College Consulting

By senior year, some missteps can’t be undone — but others can, and we move fast to fix them before they hurt a student’s application. We’ll identify a few smart, strategic activities to help sharpen their narrative and highlight a clear strength. We’ll also course-correct where possible: dropping or switching out of a language is a red flag, for instance, but we can still enroll in outside classes to patch those gaps.

While teachers and counselors mean well, their letters can sometimes end up sounding generic — not because they don’t care, but because they’re busy and don’t always have specific examples to draw from. That’s why we help our students reflect on meaningful stories and moments they can share with their recommenders. Our students won’t ever see the final letters, of course — but in our experience, when given thoughtful material, counselors and teachers are eager to use it to advocate for their students.

The Common App essay is just the beginning. Most top-tier colleges require supplemental essays — each one an opportunity to show genuine interest and fit. These can’t simply be copy-pasted from one school to the next. We guide students through every step: brainstorming, drafting, and refining each piece until it reflects both their voice and their intent. Together, we make sure every essay plays a distinct and strategic role in the larger application story.

College applications are full of small details that can have an outsized impact. A missed connection here or an unchecked box there can unintentionally send the wrong signal, like implying a student will apply for financial aid when they won’t, or not taking advantage of the “Future Plans” prompt. We help students navigate every part of the application, ensuring the non-essay sections are just as thoughtful and strategic as the rest.

While traditional alumni interviews are mostly limited to the most selective schools, many colleges now offer video responses or Glimpse videos to get a better feel for a student’s personality and voice. Regardless of the format, we help students prepare to stand out — presenting themselves with confidence, clarity, and a strong sense of what makes them unique.

From Ivies to in-state gems, we’ll help you build a college list that’s ambitious, balanced, and—most importantly—tailored to your student. We’ll zero in on the schools worth visiting (yes, demonstrated interest still matters) and map out a strategic early decision or early action plan that plays to your strengths.

For families working with the Principia Team, one hour may be reserved for a strategic session with Oliver to refine college lists and shape your Early Action/Early Decision plans.

Admissions decisions aren’t made by magic — they’re made by real people, sitting around a table, weighing the many pieces of each applicant’s story. Our counselors have been in that room at a wide range of colleges and know exactly what tips the scale. With the Principia Team Review, your child’s full application is reviewed — not once, but multiple times — by a mock admissions committee made up of our expert counselors. It’s a rare behind-the-scenes experience that offers insight no ordinary review can.

Most students write post-deferral letters that, frankly, don’t help them. They tend to be full of generic updates, humblebrags, and vague enthusiasm that could be sent to any school. That’s not our style. Principia’s Letters of Continued Interest are personal and pointed—which is what makes them effective. It’s strategy, not just sentiment.