Why hire a consultant?

The college admissions process has grown increasingly complex and competitive in recent years and families benefit from an educational consultant to guide them in the high school years. Through conversations, exercises, and multiple assessments, Hilary gains a true understanding of her students and delivers winning results by matching them with a balanced list of "best fit" colleges. She provides informed and honest advice to help her students find colleges where they will thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Hilary serves as a trusted advisor working with her students through each step of their college admissions journey.

Did you know?

According to the American School Counselor Association, public high school college counselors are assigned 408 students on average, and provide an average of 38 minutes of personal college advising over four years of high school. Private schools may have just a few counselors for the entire school while the average student to IECA member ratio is 24:1. At Affirm Educational Planning, Hilary offers boutique-style consulting with no more than 12 students per grade to ensure all her clients' needs are met in a timely and thorough manner.     

Which college would be the RIGHT fit?

Every college has its own campus culture, value system, degree of academic rigor, structure, and expectations placed on its students. Hilary's goal is to identify the right colleges that will maximize your student’s potential academically, socially, and emotionally. 

How early should we start?

Affirm Educational Planning offers students and families an exceptional level of personal service starting as early as the 9^th grade. Hilary begins with in-depth student and parent interviews and assessments of the student’s academic profile, interests, extracurricular activities, and personal goals. She guides her students through their high school years assisting with course selection, extra curricular choices, summer plans, and starting in the junior year, the college application process.

Affirm's expertise helps relieve stress.

Affirm Educational Planning provides expert guidance that reduces stress and brings structure to the college admissions process. Hilary develops individualized timelines and breaks the process into clear, manageable steps. She works closely with students to craft and refine compelling personal statements and supplemental essays that present their strengths with clarity and authenticity. From initial planning through application submission and final decision-making, Hilary offers steady, comprehensive support throughout the college process.