AR College Consulting


Maximizing your student’s chances of earning admission to his or her dream school means getting their application to stand out in the admissions process. The AR College Counseling Team is laser-focused on working with students to develop their authentic passions and showcase their unique stories.

The AR Advantage

Personalized Coaching


All AR students are matched with a dedicated College Counselor who will offer 1-on-1 guidance and mentorship to strengthen their application.

Academic Curriculum Guidance


We help students strategically balance honors/AP/IB courses with extracurricular commitments to maximize their GPA while facilitating meaningful involvement beyond the classroom.

SAT/ACT Test Prep


Even in an era where schools may adopt a "test-optional" policy, strong SAT and ACT scores still significantly improve odds of earning admission to selective universities, in addition to securing scholarship money.

Extracurriculars & Internships, and Research


To develop each student’s personal brand, we curate extracurriculars and internships that are tailored to their interests and support a cohesive application theme.

Passion-Driven Goals for College & Life


We help our students plan and develop unique passion projects, encouraging students to launch, record, code, and publish with the help of the AR in-house Digital Media Team.

AR College Counseling Packages


AR Counseling packages are based on a student's grade level. Additional hours can be added as needed, offering families more extensive support.

Freshman (9th grade) & Sophomore (10th grade)


  • Craft a strategic 4-year high school curriculum plan, adapting as needed based on academic performance, evolving interests, and time management
  • Provide support in identifying and highlighting meaningful extracurricular activities, leadership roles, volunteer experiences, and summer programs that build on students' interests while helping them to distinguish themselves
  • Identify contests and/or publication opportunities that align with students’ academic or extracurricular interests
  • Begin to effectively structure and format a resume for college applications and scholarship opportunities.
  • Introduction to standardized testing formats and timelines, including information about the PSAT/NMSQT
  • Develop a passion project that matches a student's interests and provides an opportunity for fellowship and grant applications as well as on-campus involvement in clubs, athletics, and/or performing arts
  • Introduce students to the college admissions process and discussion of early college preparation steps and preliminary college list/majors
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Junior Year (11th grade)


  • Update your resume with extracurricular activities, community service & honors/awards
  • Apply for selective summer programs that align with your application theme
  • Apply for summer jobs and/or research/ publication opportunities
  • Apply for fellowships and grants to scale and spotlight community service initiatives
  • Finalize summer schedule, including allotting time for college applications and mapping out a specific schedule of meetings with AR essay coach
  • Take the ACT/SAT to get the score you wanted to send to colleges
  • Create a preliminary college list
  • Continue to apply to contests/competitions that show “demonstrated interest”
  • Connect with and discuss your school list with your high school counselor, who writes the most important letter of recommendation
  • Register for relevant application portals based on schools you will apply to (common Application, UC, Coalition, and Cal State)
  • Fill out activities, honors, and awards sections with an AR essay coach
  • Fill out personal information sections with parents at home
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Senior Year (12th grade)


  • Develop a balanced college list (safety, fit, reach) and choose specific majors for each school based on demonstrated interest & admit rate
  • Create an application timeline with deadlines for Common App, UC, Cal State, Coalition, and UCAS (for international applicants)
  • Determine which universities you will send ACT/SAT scores to and if so, which scores
  • Work through the application process with intensive support from AR Coaches to ensure all sections are accurately completed
  • Complete teacher and counselor recommendations packets based on school requirements
  • Continue to connect with regional college admissions representatives and attend local events
  • Aid in brainstorming, outlining, composing, and editing the personal statement and supplemental essays to emphasize a thematic hook and ensure that the student stands out in the application process
  • Provide guidance on letters of recommendation, activities list, and resume formatting
  • Prepare for interviews and help script video essays/interviews.
  • Curate a list of scholarship opportunities and assist in the merit scholarship application process. Submit applications for Early Decision and Regular Decision
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