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

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
During a very challenging academic year for high school seniors, Ani kept my son motivated in college search and application process. She was well-aware of all the challenges that the students were facing in building a college list. She patiently helped my son engage in virtual visits while also helping him find appropriate virtual extracurricular activities. He had five admissions to top colleges and chose to enroll at UMass Amherst.”
~ Parent, HS Class of 2021, 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
We had a great experience working with Ani. She was always patiently available to answer all our questions. She guided us through the college search and application process. My daughter was able to develop a well-researched college list and was admitted to her first-choice college. We learned to look for a college that is the best fit. It makes more sense.”
~ Parent, HS Class of 2021, Lexington, 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.
I won't surprise you by saying that college selection process is not a simple one. More over, it is complicated, broad, and for the most part, the process can be quite overwhelming.
If you are looking for a college coach to guide your child with insightful and pragmatic yet caring approach, I highly recommend Ani Arakelian-Sahakian. Ani's insightful knowledge and expertise helped the process to feel somewhat simple for us, and get into the college of top choice for our child. I highly recommend Ani to parents and their college-bound children!"
~ Parent, Hasmik K.