When to Begin

Early Planning

College planning can begin as early as in the spring of 8th grade when most students choose their 9th grade courses. With early planning students will have ample time to work studiously towards a stronger profile for college application, identify their academic strengths and interests.

College Gates Advising offers Early Planning services based on student’s unique needs. These services are offered in four-hour block consultation basis.

Sophomore/Junior/ Senior Years

This is the most important and pivotal time for college planning. Working with college-bound students and their families, a comprehensive college application plan is developed, strategizing the application process considering student’s unique needs and academic goals. An application timeline is established for different activities including testing, college search, campus visit, resume development, essay brainstorming and financial aid. Developing a well balanced and tiered college list is the foundation of college application planning. With thorough advising and guidance students delve into researching colleges and develop their final list. College Planning is very much time and deadline driven, with a meticulously developed plan for college search and application management, students stay on track and encouraged as they navigate through this process.

Services and Packages

As my college counselor, you were very warm and easy to talk to and made me feel supported not only with my applications, but also emotionally/mentally as I underwent this process.”

~ Student, NYU, Class of 2027
Thanks for all your help throughout this process. Your knowledge of colleges helped me solidify my list. I was thrilled to receive nine acceptances to engineering programs out of ten applications. Thank you! I would not have been able to do it without your guidance.”

~ Student Boston University Class of 2026
My son found it very easy to work with your calm, patient and warm disposition. You helped us understand the value of in-depth research in the college search process in order to find the best-fit institution. It was great working with you and we appreciate your honesty.”

~ Parent Class of 2022, Lexington High School
Thank you, Ani for helping me stay on top of my applications! Thanks also for all the tips for transitioning to college. I missed working with you!”

~ Student, BU Class of 2023, Lexington, MA
Ani Helped my daughter with college planning that included high school academics and extracurricular activities. She was encouraging and very thorough in answering our questions. My daughter was admitted to all her top choice colleges including one with a full scholarship. We are thrilled and grateful.”

~ Parent, HS Class of 2021, Worcester, MA
I consulted Ani on several occasions regarding post-graduation gap year options for my son, who had just graduated with a BS in Chemical Biology from UC Berkeley and wanted to take a year off before applying to medical school. Her advice was well-thought out, succinct and invaluable as she offered multiple options moving forward. Ani's experienced approach in empowering my son made him feel like he was in charge of the entire decision making process.”

~ Parent, Philip A.
Overall, I had a great experience and seamless interaction with Ani. I got her advice, as well as clarifications regarding the interpretation of foreign credentials for 2 international students who applied to Tufts last year. Ani’s expertise allowed me and my department to better understand the students’ previous knowledge and background in related coursework.”

~ Visiting Professor, Ara P.