College Counseling and Educational Planning, From 9th Grade Through Graduate School
Dana Ponsky offers independent college counseling for high school students, college students, transfer applicants, and graduate and professional school applicants. Services include building a personalized college list, planning a testing and course schedule, essay support, application strategy, and interview preparation, all tailored to your goals, timeline, and family's needs.
Two Ways to Work Together
Dana's approach is simple. She helps individuals apply to and be admitted to the right fit school, in a way that limits stress and anxiety. The process is collaborative, and her services are tailored to your family's needs, whichever track fits where you are right now.
Guiding You Through High School to College
For students in 9th through 12th grade, Dana builds a plan around your timeline, interests, and goals, so the college process feels manageable instead of overwhelming.
- Course and testing strategy
- Building a balanced, personalized college list
- Application strategy and deadline management
- Essay brainstorming and editing
- Interview preparation
- Ongoing support for students and parents
Guiding You Through College, Transfer and Graduate School Applications
For current college students, transfer applicants, and graduate or professional school applicants, Dana helps you clarify your next step and build an application that reflects your growth and goals.
- Transfer application strategy and timing
- Choosing graduate or professional programs
- Personal statements and supplemental essays
- Resume and activity list review
- Letters of recommendation guidance
- Interview preparation
There’s no one I trust more with college admissions!
Not Sure Which One Fits?
Most families are not sure at first, and that is completely normal. One short call is usually enough to work out where your student actually is and what should happen next. There is no cost, no obligation, and nothing to prepare.
Schedule a 15 minute callWhat Working Together Looks Like
Every family’s plan looks a little different, since Dana tailors her services to each student. What stays the same is that somebody else is holding the calendar. You stop tracking deadlines on the fridge and start having ordinary conversations at dinner again.
In general, the work moves through four stages.
1. Intro Call
A first conversation to understand your background, goals, and timeline, and to see if working together is the right fit.
2. Building Your Plan and College List
Dana helps you build a personalized college or program list and a plan that reflects your interests, strengths, and priorities.
3. Applications and Essays
Working through applications, essays, and supplemental materials together, with feedback and revisions along the way.
4. Decisions and Next Steps
Reviewing offers, weighing options, and preparing for the transition ahead, whether that's freshman year, a transfer, or a graduate program.
Who This Is For
Whether your family wants someone alongside them for the whole process, or just needs the tools to do it on your own, Dana works with:
- High school students, starting as early as 9th grade
- Current college students planning their next step
- Transfer applicants
- Graduate and professional school applicants
- Families based in the United States and abroad
What Changes Once You Have a Guide
Families usually arrive somewhere in the middle of a stressful year. Here is what tends to be different a few weeks in.
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The arguing stops
Deadlines, testing and essays stop being a nightly negotiation between you and your student, because someone outside the family is keeping track of them.
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Your student still sounds like themselves
Dana does not write essays. She asks the questions that get a student to say the thing they actually mean, then helps them say it well.
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You stop guessing
No more late nights weighing contradictory advice from forums and group chats. You have one person who knows this process and answers your questions directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should we start working with a college counselor?
Many families start as early as 9th grade, which leaves time to plan a course schedule, think through testing, and explore interests before the application season arrives. That said, students at any stage, including juniors, seniors, transfer applicants, and graduate or professional school applicants, can benefit from starting whenever they reach out.
How is this different from my school counselor?
School counselors often manage large caseloads and juggle many responsibilities beyond college advising. Dana works with a smaller number of families at a time, which allows for closer attention to each student's goals, more time for questions, and a plan built around your specific timeline, interests, and circumstances.
Do you work with students outside the United States?
Yes. Dana works with students and families based in the United States and abroad, meeting virtually to accommodate different time zones and school calendars.
Do you help with graduate school applications?
Yes. Dana supports current college students and graduates applying to graduate or professional programs, as well as transfer applicants, with everything from choosing programs to personal statements, resumes, and interview preparation.