The preparation for and transistion to college life can be stressful and confusing, but not with proper assistance.  Using the analogy of a race team, every team as a go-to person to get the car, crew, and driver working together to win races - that person is the crew chief. 

In your race to college success, you are the driver, the crew is your family, the car is your accomplishments, and the crew chief is your Race to College Success consultant, Janelle Jalbert.  The Race to College Success program is designed to provide you with a personal college crew chief, as well as an additional team of professionals with the critical skills needed to make your transition a successful one.

Why would I need to consider college assistance?

It is a common misconception that high school counselors can provide all of the necessary information for students to prepare for college and the stresses of the admissions/financial aid process.  In a time when educational budgets are being trimmed, counselors are frequent targets for budget cuts and increased, administrative responsibilities at school sites.  Statewide averages of student to counselor ratios find a national average of 490:1 (Hawkins, 2003), with CA having the highest average of 994:1 followed by MN at 800:1 and AZ at 736:1 (NACAC, 2008).  57% of counselors report that they spend less than 20% of their total time doing college advising because of the need to perform functions such as scheduling, discipline, crisis counseling, yard duty, and substitute teaching (Dept of Ed, 2003).

Too many students and parents wait until junior and senior year to begin investigating post-secondary options.  Realistically, the college preparation process begins in elementary school with students developing career and educational aspirations.  Middle school students need to develop college awareness because of the need to take algebra, foreign language, and other gatekeeping classes to position themselves for the rigors of college enrollment requirements in high school course planning. 

According to Stage & Hossler (1989) most students have some concept of their post high plans, educational and career, by ninth grade.  It is around this age that students should learn college entrance requirements, extracurricular activities, and the general concepts of financial aid.  By 10th grade student enter into the search phase, including information gathering and short-listing.  11th and 12 grades are considered the choice phase.  In a word, it's never too early to begin thinking about college. 

What is involved in the Race to College Success program?

For consulting and academic assistant services, the program begins with a series of interviews and assessments to create a custom plan based on individual student and family goals.  Programs and services are also available on an a la carte basis, without the creation of a comprehensive strategy to make your experience as affordable and effective as possible.

How can I learn more?

Continue to search through our website for specific information regarding our programs, as well as general assistance with college and academics.  If you have questions after exploring the articles and videos, feel free to contact us using the information on the contact page.

Also, we provide a series of free Information Sessions for students and families where we provide a broad overview of the college planning process, free materials, and additional Q&A regarding the variety of programs and services the program provides.

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