able to test and whether it is even necessary. Given these questions and uncertainties, coupled with the devastation caused by COVID-19 itself, what’s most important for rising seniors is focusing on self-care and family care. Colleges understand that many of students’ extracurricular activities, jobs, and sports have been cancelled, and that stressful factors may have affected their families. Students will be evaluated on accomplishments prior to COVID-19 and how they have meaningfully used their time. They will not be judged negatively for what they were unable to pursue or accomplish over the past six months.

With so many variables involved and decisions to make, parents find themselves confused by the process that their children must navigate. At Laura George Consulting, we help families understand all aspects of the college application process and thoughtfully consider all decisions they must make.

What got you interested in the college admissions process and what motivated you to start the company?

After studying psychology at Duke University, working in advertising, and earning my MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, I started a career in marketing. When my oldest son was born nearly 18 years ago, I combined my entrepreneurial spirit with my passion for mentoring students to form Get it Write Consulting. I had served as a full-time student member of the Admissions Committee during my two years at Kellogg and had learned to thoroughly review applications. Combining these unique insights with my experience writing for both the Duke and Kellogg newspapers, serving as a copywriter, and attending the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, I launched Get it Write Consulting to assist high school students with developing meaningful college application essays. I also trained to become an ACT/SAT tutor and tutored individual students in my area. In addition, I used my MBA admissions knowledge to serve as a senior consultant for Inside MBA Admissions and work with candidates on applications to top-10 MBA programs for nearly a decade.

Four years ago, driven by my growing interest in making an impact in education in my area, I incorporated as Laura George Consulting LLC, devoting more time to serving the needs of students as an ACT/SAT tutor, college essay coach, and application specialist. I perceived a need for an alternative to the chain tutoring companies that do not offer students customized one-on-one instruction, continuity in tutors from lesson to lesson, or a high level of service to families. I also heard from many parents who needed help navigating the increasingly complex application protocols and/or could not confidently advise them on writing meaningful college essays.

How does your process work? In addition to providing specific tutoring for students to prepare for testing, what other services do you offer that are related to the admissions process?

Laura George Consulting is unique. We work with students from as early as middle school through to their acceptance into their best fit colleges, and we offer a seamless experience for families in order to increase their confidence and minimize stress throughout their child’s journey to college. We start by pairing each family with a dedicated Parent Liaison who partners with that family throughout their work with our firm, guiding them and serving as a trusted source of information. We offer high school consulting; customized, one-on-one high school entrance exam tutoring (in SSAT, ISEE, and HSPT) for private high school applications; assistance in determining if the ACT or the SAT is a better fit for each student; customized, one-on-one ACT and SAT tutoring; college search and selection consulting; career interest assessment; college essay development coaching and college application guidance.

Laura George Consulting, Lincolnshire Office: Village Green of Lincolnshire, 300 Village Green, Suite 235, Lincolnshire, 847-363-6780. Barrington Office: Ice House Mall & Village Shops, 200 Applebee Street, Suite 211, Barrington, 847-363-6780, laurageorgeconsulting.com.