About the process
How is the U.S. college application process different from systems in other countries?
There's no national exam and no government body overseeing admissions. Each college sets its own criteria — decisions are based on grades, essays, test scores, activities, and recommendations, evaluated differently at every school. It's more flexible than most systems, and more opaque. Read a full overview →
When should we start?
Ideally in 10th or 11th grade. Testing, school research, and building a strong extracurricular record all take time. Starting in 12th grade is possible, though it requires moving quickly.
Do international students need to take the SAT or ACT?
It depends on the schools on your list. Most colleges are still test-optional, but several selective universities have reinstated testing requirements. Non-native English speakers are also typically required to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores.
How many schools should my student apply to?
A typical list has 8–12 schools across reach, match, and likely categories. More isn't always better — a focused, well-researched list usually produces better outcomes than a longer unfocused one. Read more about building a college list →
What grades or test scores does my student need?
There's no single threshold. U.S. colleges practice holistic admissions — grades and scores matter, but so do essays, activities, and recommendations. What's competitive varies significantly by school, which is why the school list matters so much. A student who wouldn't be admitted at one institution may be a strong candidate at another.
Financial aid
What does a U.S. college actually cost?
Average published tuition and fees in 2025–26 were $45,000 at private universities and $31,880 for out-of-state students at public institutions. Add housing and meals and total cost of attendance increases significantly, exceeding $100,000 per year at a growing number of elite schools. These are the published figures — what families actually pay depends on the school and whether financial aid is available.
Can international students get financial aid?
Yes, but it depends on the school. Federal aid is limited to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. But a meaningful number of colleges offer need-based aid or merit scholarships to international students — and at some, the award can be substantial. Knowing which schools offer aid, how much, and to how many students is one of the most important parts of building a school list. For families who qualify, the actual cost can be significantly lower than the sticker price. Read a full guide →
Working with a counselor
What does a college counselor actually do?
For international families, the U.S. application process is genuinely unfamiliar — and most school counselors abroad aren't equipped to guide students through it in detail. A counselor helps you understand what colleges are actually looking for, build a realistic school list, develop a strategy, and work through essays and application materials. The goal is to make sure your student's application reflects who they are — and reaches the right schools.
Do you work in Spanish?
Yes. Consultations and family communication can be in English or Spanish. Work with the student — essays, writing feedback, application review — is in English, since that's the language of the application.
How much does this cost?
Hourly counseling is $100/hour. I also offer discounted hourly packages for families who want ongoing support across the full application cycle. I'll walk through the options and exact pricing during your free initial consultation, based on your student's situation and timeline.
How do I get started?
The first step is a free 20-minute consultation — a chance to talk through your student's situation and see whether working together makes sense. There's no commitment on either side. Get in touch to schedule a call.