The statistics are shocking.  2008 produced a record number of college applicants.  Most of these students were well qualified for admission.  39% of the students who took the SAT in 2008 reported having an A- average or better.  In the same year, Princeton University rejected 83% of the valedictorians who applied for admission.  Most selective schools admitted less than 10% of the candidates who applied.  2009 is projected to have more college applicants than ever before. The competition is fierce.

To be considered for top colleges, grade point average and standardized test scores must be strong.  Each student is viewed as a composite of various attributes.  Colleges have to make difficult choices when selecting students for limited spaces.  That is why it is critical that candidates differentiate themselves from other equally qualified applicants.

In this very competitive environment, it is more important than ever that students skillfully develop and distinguish their individual talents.  It is important that students invest the time to create a winning strategy and work it through their high school years.  Early planning (beginning of the ninth grade) gives individuals a competitive edge over those who wait until the application process is at hand.

College admissions today is a different game than in the past.  Students are expected to excel academically and to be more focused and involved.  College consultants have developed out of a need for more personalized service and time investment than is available at most schools.  Since the college admissions process has become much more daunting, students have found themselves in need of more individualized guidance.  The more competitive playing field has made it advantageous for students to have personal coaching in presenting an outstanding college application.